‘Water creature doesn’t say anything. Just stretches up to where he’s sitting on the bank and plants a kiss on his lips. That kiss goes straight to his heart. Like a flash of lightning deep inside, it is. Then with a whisk of her tail and a twist of her body she’s back into the water and away. Fisherman gets up, all dazed and dizzy with what’s happened. Calls his faithful dog. Takes the rein of his dear old horse. Walks away home. Not thinking, How foolish I was to let her go. Not thinking, I just missed my one chance of happiness. No, even when he’s back home, horse in the stable, dog sleeping by the fire, fresh brew in the pot, he’s thinking: How wonderful. How remarkable. I just saw something I’ll remember my whole life. That night he dreams only good dreams.’

Blackthorn says nothing at all. Just nods, then goes to put the kettle on the fire.

‘Didn’t make you cry, did I?’

‘Of course not,’ she says, wiping her eyes. ‘Peppermint or chamomile?’

I yawn my way through the brew, too tired to talk now. Time enough to tell her about the heartwood house and the wild man another day. I remember something. ‘How was that girl? The one from Wolf Glen?’

‘Didn’t make an appearance,’ Blackthorn says. ‘Just as well, really. It meant I could take Emer through all the steps of a decoction and give her a reading lesson and cook supper. Washed a lot of clothes, weeded the vegetable patch.’

‘Good. You might be needing to do a bit more in the garden, if you can find the time. Looks as if I’ll be up at Wolf Glen most days for a while. Big job.’ Can’t stop yawning. Put a hand over my mouth.

‘Off to bed,’ Blackthorn says. ‘I’ll tidy up here. So, early start tomorrow again?’

‘Mm. Horse at Scannal’s. Tell you all about it later.’ Too tired to move.

‘Come on, big man.’ She takes me by the arm, gets me over to my bed, helps me lie down. Second-last thought I have is, Glad I took my boots off. Last thought is how good it feels when she tucks the blanket over me. Then I’m asleep.

Chapter Six: Cara

6

~Cara~