‘Don’t like the man much, do you?’ I want to ask what happened, what made that hate fill him up. Seems to me Bardán’s a good man deep down, if a bit odd. We’re all odd in our own ways. But I don’t ask, because a woman’s coming up from the house with a tray. This time it’s not a serving woman but a lady, the master’s sister, Mistress Della. Seen her from a distance before, not close up. Like Tóla, she’s a shortish, squarish person. His hair’s mostly grey. Hers is mostly fair, and done up in plaits. Rosy cheeks, smiling mouth. Looks pleasant.

‘Good day, Mistress,’ I say, knowing Bardán won’t say it for me.

‘Good day,’ says the lady. ‘Grim, isn’t it?’ Puts her tray down on a flat stone, shoos Ripple away, gives me a good look over. ‘I brought you some provisions.’

‘Thank you,’ I say. The bread and cheese and onions look good; we get hungry, doing this job. Me more than Bardán, since I’m doing the lifting and cutting and shaping, and he’s mostly sitting there telling me how to do it all. My mind’s still on how foolish Tóla is not to hire a crew to get this done. Be all finished in two turnings of the moon, and no hurt backs or broken hands or crushed heads along the way. Why’s it all so secret?

Mistress Della has said something and I’ve missed it. ‘Sorry, what was that? Must be tired; thoughts are far away.’

‘It’s a big job,’ she says. ‘But I can see the hall taking shape. You do excellent work, Grim.’ She glances at Bardán, then turns her eyes away quick. ‘And you,’ she adds. Odd. Is she scared of him? They did send Cara away.

I give her a smile. Comely woman, in her own way. Feels good to get a sort of thank you. Tóla’s a miser with his praise, just looks the place over and nods, most times. ‘We’re working as hard as we can, Bardán and me.’ I give Bardán a smile too, but he’s staring at the ground, doesn’t see it.

‘My brother is grateful,’ Mistress Della says. ‘He may not be free with his thanks, but never doubt that he values your work.’

‘Be better if we had a few more helpers,’ I say, thinking she might be the one to convince Tóla, seeing as she’s his sister. ‘Be finished much sooner. Besides, won’t be safe getting the crossbeams up without a proper crew.’