‘Distant kin,’ my father said. ‘But yes, Lorcan is a family connection of sorts. That particular area of the border has seen many disputes over the years. Raids, challenges, petty wars. More or less inevitable, since it’s fine grazing land.’

I had studied the maps, counting the miles between Cloud Hill and Winterfalls over and over. ‘I deduce that Lord Cadhan’s territorial issue does not relate to cross-border incursions from Mide, since we know Lorcan to be a peaceable leader whose authority is seldom challenged. I suspect the threat comes from a certain powerful chieftain named Mathuin, whose holdings lie to the south of Cadhan’s.’

‘I had come to the same conclusion,’ my father said. ‘That is not something Cadhan would put into a letter, of course.’

‘Mathuin of Laois is a known troublemaker.’

‘What foundation have you for such a claim, Prince Oran?’ The scorn in Feabhal’s voice was ill-concealed. His opinion of me had never been high.

‘I have learned a great deal from this present wise company, Feabhal.’ I looked around the council table, making sure I met each man’s gaze in turn. ‘Some, I know, believe I am too fond of music and storytelling. A man can learn much from monks, scribes and scholars. From wandering bards and druids: folk who travel widely and keep their ears open. I have heard that Mathuin is intolerant of opinions other than his own. He has his ways, sometimes brutal ways. If he wants something, he takes it without waiting to seek advice or weigh up the consequences. I have heard, also, that the king of Laigin shows some reluctance to become involved in disputes between his chieftains.’

‘Interesting,’ my father said. ‘But you understand that we cannot send forces south to help Cadhan with whatever difficulty he’s in, whether it’s of Mathuin’s making or someone else’s. That could ignite full-scale war. We must limit ourselves to offering Lady Flidais sanctuary, which is all Cadhan has requested. Let’s not complicate matters, Oran.’

‘I’m not suggesting we take up arms in Cadhan’s support, Father. I know such an action would have far-reaching consequences, and might set you in conflict with your existing allies. But someone might have a word with the king of Laigin. Someone to whom any ruler would be prepared to listen.’

They had caught my drift now. ‘You’re not speaking of Lorcan,’ Father said, ‘but of his father-in-law, the High King. We might send a confidential message to Lorcan; he might then have a quiet word in the right quarter. And pressure might be put on Mathuin to cease and desist from whatever he is doing to Cadhan.’

‘A long bow to draw, perhaps. But it could be effective. Mathuin has some supporters among his fellow chieftains, but nobody really trusts the man. He’s viewed as autocratic and unpredictable. His overlord is considered weak.’