‘I’ve never known anyone to mix oaths the way you do, big man,’ I said. ‘We have missed our chance, yes; I’d already made them wait all morning in the hope that you would turn up in time, and then Brígh rode in just as we were leaving. I did send my written testimony. I’d like to go there anyway, so we can witness whatever comes from the hearing. I think I can persuade the Island men to take us as planned, even though it’s so late. Only you’re hardly in a fit state to ride.’

‘Pity we can’t turn back time,’ Grim said. ‘Wasn’t that what Conmael threatened if you broke his rules? To put you back in the lockup, everything just the same as it was when we first clapped eyes on each other?’

‘You know Conmael’s not here,’ I said. ‘I’ve tried and tried. He won’t come.’

‘You might be doing it wrong.’

‘You’re hardly an expert.’

‘I was thinking, though. Children, weren’t you, when you knew each other? That’s if he’s who you think he is. Might not need a charm or incantation or anything like that. Maybe only something simple. Something the two of you did back then. Something that made him happy. If he was ever happy.’

‘I’ve tried every way I can think of to summon him. You know that!’ I made myself take a breath. ‘Sorry. But I never did believe he could make time go backwards. And I don’t need his permission for anything now. It’s too late for that.’

Grim stared down at his hands. Frowning. ‘Might not be,’ he said. ‘Feels wrong that they’d have the hearing and you wouldn’t be there to speak up. You could try to call Conmael. Try again, I mean. Do something different.’

My sigh of exasperation was loud enough to turn the heads of the Longwater men, who were organising themselves into two groups, one to walk with Brígh and her father, since Bardán’s crippled hands meant he could not ride, the rest to go ahead with the horses and prepare the folk of the settlement for two unexpected additions to their number. They felt a duty, maybe; the need to make amends for their poor treatment of Bardán in the past. They were good folk at heart, even if, as it seemed, some of them had accepted Tóla’s money to hold their tongues. They would look after Brígh and Bardán until they got on their feet. As for Tóla, Prince Oran would see justice done there.

‘Not like you not to try,’ said Grim.