Halion dipped his head at that. Camlin had been surprised at the depth of emotion he’d felt at seeing Halion alive. It felt good to have a friend back, and also it was nice to have something good happen, a balance for the trail of the dead they seemed to leave along the way.

Having Halion back filled Camlin with a new sense of hope, but the other edge to that blade was the knowledge that Braith was alive and had tracked Halion almost all the way to Dun Crin.

Probably would have, if Evnis hadn’t stood up and started shouting. Won’t stop Braith finding us, though, will only slow him down a little. And give me a chance to prepare a welcome for him.

‘It’s good to have you with us,’ Pendathran said. ‘I for one would like to hear your tale.’

Halion spoke of all that had happened to him since the beach in Domhain. Of Rhin’s questioning and Conall setting him free.

Roisin snorted at that. Doesn’t like the thought of Conall on her lad’s throne.

The rest was one long journey from Domhain to Ardan.

‘You were followed,’ Camlin said.

‘I know that now,’ Halion said with a shake of his head. ‘I am ashamed to have led the enemy here. I don’t know how they managed it – I am no stranger to the huntsman’s arts, and did much to avoid pursuit.’

‘Nothing you could do about it. It was Braith, and he could track a bird. He’ll be here soon enough, with Evnis at his side.’ Camlin looked at Vonn as he said the last part.

That set things off, like throwing fish oil on a fire. Voices all talking at once, some panicked, some planning. In the end Pendathran thumped a fist onto the table, making it jump.

‘Let’s talk this through right, or we’ll still be clamouring when Rhin’s warriors start shoving swords up our arses.’

‘Let’s have the facts,’ Roisin said.

Good place to start.

Camlin stepped forward. ‘The facts are that Evnis and Braith, who happens to be the best huntsman that draws breath, are out there, along with Morcant and a warband. They’ve built towers and beacons around this marsh. Put it all together, looks like they’re going about ending this resistance sooner rather than later.’

More raised voices. Eventually Edana stood.

‘There’s only one chance for us,’ she said. ‘We have to leave.’

‘And what? Just keep running?’ That was Drust.

‘No. It’s time to gather allies. There are more loyal warriors in Ardan, Narvon and Domhain than are here with us right now. We must give them somewhere to rally to.’

‘Aye, and how are we going to do that?’ Pendathran asked in his gruff voice.

‘We’re not as strong as our enemy, don’t have their strength of numbers, so we have to be cleverer than them.’