‘Don’t suggest that to Master Tóla,’ Gormán says. ‘He wants it done with as few as possible. You, Bardán, and me or Conn to help you when our own work allows. Anything needing more men, we can ask some of our farm workers to lend a hand. Nobody from outside, except you. Never mind how long it takes. That’s the way he wants it done.’

‘What if that doesn’t suit me?’ I ask, though I’m starting to get a picture in my head of the thing finished, and it’s a pretty sight, standing tall and fine among the big trees. I could do a nice job with the thatching. Make a bit of a garden around the place if there’s time.

‘Then you don’t do the job,’ Gormán says. ‘And either way, you don’t talk about it when you go home. Understood?’

‘Mm-hm.’ If they don’t want me to talk, I won’t talk. Except to Blackthorn, but that’s different.

‘I think you’re the right man for this work,’ Gormán says now. ‘And I know Master Tóla does too. Folk speak very well of your abilities.’

‘Just, right through to autumn, that’s a long time. Every day.’ Not used to being away from Blackthorn so much. Could be hard. On the other hand, Blackthorn might like a rest from having me around all the time. And I do get to go home every night. Sleep under our own roof; know she’s there, close by.

‘The offer of accommodation here at Wolf Glen still stands.’

‘Suits me better to ride in and out. But thanks.’

‘The master might be prepared to pay more,’ Gormán says, ‘to be sure you’ll stay until this is finished. However long it takes.’

Dagda’s bollocks. Master Tóla must have a lot of silver to throw around. He’s already offered me extra for keeping an eye on Bardán.

‘Gormán!’ There’s another man over by the barn, lanky young fellow, red-haired. ‘Give us a hand here, will you?’

Gormán looks at me, looks at the wild man, hesitates.

‘Go on,’ I say. ‘I’ll just have a bit more of a look, then I’ll come and find you.’

I’m guessing Gormán’s under orders not to leave me and the wild man on our own. Not until he knows if I’m staying. But he says, ‘All right. Don’t be long,’ and heads off.

I walk around the ruin one more time. Bardán walks a step or two behind me, like a rough sort of shadow. Doesn’t say a word.