‘Right,’ I say when we’re all out and the trapdoor’s shut. ‘I know you’re not happy. Never mind that. I’ll explain to Tóla in the morning. I’ll tell him it was all my doing and none of yours. Now I want this man properly fed. Given fresh clothes. A proper bed. And not tied up.’

‘He’s a danger to himself,’ Gormán says. ‘And to everyone else. He has to be tied up.’

‘Not while I’m here.’ I know when I say this that I’m binding myself to something I don’t really want to do. Something that’s going to make my life difficult for a while. Can’t see any choice. Bardán’s not safe in this den of wolves. Never will be. ‘I’ll take responsibility for him. I’ll give my word that he’ll keep out of trouble.’

‘He can’t sleep in with us,’ Gormán says. ‘Smell would keep us awake all night.’

I don’t suggest a bath. Pretty sure Bardán would say no to that. Anyway it’s late and we’re all worn out. ‘We’ll sleep next to the cows, him and me,’ I say. ‘Bit of straw to lie on, blanket each, no trouble.’ I know one thing, I’m not leaving him to sleep in with the animals while I’m in one of those cosy beds next door. Anyway, they wouldn’t agree to that. Makes me wonder what they think he’ll do.

‘I’ll be reporting this to Master Tóla first thing in the morning,’ Gormán says. ‘You’re likely to find yourself out of a job.’

‘Not sure I want this one,’ I say, though it’s only half-true. ‘Not after what I’ve seen today.’

Gormán doesn’t comment on that. Sees the sense in giving me what I want, for now anyway. Means we can all get some sleep. Probably thinks Tóla will throw me out first thing in the morning. Even if Ripple and me did help find his daughter.