Most of this long speech passed me in a blur; I had no wish to listen to such utter nonsense. Either the man was completely mad or this was an elaborate joke of some kind. In a moment he’d probably burst into derisive laughter and make some comment like, You actually believed me!

“The question remains, why would Illann attack my father?” I asked coolly.

“Such acts are generally carried out in order to seize some strategic advantage. At the very least, the news of such a coup would pass a message to all that Lord Sean’s authority is easier to shake than previously believed. With the imminent birth of a child who could replace Johnny as your father’s heir, folk will be anticipating a period of unrest at Sevenwaters. Perhaps northern and southern Uí Néill are in cooperation and plan to challenge your father from either side. Clodagh, don’t look at me like that. I’m serious.”

“If you are serious, tell my father.”

“Would he credit such a tale without a skerrick of proof? Would Johnny? All I want to do is warn you. If you know, you can avoid becoming involved. You can perhaps prevent this from occurring at all by refusing to give your sister any knowledge her husband could use to help him in such an endeavor.”

Any sympathy I’d been feeling for him after the Wolf-child tale had faded completely. My first impression of Cathal had been right after all: he was an arrant troublemaker. More than that, there was something seriously askew in his mind. “You’re one of Johnny’s men,” I reminded him. “Isn’t your first priority to do the right thing by him? I thought all his warriors were flawlessly loyal.”

“I am neither more nor less loyal than the others. Johnny believes Illann is an ally; so does Lord Sean. I have doubts. But I will not go to either of them with information I cannot support with evidence.”

“Then why bring it to me? Have you assessed me as completely gullible?”

His mouth formed a self-mocking twist. “Why indeed, since it is plain you will not listen?”

“I’m going inside,” I said. “I won’t promise not to speak of this to Father. He should know that you are questioning the motives of his close kin. Good night, Cathal. Please don’t come to me with any more wild theories. I’ve enough to worry about already.” I turned and walked away.

His voice came softly from behind me. “I didn’t come to you,” he said. “You came to me.”