I could have asked questions. Even with my limited knowledge of the law, I understood that the hearing was not being conducted in the accepted manner. On the other hand, two kings would be present and the High King himself had approved the proceedings, if unofficially. If Mathuin was found guilty, what would the penalty be and who would carry it out? And how could they stop him from speaking out about this secret trial? It sounded as if the Island men had abducted him, something of a feat in view of the heavy presence of guards he took with him everywhere. Say the penalty was exile. I knew Mathuin. He would be eaten up by the need to punish those who had wronged him. That was how he would see it. Even if they sent him far, far away, he would reach out his destructive hand and wreak utter havoc. I would be one of his accusers today. I might spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder. Too scared to relax for a moment. Too scared to let others close lest they be destroyed as Cass and Brennan had been destroyed. That meant I could never have a family again. I should not even have a friend. But here Grim was, risking everything with me. Expecting me to be brave. They all expected me to be brave. But my mind was full of Mathuin. Mathuin hurling abuse at me, Mathuin taunting me, Mathuin ordering his henchmen to light the fire . . . I was not brave. I was a quaking mass of terror.

‘We should go in now,’ Donagan said quietly. ‘Are you ready, Mistress Blackthorn?’

‘Now.’ My voice was a choked gasp. ‘Right now?’

‘If you can manage,’ said the prince. ‘I don’t believe the hearing will take long. After that you will have time to rest.’

Now. Right now I had to go through that door and into another chamber and face up to Mathuin. Look right into his eyes. See his vile face. Hear his mocking voice. I would be like Brígh in the face of Master Tóla, unable to get a word out.

Grim rose to his feet, a big bear of a man. Not looking worried. Looking calm and solemn and as if he had never doubted I could do this. ‘Better leave Ripple here,’ he said. ‘Ripple, stay.’ The dog settled on the floor, obedient as ever. Grim held out a hand and I took it. ‘I’ll keep right by you,’ he said. ‘Might be hard not to spit in that scum’s face, but I know the rules. Just go through it one part at a time. Good to get it over with, mm?’