They had followed Halion’s trail deep into the Darkwood, eventually making camp beside a stream when the light forced them to stop. The dogs were curled at Rafe’s feet now, though their ears were twitching at every sound from the forest, of which there were many. It was very different from camping out in the open. In the distance something howled.

‘How far ahead of us do you think he is?’ Rafe asked once they were settled.

‘No more than a day. Maybe a little less.’

‘You don’t think he knows we’re following him?’

‘No, lad,’ Braith said. ‘I’ve tracked others and been tracked myself more times than I remember. He doesn’t know we’re here. At first he knew he’d be followed – remember how he flew hard and fast from Dun Taras and headed straight for the border with Cambren. He knew his only hope was speed. After that – in the mountains and then in the woodlands of Cambren – he tried a few tricks that would’ve thrown most huntsmen. Not that I’m bragging,’ he smiled. ‘And he’s taking his time now. Caution, not speed, so as not to be spotted by locals. He’s not worried that there’s anyone on his tail that might catch up with him.’

‘So you think Rhin was right – that he’s heading for Edana?’

‘Aye. He told Rhin that Edana was running for Dun Crin. By the looks of it, that’s where he’s headed.’

‘Why would Halion tell Rhin where Edana’s going. Halion’s not the type to talk, even if he’s losing body parts.’

‘Rhin can be very persuasive. And she has other methods.’ Braith didn’t need to expand on that. Rafe remembered how he had sat in Rhin’s chamber and watched Conall freeing Halion through the flames of a fire. By flayed skin and blood, Rhin said. He shivered at the memory of it.

‘So if Halion told Rhin where Edana is, why do we need to be following Halion?’

‘Because Dun Crin is in a marshland that covers fifty leagues, more or less. You should know that. Could take a while to search a marsh that big, whereas Halion will lead us straight to her.’

‘Does he know where Dun Crin is, then?’

‘No one knows exactly where Dun Crin is,’ Braith replied. ‘Only that it’s somewhere in those marshes. But Halion has as good an idea as anyone. He’ll have discussed it with Edana and Camlin; he’ll have some idea where they’re headed. If anyone can take us straight to Edana, it’s Halion.’