Ripple was barking again; pulling so hard on the leash that Cúan was struggling to hold her. ‘But first,’ I said, ‘we want proof that Grim and Bardán are safe and well. We need to see them.’

‘Why would they not be safe and well?’

‘You ordered your men to lock them up,’ Cara said. ‘I heard you. You hit my father. You hurt him.’

Tóla flinched. Her blow had struck true. ‘I am your father,’ he said.

‘Then prove it.’ Cara’s voice was steady. ‘If you’ve told no lies, you have nothing to worry about. Tell the story of the baby that was supposed to have died out in the woods. Tell the story of the baby my mother – your wife – brought home with her, who was already old enough to walk by herself. Tell me why I’ve never been the kind of daughter you really wanted, one who likes sitting quietly indoors and making polite conversation, not climbing trees and talking to birds. Tell me why the wild man recognised me the moment he first set eyes on me, even though he didn’t know who I was back then. Tell me the truth.’

‘Cara, this is foolishness. You are the daughter of a wealthy household; you may not realise what a life of privilege you have led. I have provided you with an abundance of opportunities. You have been raised with love and kindness. I have seen to it that all your needs were met. You have a secure future ahead of you. It would be sheer folly to throw that away.’

It was close to an admission, and it left Cara lost for words. It was her aunt who spoke. ‘Brother, are you saying this wild tale of Mistress Blackthorn’s is true? That Cara is not your daughter but another man’s child? How could that possibly be?’ Unspoken, but clear in her tone, was, How could you not tell me? She had not been here from the start; she had only come to Wolf Glen after Suanach had died, when Cara would have been close on a year old. As for seeing to it that all Cara’s needs were met, I imagined Mistress Della’s role in that had been substantial. Tóla had all but forgotten her.

‘Cara is my daughter. Mine. The rest is foolishness, and I will not waste time on it.’

‘Father,’ said Cara softly, ‘are you afraid that if you tell me the truth I will walk away and never come back? Because one thing is certain. If you have lied about this, you are not fit to be my father, and I will turn my back on Wolf Glen forever.’

Cionnaola put a hand on her shoulder briefly, as if to salute her courage.