‘Master Oisin!’ It was unusual for the druid to visit twice in such quick succession; I wondered what had brought him back to Winterfalls. ‘Welcome! Muadan, greetings. I hope you had a comfortable journey, Lady Breda.’ Once my grooms had helped everyone down, I led Flidais forward by the hand. ‘You have met Lady Flidais, I believe, on her journey from the south, when you were kind enough to accommodate her party. And of course you know my aunt, Lady Sochla.’

‘And the dog,’ observed Lady Breda with a wry smile. ‘Though I would have expected that creature to be in your arms, Lady Flidais. If there’s one thing I remember about your visit, it’s that the animal – what is its name, Bundle? – refused to leave your side for a moment. I see it’s settled in well here. I hope it’s been as easy for you, Lady Flidais. Many changes for you.’

Flidais smiled and nodded.

‘Please, come indoors,’ I said, wishing my betrothed could manage welcome, if nothing else. ‘You’ll be wanting to rest before supper, I’m sure. Master Oisin, my steward wll make sleeping arrangements for you.’

‘Thank you, my lord. Any corner will do. I trust you are well? And you, Lady Flidais?’ The druid’s was not the quick glance that went with a casual enquiry, but a deep, shrewd gaze that examined each of us in turn.

‘Well enough, thank you,’ I said.

Our visitors dispersed, led by Aedan’s helpers to their various bedchambers or, in the case of the escort, to the sleeping quarters in the stables. Men-at-arms generally weren’t happy to have strangers look after their horses for long, even if those strangers were capable grooms. Besides, we had more room there. Muadan and his attendant were still in the entrance hall with me.

‘Some mead?’ I asked Muadan. Clearly he wanted to speak to me in private, or he would have gone with his wife.

‘And a word, Prince Oran, if I may.’

We made our way to the small council chamber. After refreshments had been provided, I had the attendants close the door, leaving the two of us on our own. Muadan’s expression told me this was a weighty matter. Not too weighty, I hoped, with time passing and the question of Flidais still unresolved.

‘I have some news from the south,’ Muadan said.

I was suddenly cold. ‘From Cloud Hill?’

‘Mm-hm. I didn’t want to upset Lady Flidais; best for you to tell her in private, my lord.’