Donagan took a step forward; I halted him with a gesture. ‘I like to be sure my folk are adequately compensated for their work, and that they carry out that work as well as they can. No more than that. It may also be useful to Blackthorn to know our procedures for airing grievances and settling disputes. A monthly open council, held on the day of full moon, which you are both welcome to attend.’

Another grunt. Grim’s distrust was written all over his plain features.

‘You’re surprised that I take an interest in my people’s welfare?’ I asked. It was a wonder Blackthorn had found any work here at all, with this bristling mastiff on her front doorstep. But she’d been doing her job and doing it well, if the word in the settlement was correct.

‘You ask a lot of questions,’ Grim said. ‘My lord.’

‘That’s because I want to hear the answers.’

‘Never met a prince before. But the way I see it, too much power twists a man. Leads him down dark ways. No reason to trust you, my lord. What you’ve said is that you’ve got power over Blackthorn. You can turn her out of here when you like. Make her do your bidding. Her and me, we don’t like that.’

‘You can’t speak to the prince that way –’ began Donagan.

‘Ask Blackthorn to come and see me,’ I said, keeping calm. ‘Come with her if you wish. Not all princes are the same, Grim. If you mean well at Winterfalls, you’ll be treated well.’ I let my gaze run over the cottage again. ‘There should not only be work in these parts for your . . . companion, but for you too, I’m certain.’

‘I’ll tell her.’ Grim turned away, heading for the ladder. The set of his shoulders suggested an anger far deeper than his words had conveyed.

Donagan seemed about to say something.

‘We’ll ride to Dreamer’s Pool,’ I told him, mounting my horse. ‘Sample the food and drink we were given. Then home.’

We followed the little track that skirted the wood. The cottage and its surly minder were soon out of sight behind us. Not far along the track, another narrow way branched off under the trees, leading to the heart of Dreamer’s Wood, and this we followed. The place was as eerily quiet as ever. Even the birds seemed muted here, as if they dared not lift their voices. The only sounds were the gurgling song of the stream that ran alongside the path and the whisper of the wind in the trees.