‘I didn’t sleep very well. As you know.’ I’d woken from a nightmare to find him sitting on the floor beside my bed, holding my hand. I thought I could remember telling him sharply to go back to bed and leave me to fight my own demons. Then lying awake while he made a brew and brought me a cup. ‘Sorry I snarled at you. Last night. I was half-asleep. Still in the nightmare.’

‘Got a suggestion,’ Grim said.

‘Mm?’

‘For today. Even if the rain keeps up. We could walk over to Winterfalls, to the prince’s house, and talk to a few folk. See if anyone knows any more about the whole thing, Cloud Hill and all. Maybe set your mind at rest a bit.’

I found myself reluctant to say yes. Which was stupid, because I did want to go, I did want to find out everything I could. If there was anything I could do, anything at all, to help bring Mathuin to justice, then I was bound to do it. Only . . . I had so much looked forward to this day, a whole day with Grim and me both at home, a day when neither of us had to rush about doing anyone else’s business.

‘Only if you want to, of course,’ Grim said. His voice was soft; his eyes were full of understanding.

‘I want to and I don’t want to, that’s the truth. But if we don’t go, I’ll be wound up tight all day and no use to anyone.’

‘We’ll go, then. Soon as we’ve finished this. Rain’s not too heavy, should get there quick. Talk to a few of the fellows, see who knows what. Might be home in time to get a few things done. Could be the weather will clear and I’ll be back off up to Wolf Glen in the morning.’