“Go off and take your bath,” Mother said. “Your father owes you a great deal, but you must give him time to come to terms with your choosing this particular suitor.”

“That’s just it,” I said. “I don’t think we have very much time.” I shivered, remembering Aidan falling to that casually loosed arrow. Mac Dara could step out into our world whenever he wanted to.

“Don’t look like that, Clodagh. I’ll speak to your father.”

I hugged her. “Thank you, Mother.” A yawn overtook me.

“Off you go,” she said, “or you’ll be asleep before you so much as step into the bath. And you could do with a wash, my dear.”

Deirdre burst in while I was in my bath. “Clodagh, you’re here! Are you all right? Why did you shut me out when I tried to contact you?”

I regarded her from where I was sitting in the shallow tub, knees drawn up. The water was cooling fast, but I couldn’t find the energy to get out. “I’m fine,” I said, taking in my twin sister’s rich gown, carefully tended hair and pallid, troubled features. “Stark naked and half asleep, but fine.”

“Where’s Cathal? He came with you, didn’t he? Has he talked to Father and explained what he said about Illann? It’s caused so much trouble!”

I shut my eyes and let her words flow over me. When she eventually came to a halt I said, “If Cathal has any sense he’ll be in bed fast asleep by now. And be careful what you say about him, because he’s your future brother-in-law.”

“What?” I might as well have said I was planning to wed a man-eating ogre.

“I’m marrying Cathal. We’re going to Inis Eala to live. As for Glencarnagh, it’s for Cathal to explain what he said. But it’s all right; I have information that completely exonerates Illann. I think your husband will be receiving a few apologies before the day is out. Father just needs to talk to Cathal and me again first.”

“Really?” Deirdre’s tone had changed abruptly. I thought she was almost in tears. “You really have proof that Illann wasn’t involved, something Father will accept? I can’t believe it. This has been so awful. It’s gone on so long. It’s as if they hate each other. I’ve tried hard to fix it, Clodagh; to make peace between them. But neither of them listens to me.”

“Believe me,” I said grimly, “I know exactly how that feels. Deirdre, I’m nearly asleep and my hair’s filthy. Will you wash it for me, please?”

“Brighid save us,” my sister said, giving me a close scrutiny.