“That man’s days are numbered,” said Cormack, as my brothers moved to stand behind me. “He will be accounted for six times over.”

“And more, I would say,” said Liam, watching the horsemen draw closer. There were lamps hanging by the entry downstairs, and their light fell on the faces of the four men escorting the prisoner. I let my breath out all at once. For there he was, riding last, right hand loose on the reins, left arm across his chest in a sling. His face was as pale as the linen wrapping around his arm and shoulder, his mouth set in a grim line. He was sitting very upright in the saddle. As they passed beneath our window, he looked up, and looked away again. Then they were out of sight.

I felt sick, and as if I would burst into tears at any moment; and yet drained, as if I would never be able to weep again. Confused, and frightened, and—and why was my heart thumping so fast, as if I had run a race? I knew what I must do, and say. I must get it over with, and then go. That was all. That should not be so difficult.

The door opened, and it was Ben, striding in, making his way straight over to me with never a by-your-leave. There was a sharp metallic sound, and suddenly a number of weapons were pointing in his direction.

“All right, all right,” he said, raising his hands in mock submission. “I’m not staying long.”

“We will not get far this way,” I said crossly. “He’s a friend.” Cormack scowled, but Liam made a sign with his hand, and they moved back slightly.

“Jenny,” said Ben, looking at me closely. “Are you all right?”

I managed a nod. Why was it so hard to speak? There was a fresh bandage on his wrist, and his jaw was bruised.

“What—?”

He gave a crooked grin. “In present company, an explanation might not be wise. Let’s just say, it’s as well I went off looking for him when I did. Managed to make myself useful in a tight place. Not that he thanked me, of course. Half killed me for leaving you here alone, that was all the gratitude I got. Sure you’re all right?”

“I thought—I thought you—”

“Me, doubt you? Not for an instant. Well, perhaps for an instant. Then I used my head. The way you and Red look at each other, where was there any room for another? Had to be a different explanation. But Richard shut me out, nobody could get near you, the place was bristling with Northwoods men. In the end, I went after Red.”

“Tell us,” said Conor, “what will be done with this man, Richard of Northwoods?”

Ben glanced at him appraisingly.

“My brother Conor,” I said. “He is fluent in your language.”

“So I see. Lord Richard is in custody. Alive, and in passable health. I had some difficulty convincing your husband that due process should be followed. The alternative was very tempting, when at last we caught up with his uncle. But there are questions to be asked. Red tells me Simon talked a lot, on the long ride home from the monastery where he was found. He has not forgotten quite all, and he remembers more each day. It seems Richard has had a finger in many pies. In the end, Red was persuaded we must wait, and hear his answers. But I have never before seen him so angry, not even on the day John died; I have never before seen him lose sight of his good judgment.”