“Illann only hires the best.” His sister cast an assessing look around the hall and paused as her eyes fell on Aidan, who was seated with several other men clad in the blue and gray of Johnny’s personal retainers. Her expression warmed; I could see she found his looks as pleasing as I did. “My brother understands that most households in these parts haven’t the resources to keep a permanent band. I suppose Lord Sean needs to fall back on the wandering bards. It’s a matter of luck whether you get a good one or some fellow with no talent at all.”

“Of course,” I said, swallowing my irritation, “we do have two druids in the family. They’re handy for a little storytelling after supper.” I saw a smile pass across Conor’s face. My father’s uncle was chief of the brotherhood and spiritual leader of our community. He maintained a keen interest in strategic matters and came to Sevenwaters regularly to advise Father. Ciarán, his half-brother, had excused himself from tonight’s festivities as I’d expected. I had housed him in the little chamber next to the stillroom and I knew he would be there alone, absorbed in meditation or study.

“As for wandering bards, my cousin has a talented musician amongst his men,” I went on, glancing at Johnny, who had his close friend Gareth, an amiable, sandy-haired man, standing on guard behind him. He had one warrior stationed by each door as well. Even in this place that was his second home, Johnny took no chances. What he did made him desirable as a friend to the wealthy and powerful. It also made him a target.

“Oh?” queried Illann’s sister.

“We might prevail upon Aidan to sing and play later,” Johnny said. “Our bride-to-be loves the harp. She plays well herself.”

This was a slight exaggeration, since my twin had never worked hard enough on the exercises required to build up her technical skill. Johnny’s compliment had brought a blush to her cheeks. She did look lovely. Since we were almost exactly alike, I’d been careful to dress plainly tonight so Deirdre could be the one to shine. My gown was a smoky blue with a gray overdress embroidered in white. My hair was braided into a single tight plait, its only adornment a blue ribbon.

“Thank you, Johnny.” Deirdre’s smile was a touch tremulous. Whether our cousin had ever quite understood the depth of her long devotion to him, I did not know.

I coaxed Mother from the hall and shepherded her up to bed as early as I could. Her maid, Eithne, went off to brew a herbal drink, and I sent another serving woman to fetch warm water.

“I’ll stay until they get back,” I told Mother as she sat down heavily on her bed and shook off her shoes.