Conor relayed this word for word. Lady Anne’s eyebrows went up.

“Sorcha,” she appealed to me, “is it possible to explain—can you—”

I found my voice, with some difficulty.

“It’s all right,” I croaked. “Lady Anne means no harm. And—and I would like, very much, to be clean and warm again. Please.”

“It’s not the lady I’m concerned about,” said Conor. “What guarantee have we of your safety, once you step outside that door? How can you have any trust in these people, after what was done to you tonight?”

“Conor.” I stood up shakily, clutching at Lady Anne’s arm. “I’m tired and dirty, and I promise I will be back soon. I have lived here almost a year; a long time. This is the closest thing I have had to a home since we left Sevenwaters, and I have farewells to say. I know it is hard for you to believe, but these people have been—kind to me, in their way. And as you say, I have had a strong protector, who is still here. I will not be harmed.”

“Then Liam shall go with you, and stand guard.”

“No. These people know me. You must not leave this room; they are still angry and confused. Please, Conor.”

“After what Sorcha has done for us, we are scarcely in a position to say no to anything,” put in Padriac.

So I went with Lady Anne, along a hallway of curious eyes, as far as a square, neat chamber where Megan was already busy with hot water and rosemary oil and clean towels. She was a little shy this time, as if the wonders of the evening had distanced me too far for comfort. She took her time washing my hair, and later, as I tried to comb out the tangles, she held up the blue dress in dismay.

“Oh, dear! I’m afraid this one’s beyond repair. You’ll never wear this again.” She bundled it up, as if to discard it to a rag heap or even to the midden.

“No!” I whispered. “No…”

Megan turned her head, brown curls bobbing.

“This gown is mine,” I managed. A sweet smile spread over her features.

“You can talk now,” she said in wonderment. “Your voice is just as I thought it would be. But this gown must at least have a good cleaning. Leave it with me; I’ll do what I can, and get it back to you safely.”

“No,” I insisted. “There’s no time.”

“What do you mean?” asked Lady Anne, who had been sorting linen on a side table.

“My brothers,” I said, wincing as my comb caught on another knot.

“Here, let me do that.” Megan took the comb from my hand and began, expertly, to separate the strands of my neglected hair. At least the oil had removed the small crawling things.

“They’ll be wanting to leave at first light,” I said. “I have to be ready. I’ll need my boots; and I will take this gown, at least, when I go.” I had not many possessions. I did not care what I left behind, but for the blue gown marked by water, and fire, and blood. Three things were precious: this gown, and Finbar’s amulet, and my wedding ring.