The red-haired warrior opened his mouth, appearing to be about to answer, then frowned. The first boats reached the bank, Cian and Vonn jumping ashore, then Lorcan, who turned and helped his mother to disembark. More than a few of the warriors stared openly at Roisin.

‘I’ll be asking the questions here,’ the red-haired warrior said. ‘And my first question is: who are you?’

Don’t do it – let’s at least find out who these men claim to be. Could be scouts of Morcant’s, or lawless men, or mercenaries, Camlin thought.

Edana stepped onto firm land and pulled her hood down.

‘I am Edana ap Brenin, Queen of Ardan.’

Oh well. Camlin winced. He stepped ashore, bow finally strung, hand reaching beneath his cloak for his quiver of arrows.

There were at least a dozen heartbeats of silence, then the red-haired warrior was stepping forward, staring hard at her, eyes narrowed. Baird and Camlin moved either side of her, Vonn moving along the riverbank. Spear-points were levelled at them.

‘Maybe you are,’ Red Hair said quietly. ‘I saw Edana – in Uthandun. It was years ago, though, and only from a distance. Any of you lads recognize her?’ he cried. Voices murmured along the bank.

To be fair she doesn’t look much like a queen right now. Edana’s hair was tied tight to her head, its natural blonde dull with sweat and dirt. Her cloak and clothes were torn and mud-stained.

‘I think it’s her,’ one voice said.

‘No,’ another cried – ‘too old.’

‘It is Queen Edana,’ Lorcan shouted, standing in front of her. ‘And the next one to call her a liar will feel my sword.’

‘Lorcan,’ Edana hissed. ‘Why would I lie?’ she said to Red Hair.

‘This world is full of snares and traps, my lady. It’s of no matter, I know someone who will be able to tell me for sure.’ Red Hair stepped forwards. He waved something in front of Edana, a hemp sack. ‘All of you, put one of these over your heads and I’ll take you to someone who’ll tell me if you’re queen or liar.’ He gripped Edana’s arm.

‘Take your hands off her,’ Lorcan snarled, grabbing Red Hair’s wrist. The warrior punched Lorcan in the face; the lad staggered back a step, then dropped to the floor, unconscious. Roisin screamed and swords began to leave scabbards.

‘No,’ Edana yelled, at the top of her lungs.

Brogan woke at that – until then he had still been snoring in the boat. He staggered upright on unsteady feet, the boat rocking beneath him, and he fell over the side with a splash. He managed to get his feet under him and stood, spitting water.

‘What’s going on?’ he spluttered.

Men on the riverbank laughed.

‘If you are Queen of Ardan, I think you need a new shieldman,’ Red Hair said, smiling.

Edana caught Camlin’s eye. What should I do?