‘I follow my wages, so long as they are sensibly gotten,’ he says, stroking one of the horses’ manes. ‘But it would do well not to have antagonisms amongst ourselves when there are so many at play in a world that is set against us. Harold, you are an honourable man, but you have become foolish, as though you put no care upon yourself or your travelling companions. In all likelihood, we will be set upon by Gaels before we reach Nobber and I ask you to desist and remain wary, for my sake, at least. Those rats were a promise of something beyond themselves. Of what, I do not know, but I am afraid of their meaning. I value my life, and you would do well to value yours. Saint John needs caring and we must have unity if we are attacked.’

‘Nobber will be our last stop,’ Harold says. ‘I hear the devil calling me. He has loose lips and talks like a Christian gentleman. He feigns politeness, and he wears the signage of Nobber round his throat. He says that I will come to him, on a leash, led by a man-child with undropped balls called Osprey.’

‘Be quiet,’ de Flunkl yells, pulling at his own hair, and knocking his cap crooked. ‘Be quiet, you madman. I am a sir, and you will refer to me thusly and respect me.’

‘Please, Harold,’ William says, appealing to him with his eyes.

Harold pats Saint John on the back and nods.

A momentary peace has been broached, but William doubts he would broach a second one. He doubts he would want to or have the strength to. He is not sure which.

‘Whether Nobber is hell or no,’ he says, ‘at least it is not far.’

As they begin to walk a pink butterfly lands on William’s cheek, and this seems like such a gift that he wants to stand still so as to allow it to perch there as long as it would, but there is too much danger in staying still, and, besides, it is ridiculous. I grow stupid with heat, he thinks. The butterfly hovers away, following a scattered path upwards, where it gets lost amidst the foliage of an oak tree. William sees it disappear out of the corner of his eye, and tries to forget it.

Harold begins humming, and William joins in with him.

The babe will …