‘Not long,’ Ségán said. ‘The journey there requires an overnight stop and a change of horses. You may be away for as few as four or five days. Master Tóla will surely be content to grant Grim leave for such a short period. Not that these things are ever entirely predictable. Something as simple as an unseasonal storm can cause a delay. We’ve built in a little time, but not much. That’s why it’s vital that you be ready to go when we give the word. We’re waiting for a signal before we move. I can’t tell you more.’

‘I understand. What do I tell Emer?’

‘You can leave that to me, Mistress Blackthorn,’ he said. ‘We’ll inform her after you depart. Does Emer need a key to enter your cottage? Any particular instructions?’

My heart sank. Emer was very young; what if there was a terrible fire, or an injury requiring an amputation, or . . . I must not dwell on what might go wrong. The folk of Winterfalls settlement were practical. Emer’s brother, Fraoch the smith, was a big strong man who could hold a limb still or wield a bone saw if he had to. And Emer was not only a sensible girl, she was studious in her own way and already quite skilled. She would cope. ‘Could you tell her that if she encounters anything she can’t deal with alone, she can send for help here? Donagan, will you be staying?’

Donagan did not answer. But Oran said, ‘Emer can certainly come here any time she needs help. Aedan will send for one of the court healers if necessary.’

‘Thank you.’ It was going to be hard to keep this to myself. The secret would be written all over me, in my eyes, on my face, in the way I conducted myself. Cara would see instantly that something had happened. ‘I will need to go over to Dreamer’s Wood and collect a few items from the cottage. Prepare things for Emer even though I can’t tell her about this. I will take one of the men with me, if someone can be spared.’

‘Let me know when you want to go,’ Ségán said. ‘I suggest getting it done tomorrow.’

‘You’ll have a lot to think about,’ Oran said, giving me a smile. ‘I don’t think we need keep you any longer now. And I know you require no further reminders to maintain absolute secrecy. Outside these four walls, act on the assumption that anyone could pass on what they hear to the wrong ears. Within the walls, take any concerns straight to Ségán.’

‘I understand. I have one more question before I go.’

‘Yes?’

‘What happens to my written testimony? Do I bring it with me?’ It had been stored in a locked chest in the women’s quarters. I had the only key around my neck.