‘Forgive me,’ I said, ‘but I have absolutely no idea who you are or why you would want me to divulge anything at all to you. A more effective approach might have been to visit me with the pretext of an aching belly or a sprained ankle, and just happen to fall into conversation about the oddities of Dreamer’s Wood. Anyone from the local settlement could tell you the place has given rise to many strange tales over the years. They would say it is not wise to enter the water of Dreamer’s Pool. Walking or riding along the track is fine, but taking too long about it might be inadvisable. As for who has passed this way in recent times, the local folk generally go by the more direct route, using the main track. People seldom bring their stock through the wood. Emer and I gather herbs there frequently, but the nature of our calling means we are safe provided we take no ill-considered action.’

‘Such as what?’

‘Forgive me, but unless you are a druid, I cannot understand how that can interest you in the least.’

‘Jumping into Dreamer’s Pool for a swim.’ Emer spoke up, sounding more like her usual self. ‘Cutting herbs without saying the correct words of thanks. Harvesting poisonous mushrooms, unless it’s for a remedy of some kind. Harming creatures.’

‘And you . . .?’ Cúan turned his delightful smile on Cara, who dropped her gaze immediately.

‘This young lady is visiting me for the day. She lives in the prince’s household.’

He seemed to be waiting for more.

‘You haven’t told us why you’re asking questions,’ I said. ‘And being less than subtle about it.’

‘If I had some nefarious intent, Mistress Blackthorn, I would be a great deal more subtle, I assure you. There was some trouble earlier. An altercation. It’s been dealt with, so you have no need for further concern. But it’s useful if I can be as fully informed as possible.’

‘You’re saying there was someone in the wood who shouldn’t have been there?’

‘It’s been dealt with, Mistress Blackthorn.’

There was no choice but to accept this at face value. Neither Cara nor Emer knew anything of my past or Grim’s. Nor, indeed, did anyone at Winterfalls. They did not understand how any stranger asking questions might be one of Mathuin’s spies, come to seek us out and silence us. They did not understand that any disturbance brought back the familiar terror. This young man had a way with him. But Flannan had been a charming man too. Not only charming, but an old friend of mine. I would not be trapped like that again.

‘You live here with Mistress Blackthorn?’ He addressed this to Emer.

I opened my mouth to say Mind your own business, but Emer was quicker. ‘I live in Winterfalls settlement.’

‘Emer is my assistant.’ I made my tone suitably quelling.