‘Welcome, all.’ Prince Oran spoke with firm authority, but there was a warmth in his tone as he looked out over the packed hall. Either he was well practised at putting folk at ease, or he actually enjoyed mingling with his subjects. Of course, folk would know that the case against Branoc was to be heard at today’s council; no wonder they’d come here in droves. ‘I am pleased to see so many of you here today. We have one particularly serious matter to deal with at this council, as I’m sure most of you know. And there are various other disputes to settle. I’m sure you will join me in welcoming Lady Flidais to her first open council.’ He glanced at his betrothed; she kept her eyes down. The lady didn’t look comfortable. Perhaps they had argued. Perhaps she was missing home; regretting that she had agreed to wed sight unseen. Though she might have done worse. At least the prince was young and healthy. And some women liked that fine-boned, soft-mouthed type.

‘Today we have with us two distinguished visitors,’ the prince went on, ‘men of the law who will provide expert advice. They will ensure that all parties are given adequate opportunity to present their arguments. Master Cael, Master Tassach, we welcome you.’ He nodded toward the robed men, who inclined their heads gravely. Sharp-featured Master Cael had something of the same look as that woman with the dog on her knee; both he and she, I suspected, were folk of acute intelligence. The other lawman, Master Tassach, was more portly in build, with a jovial manner. I wondered if he was one of those people who put folk off their guard by looking harmless, then pounced when they least expected. Lawmen could be like that.

‘Aedan, we’re ready to begin,’ the prince said, and seated himself. The chamber rustled as the rest of us did the same.

‘Might be a long day,’ murmured Grim. ‘Sure you’re all right?’

‘Why wouldn’t I be?’ Stupid answer; there were a hundred reasons. ‘Emer, are you all right?’

‘Mm.’

The green-clad man – Aedan – called the crowd to order, and the noise died down. He called forward a pair of farmers; the prince spoke about a dispute over the placement of a dry-stone wall. It surprised me that he was able to outline the issue in such detail; I would have expected one of his underlings, Donagan or perhaps the steward, to perform that task. And the prince wasn’t reading; he was speaking without reference to any documentation, though a scribe sat at a smaller table, making a record of the proceedings. The lawmen listened without comment.