‘I’m going to have a word with Master Tóla,’ I tell him. It’s looking like that plan might not be so easy to put into action. Didn’t expect the whole place to be full of folk milling about. Something’s happened. Can’t think what. ‘You head off to your quarters and lie low. I’ll do your explaining for you.’

But there’s no time for that. Two fellows come running up to us and after them comes Gormán. Before I can say a word the two grab hold of Bardán, one on each side. And now here’s Master Tóla in his good clothes, looking white as a sheet, striding up toward us. Got a look on his face like his worst nightmare’s just popped up in front of him.

‘You!’ he shouts, sounding like he could kill. It’s not me he’s heading for, it’s Bardán. Who can’t move because those two fellows are holding him tight.

I step forward, into Tóla’s path. Need to stay calm. The fellows who are holding Bardán aren’t thugs, they’re a couple of Tóla’s farm workers, both known to me. ‘No reason to lay hands on him,’ I say, looking at the master, who glares back at me. ‘He’s come back of his own accord. Can’t a man have a day off when it rains?’

Tóla ignores me. ‘You!’ he barks again, stepping sideways so he can see Bardán. ‘Where have you been? What have you done?’

Bardán makes a hissing sound. Turns my blood cold, it’s so full of hate. Tóla steps past me, too quick, takes hold of the wild man’s shoulders and shakes him hard. I’m a hair’s-breadth from grabbing the master and doing a bit of my own damage. But I don’t. Lay hands on him and I’ll get myself thrown off the place or worse. And then Bardán will be all on his own.

‘No need for violence, Master Tóla,’ I say. ‘Bardán here’s done nothing you or me or Gormán wouldn’t do on a day off. Most of the time he’s been with me.’

It’s like Tóla suddenly sees me. ‘Why are you here? Explain what you’re doing on my property at night! Why are you in company with him?’

Gormán clears his throat.