Anyway, he says yes to everything, the horse, the payment, the other things I’ve asked for. He wants me to give my word, again, about sticking to his rules. Can’t see any reason he’d need them, myself. Wolf Glen’s on its own, a fair ride from the settlement. Not the sort of place you pop in to say good morning because you happen to be passing. And none of the locals at Winterfalls have talked about these folk, the way they do about Oran and Flidais and their household, or even about people who live in the other settlement, Silverlake. So why all the secrets? I don’t ask, though, just tell him I’ll keep my mouth shut if that’s part of the job. Then I say since I’m here already I can put in a day’s work now. ‘Make a start on clearing away the old stuff. Getting the site levelled off and ready. Bit of help with lifting the stones would be handy, if you’ve got a lad free. Since the fellow who’s giving the orders can’t do that. With his hands and all.’

The master smiles. He’s got one of those faces that’s always a bit sad, though. ‘I’m glad you are so keen to get started, Grim. Handle the pieces with respect and care; everything is precious.’

Could’ve fooled me. Lot of old crumbling stones and splintered timbers. I don’t say that out loud, just nod. ‘Might take a look at your materials, if I can,’ I say to Gormán, who’s come down with me. ‘See what’s set away. Give me an idea of how long it’ll all take.’

‘I’ll lend you Conn for today,’ Gormán says.

‘And Bardán?’

Funny look on Master Tóla’s face, like he’s swallowed something nasty. ‘The wild man? He’ll have his rules for preparing the site, no doubt, same as for all of it, and you’ll need to stick to them. I just hope you can make some sense of his gibberish.’

‘He’s clear enough,’ I say. ‘I’ll be getting on with it, then.’