“He’ll offer him my personal invitation to a council, the timing to be agreed in due course. At this stage, no more than that. We’re concerned now that it may not be enough. Without a place, a time, it may seem only a vague promise, offered only to appease. If only I could know what will happen here . . .” Father’s frown indicated an internal struggle.

“Far better, in my opinion, if we call the council now,” put in Johnny quietly. “Invite both north and south. Be bold. Establish a position of control before somebody else does.”

“You have neither wife or child,” Father said. “Wait until those you love are at risk, then see if you would provide the same advice.” Then, after a moment, “I’m sorry. Believe me, I understand the difficulty, and if all were well here, I would be in full agreement with you. But to proceed with plans for the council straightaway seems . . .” He hesitated, chin on hand, gray eyes troubled. “I will be honest with you. It feels a little like defying the gods, and I will not do that, not with the lives of my wife and unborn child in the balance. Perhaps I’m foolish to hear a voice whispering, Would you sacrifice those you love best to achieve peace? I have no reason to heed that; it is not the voice of logic. But I must heed it. I believe the council must wait.”

“You’re wise to trust your instincts, Father,” I said. “They’ve generally been reliable in the past.”

“You’re wrong about one thing, Sean.” Johnny was managing a smile. “I may have no wife or child, but that does not mean I am without hostages to fortune.”

“Indeed,” Father said, though I was not sure what my cousin meant. His parents and brothers, Coll excepted, were far away. Certainly, Gareth was his closest friend and the other men who had gone with him his loyal comrades, but it was hardly the same.

“Maybe I should have gone myself,” Johnny said.

“We can trust Gareth; he has all the skills required for this mission. He’s well-informed, diplomatic and courteously spoken. If not quite a family member, he is close to it. Besides, your own welcome in such households might not be one of undiluted enthusiasm. Clodagh, I seem to have made the decision. Perhaps it’s your quiet presence that enables me to see more clearly. Thank you, my dear.”