‘I understand that, Grim. You have all done your best, and a remarkable best it was. Yes, I suppose we will never apprehend Branoc now, though I will send men out to look for him.’

‘He’ll be off to the nearest anchorage and taking ship for Armorica, that’s my guess,’ said Donagan. ‘Leaving Silverlake with neither miller nor baker. Though that is hardly of importance, beside this. You believe Ernan’s death might be Branoc’s doing too? And the theft of his savings?’

‘I can’t see how a miller crushes himself with his own grindstone,’ Blackthorn said. ‘No matter how upset he is. No matter how much his wits aren’t on the job. His work would be so familiar he’d be able to do it in his sleep. And who was the likeliest to guess where his daughter might really have gone? He knew Branoc fancied Ness and had been told he couldn’t have her.’

‘This is a matter for the next open council,’ I said. ‘I’ll ensure Ernan’s death is investigated further before then. If Branoc is apprehended, he will be called to account for his treatment of Ness, and he will be questioned on the matter of the miller’s demise. Even if he cannot be tracked down, there’s the future of mill and bakery to be considered, and compensation for the young lady.’

‘You won’t expect Ness to come to the council, will you, my lord?’ asked Emer. ‘Mistress Blackthorn says she didn’t even know her father was dead; they had to tell her last night.’

‘I understand that, and of course she must be given time to recover. I offer you all my personal thanks. I’ll arrange a search for Branoc immediately, and guards at the bakery. Blackthorn, if any further assistance is needed, don’t hesitate to ask – Donagan will help you, or speak to Aedan, my steward. It seems the young lady may now be without any family support. We must ensure that she is properly provided for.’

Blackthorn said nothing, but I saw a question in her eyes: We?

‘This is an illustration to all of us, to the whole community, that we should take responsibility for each other. And it begins with me.’ And with Flidais, I thought, but I did not say it. ‘Now I’ll let you go to some well-earned rest. Emer, you are going over to Silverlake this morning, you said? How will you get there?’

‘My brother’s taking me over on his cart, my lord.’

‘Good. I hope Ness is improving.’

‘Long road ahead,’ Grim said, surprising me. ‘When you’re hurt as bad as that. Wish we’d worked it out sooner.’

‘You saved her,’ I said. ‘Don’t lose sight of that.’