‘We’ll get you a helper,’ the master said. ‘Someone to do the work. As long as you remember how it’s to be made. As long as you can show him how. Can you remember?’

He wanted to say no. He wanted to say he would not do it, would do no work at all. But something in Gormán’s eyes, a tiny shake of Gormán’s head, warned him. ‘Maybe.’ He forced the word out, fought to shape it. He’d been silent a long time. His voice was rusty, like an axe left out in the damp. ‘If not . . . what?’

The master’s eyes turned to ice. His mouth was a thin line. ‘Be very careful,’ he said. ‘It’s one thing if you cannot remember how it’s done. But if you do remember, and you lie to me about it, the penalty will be severe indeed. Make no doubt of that. You owe me. You failed to complete the job before. That failure brought down a great misfortune upon me and mine. I had not thought you would come back after so long. But here you are, and now you must keep your promise. You will finish the heartwood house. I want it done thoroughly and quickly, everything correct, nothing left out. Now answer the question. Do you remember how?’

If he lied, they would kill him. They would take him out into the forest somewhere and make him vanish. He’d be under the earth, fodder for worms. ‘I can do it,’ he said. ‘Not quick. Can’t build with fresh-cut timber.’

‘We saved the materials.’ That was Gormán speaking up. ‘They’ve been stored in the barn, under cover. Looked after over the years. The bulk of what you’ll need is there. Anything else, Conn and I can find for you. You just need to tell us what’s still required.’

‘So you’ll do it?’ The master, sharp as sharp.

Stupid question. He was hardly going to say no. He nodded. Didn’t tell them about the roof, how tricky that would be, near-impossible to find what had to go in it. Quick? Hah! Not likely.

‘There’ll be rules,’ said the master. ‘Break them and you’ll pay dearly. Keep your distance from the big house. Don’t speak to any of my folk save Gormán and Conn. Not one word, you understand? When we find a fellow to help with the building, you’ll need to talk to him. But only what’s needed to get the job done, no idle gossip. Don’t think of going off anywhere. Gormán’s to know where you are at all times. Stick to that or you’ll be locked up when you’re not on the job. I’m half minded to do that anyway, but I’ll wait. See how this goes. Understood?’