She must indeed have left early; I had been out since daybreak, and I had seen nothing of her. ‘Did she say where she was headed, Brid?’

‘No, my lord, but she had a bag with her. Perhaps there’s someone sick out on one of the farms.’

Curse it. That could mean Blackthorn would be gone all day.

‘Is she needed for Lady Flidais, my lord?’ Brid asked.

For a moment I could not think what she meant. Then I recalled last night’s fainting fit. I had barely given it a thought. ‘Lady Flidais is still sleeping, so I’m told,’ I said. ‘I believe all she needs is a good rest. As for Mistress Blackthorn, the matter can wait; there is no urgency.’ Oh, I was full of falsehoods today. Lying to the trusted members of my household sat ill with me; I was coming to despise myself.

Bramble was running around, getting underfoot; I’d best take her away. ‘What about Grim?’ I asked. ‘Is he about?’

Brid’s smile told me the unprepossessing Grim had become a favourite. ‘He’ll be in for a bite to eat soon, then he’ll likely be off to Dreamer’s Wood to do some work on his house. And get some sleep. Night watch takes it out of a man, even a big strong man like him.’

‘When he comes in, please tell him I’d like a word before he goes off for the day. I’ll be in the garden with the dog.’ I motioned in the general direction of Flidais’s private garden. I’d have to take Bramble back anyway. After breakfast I’d be sitting down with Muadan and his councillors to discuss various matters before they travelled on to court.

‘I’m sorry, Bramble,’ I told her when we were in the quiet of the little garden, I seated on the stone bench, she nosing about in the ferns by the pond. ‘I would find your presence reassuring. Other folk, however, would most likely differ. I’m afraid you must stay with the ladies today.’

Not far off, someone cleared his throat. I looked up, and there was Grim. For a very big man, he walked softly indeed.

‘Grim.’ I rose to my feet. ‘I did not hear you coming.’

‘Sorry if I startled you, my lord.’