The druid and I walked outside into the autumn chill. A man-at-arms offered to accompany us, and I told him his services would not be required, though I did ask him to fetch me a lantern. I should have asked for a cloak as well. I had never enjoyed dressing up in the kind of garments a prince is supposed to appear in on formal occasions, even though Donagan took great care with sponging, brushing and pressing. I probably owed it to him to wear my best attire with more pride. At least the rich blue tunic and trousers were of wool, though the weave was so fine there was little real warmth in them. And the embroidered silk shirt I had on underneath did not help much. Oisin was better off in his druidic robe.

‘Cold, my lord?’ He regarded me with a half-smile. ‘Shall we walk briskly?’

We did. Oisin, whose legs were shorter than mine, kept up a pace that had me somewhat breathless by the time we reached the cottage door. Conversation had been out of the question.

‘Well, now,’ said the druid, reaching to open the door. ‘I feel I should offer you a brew, the chance to sit by my fire awhile – if it is still burning – and to recover yourself from a day that I believe has left you exhausted. But this house is yours. It is not for me to invite you in. And you’ll be wanting to get back to your guests.’

The lantern light illuminated his plain features and glinted in his kindly, shrewd eyes. Here was a man who saw beneath the surface of things; the kind of man I should be able to confide in.

‘Thank you for the offer, Master Oisin. I am indeed very tired; I have been sleeping badly. Another full day tomorrow, for you as well. Don’t worry about the brew. You should get off to bed.’

He examined me a few moments longer. ‘It is a time of profound change for you, my lord. And for Lady Flidais. Are you content with the arrangements for tomorrow’s ritual? Still happy for me to entertain your guests with a tale or two afterwards?’

Why did I feel he was not asking about rituals and tales, but something much closer to the bone?

‘I’ll be happy to see the ritual performed by such a trusted friend. I should get back to the hall, yes. Donagan will be wondering where I am.’ I had hardly seen Donagan all evening; today, my welfare seemed to be his last concern.

‘My lord.’ Oisin spoke as I was turning away, his voice little more than a murmur. ‘Is all well with you?’

Sudden tears pricked my eyes; I was glad my back was to the lantern light. ‘As you said, it is a time of change.’