I reminded myself that I was a wise woman, whatever these fey creatures might think of my skills. I had brought my own magic with me. Now I reached down to the saddlebag, awkwardly, and drew out the item I had packed at the top, within easy reach. With the reins in one hand, I tucked the red kerchief into my belt. It just needed to be secure and visible. Right. My link with the human world; with friends who cared about each other; with goodness and strength and . . . well, with love. No matter what those creatures were whispering in Grim’s ears, if he could see the red kerchief, he would not be drawn off the path. As for the Island men, I thought they would hold to their mission whatever happened. The wheedling voices would be no match for such disciplined individuals.

We had not gone much further when Conmael said, ‘We are here,’ and rode out of the tree tunnel into a clearing full of sunshine. Not evening. Not night time. Bright morning. And surely not the Otherworld, for the trees were apples, plums, peaches, their last blossom turning to the first green fruit. Some ordinary-looking goats were foraging beneath them, but scattered in surprise at our sudden appearance. When I looked behind me, I could see no eldritch trees, no opening, no portal. Only the orchard and the goats and behind them a neat drystone wall.

‘Sweet Jesus save us,’ said Grim.

‘That was . . . a new experience,’ said Cionnaola. He glanced at the sky; took a look at the tree shadows across the grass. ‘What day is it?’

Conmael dismounted. ‘I thought it best that you arrive at the time you were expected,’ he said calmly. ‘That way you do not attract questions. This is the morning you told me the hearing was to take place. Early. You will have time to rest a little and prepare yourselves.’ His gaze met mine in a kind of salute. I saw pride there, and affection, and a recognition of the bond between us. I saw that he believed in me.

‘Thank you,’ I said simply. He appeared to have turned time not backwards but forwards. From what he’d said, we had lost a whole day coming through that portal. More than a day, since it was morning now. That was a formidable power to wield. I would never understand how he chose when to use it and when to stand by and watch humankind repeat the same old errors.

‘It’s nothing,’ said Conmael. Then, to Cionnaola, ‘Go that way, through the gate, and you will find some of your men watching for your arrival. And you will no longer require my assistance.’

‘Are you leaving?’

‘What about going back?’