I shook my head wearily, looking down at the blue dress. As well as the mark of the sea, it now had scorches on the hemline, and the front of the bodice was stained dark. But it was not my blood.

“I thought he was meant to look after you,” said Conor bluntly, coming across to me. “Was he not chosen to be your protector?”

I looked at him. What can you know of that?

“I saw him watching you as you ran on the sand. I saw him pluck you from the fire. I can guess as well as the next man. Maybe better,” he said. “Why would such a man choose to stand by you, unless he was under a doom of the Fair Folk? I would wager that when the Lady of the Forest set you on this path, she set him right there next to you.”

“Pretty poor job he did of keeping her safe,” said Diarmid. “Just about lost her. Who does he think he is, anyway?”

“He’s her husband,” Liam growled.

The others turned to stare at him.

“What?”

“The priest said it. Conor told me. Waiting till her husband returned to speak for her. That’s him, I’ll be bound.”

I was surrounded by disapproving eyes.

“Sorcha?”

“Can this be true? That you are wed to a Briton?”

“Rubbish. She’s still a child.” This was Diarmid, his expression outraged.

Even though I had my voice back, it seemed to be very hard to speak. Instead, I clutched the ring that hung around my neck, and put my other arm around my knees, and turned my face away from them. By the window, Finbar still stood with his back to the room, utterly still.

“Ahem.” I think they had forgotten that Lady Anne was there. She had not understood their words, but she recognized my distress. “Your sister needs rest, and a drink of ale, and some quiet. You’re upsetting her.” She put her arm around my shoulders, and held the cup so I could drink. “There, my dear. Slowly.” Then she looked at Conor again. “Jen—Sorcha has had a difficult time; tonight’s strange events have taken a toll on us all. I will take your sister to bathe and change her clothes. I will arrange also for each of you to receive what you require; warm garments, food and drink. When I return, there will be time for explanations, for questions to be answered. Father Dominic will want to speak with you; and so will my son.”

“Sorcha’s not going anywhere on her own,” said Conor bluntly. “You think, after what we have witnessed here tonight, we intend letting her out of our sight for one instant? Bring what is needed here.” Then he spoke rapidly in an undertone, explaining to the others.

“Tell her,” said Liam grimly, “no time is to be wasted. Every moment is precious; every delay lengthens our time on these accursed shores. I want Sorcha out of this place and on a boat for home early tomorrow, and us with her.”