Day after Tóla threatens me, I’m half minded to walk off the job, Bardán or no Bardán. I don’t like a bully, and that’s what the man is. Playing God, telling us all what to do and how to do it, making us dance to his tune. And that big secret, that big pack of lies weighing heavy on him. No wonder he’s a touch short-tempered. He needs to tell his girl the truth. He needs to put things right. Wasting time and money on the build, trying to buy good luck for himself instead of facing things the way they are. He should forget about luck and try a bit of honesty.

That’s not the only thing making me want to go home. I’m worried about Blackthorn now. Who did she talk to down at Longwater? What did she find out and what’s she going to do about it? Don’t want her falling foul of Tóla. Not that I can stop her if she’s got the bit between her teeth, but if I was there I could warn her. Tell her to be careful. I could be around if she did get in trouble. Stupid, maybe. She’d tell me she can look after herself. But I still want to go home.