‘I did know that place existed. The deep hole in the ground, a spot with certain stories attached to it. I could have searched there and I chose not to. It seemed to me the whole idea of the heartwood house was cursed. It seemed those who touched it fell into strife. I thought it was fortunate Bardán was gone. The baby would be safe and happy and so would Suanach. If she was content, Tóla would be content.’

‘So you wove a web of lies to cover what you had done,’ said Mistress Blackthorn. ‘You and he.’

‘Suanach went away that night, taking the baby with her. The story we had planned to tell Bardán was put about the district: that he had run mad and abandoned his child to her death. At that stage folk did not ask awkward questions, though the wet-nurse was distressed. Later, as you know, Suanach returned home with little Cara. The story was that she had given birth in the home of her kinsfolk and waited a while to return because of her precarious state of health. She died not long after coming home. That is all I have to say, save this. I have worked at Wolf Glen since I was fourteen years old, first for Master Tóla’s father and then for him. I came here without home or family. Master Tóla has provided me with a home and work that I loved. I have been blessed to share every step of Cara’s growing up. She is a fine young woman; any father would be proud of such a daughter. I have been loyal to Master Tóla. There have been times when I have questioned his intentions. When I have challenged his decisions. Never more so than in this matter. But he had it in his power to send me away. To snatch from me, in a moment, everything that made my life worth living. To gain my obedience, he had only to remind me of that. I will regret my weakness until the day I die.’ His voice shook, and he put a hand up to his eyes as if to shield his expression. Then he gathered himself, but his face was as bleak as a winter tree. ‘I will stand up at Prince Oran’s district council. I will tell the truth and face whatever penalty the prince determines. As for Wolf Glen, I can stay here no longer. My service to you is ended, Master Tóla. You must find yourself a new forester.’

Cara wondered how many times a heart could be broken and still go on beating. She wondered if even Brígh the Brave might not have enough courage for this.