‘That is not your concern.’

I met Master Tóla’s antagonistic stare as calmly as I could, trying not to take an instant dislike to the man. He had the air of a person who felt himself entitled to make rules for other folk, and to insist those rules be complied with. Flidais had told me he was distantly related to King Ruairi, which made him Oran’s kinsman too, and hers by marriage. But he was neither prince nor chieftain, only a landholder who happened to be rather wealthy. Maybe he thought I’d be easily intimidated.

‘Cara is a friend of mine,’ I said. ‘It’s natural for friends to enquire about each other’s welfare. She’s young. She’s been unhappy at Winterfalls. I imagine she was trying to get to Wolf Glen.’ Grim must have been part of the search; it explained, in part, why he had not come home.

‘My daughter’s behaviour can be somewhat erratic.’ Tóla had lowered his voice. ‘In many ways Cara is still a child. Mistress Blackthorn, it would be more appropriate for this conversation to take place behind closed doors.’ He glanced over at his companions.

‘I prefer it to take place out here.’ I did not want this man in my house. Something about him, that air of entitlement perhaps, reminded me of Mathuin. He set my teeth on edge. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll keep my voice down. So, Cara was missing, she’s been found and she’s safely back home. What was it you needed to ask me about?’

He looked as if he wanted to slap me. ‘I had thought to question you about how she managed to walk away from the prince’s establishment unchecked. And about the long delay in informing me that she was unaccounted for. I’ve been led to believe that my daughter has been spending a great deal of time over here with you. That was hardly what I intended when I sent her to Winterfalls to stay. But as you were not here when she wandered off, in this particular instance you bear no responsibility for her behaviour. I did know you had been in Longwater. Your friend Grim apprised me of that fact.’

‘I see. I should make it clear to you, Master Tóla, that Cara is always escorted by a guard when she visits me, and usually by a female companion as well. When she comes here she occupies herself with various useful tasks. There is often another young woman, my assistant, with us. All perfectly appropriate. Cara is not the kind of girl who is content to while away the day with fine needlework and gossip.’ I waited a moment, then added, ‘Was that what you were hoping she would learn to do?’