“Indeed,” said Conor. “We, too, have heard tales, and are learning more. If this man is responsible for the charges against our sister, and the cruel treatment she has received, he has made deadly enemies today. To put it bluntly, his future prospects appear to me both limited and unpleasant.”

“Due process should be followed,” said Father Dominic mildly, looking around the circle of grim-faced, tight-lipped warriors. “Meanwhile, you should rejoice in your deliverance, and your sister’s selflessness.” He turned to me, smiling. “My dear, your story is one of great courage. Were you not already wed, one so strong in the virtues of patience and faith would have been welcomed into our community of holy sisters. Your example would have shone indeed, a light among lights.”

I could think of nothing to say. I took a sip of wine, and tried to ignore the way Simon was looking at me.

“Your brothers are angry,” the priest went on. “They are bent on revenge for what was done to you. For what was nearly done. But that is not the way. It is best if they leave here, and leave swiftly. There should be no more blood shed, no more hatred in this place.”

I nodded. It was becoming clearer every moment that again, there would be but one path for me, but one choice.

“You seem sad. You have done a wonderful thing, child. Rejoice, for you are among the blessed of the Lord. And rest. Your rest is well earned.” He got up. “I, too, find myself more than a little weary. Lady Anne, I will avail myself of your good hospitality tonight, if I may. Alas, I am a little too advanced in years, and too generous of girth, to ride so far, so fast without suffering for it. We must all rest, and reflect on the wonders that the Lord bestows. Wonders indeed. In the morning, I will speak to the folk of Harrowfield and tell them something more of this tale of suffering and redemption. There is much to be learned from it.”

It was Simon who escorted the good father away to rest, with Alys yapping about their ankles. I closed my eyes for a moment as my brothers moved around me, talking in quiet, purposeful voices, planning, preparing. They would not rest tonight; not with so much ahead. So they spoke of horses, and arms, and boats. And they spoke of my father and of the lady Oonagh. They talked of vengeance. It all seemed so unreal; like another world. Perhaps, if I sat here very still, hardly breathing, they would forget about me altogether; and then I would not have to say good-bye.

“Our sister,” said Conor. “Has she many belongings to be packed and made ready?”

“I will arrange it.” Lady Anne’s response was very quiet. “She has little. My woman will pack her things and bring them here. Sorcha’s very tired.” There was a strong note of disapproval there.

“Nonetheless,” said Conor, “we must depart at dawn, for the sake of this household as well as our own safety. Your good priest intervened just in time, I fear. As your son said, it would not take long for the mood of your people to turn sour again, and put our lives in danger. Once we are gone, you can, with your sons’ help, put all to rights here. These have been strange times for all of us.”