Fires were still blazing out on the lake; along the shore a few of Evnis’ men were staggering from the lake, those who had worn leather, not chainmail. Camlin listened and there was no sound of battle drifting over from the fortress. Then he saw two boats rowing for the shore, a little to the south, away from the battle. He and Meg stood in the shadows of an abandoned hut and watched.

The first boat crunched onto the sand, Edana getting out and stumbling off along the bank of a stream, quickly hidden by reedbeds.

The second boat was not far behind, beaching smoothly.

Two warriors climbed out, Cian and Brogan, Cian offering a hand to help Roisin ashore.

She glanced quickly about, then took long strides after Edana, Cian and Brogan following.

So. Camlin nodded to himself, looked at Meg and put a finger to his lips, then followed them.

He caught up with them soon enough, not making a sound even though his leg thumped as if a horse had kicked it and his ribs were on fire where Morcant had cut him. He and Meg stayed within the shadow of trees and watched.

Edana had stopped in a secluded grove by the stream, trees to one side, a thick bed of reeds blocking her way. She was resting a hand on her thigh, bent over the stream, looked as if she’d just vomited.

Roisin entered the glade, paused, then walked closer.

‘Edana, are you well?’ Roisin asked her.

‘No,’ Edana said. ‘I’ve just killed a man.’ She patted her sword hilt and Camlin saw the blood upon it.

‘During difficult times, difficult things must be done,’ Roisin said, walking steadily closer to Edana. Camlin noticed her hand rested upon a knife at her belt.

Edana stood straighter at that.

‘Indeed,’ she said. ‘So. I take it you have come to kill me.’ It was not a question.

‘What?’ Roisin spluttered, drawing to a halt. ‘Don’t be absurd.’

Camlin reached for one of his last arrows.

‘Absurd? Maybe. All of this war and hunting and betraying and killing – it can take its toll on trust in the end, can’t it?’

‘Aye,’ Roisin said, voice a whisper.

‘I apologize if I have insulted you,’ Edana continued. ‘Put it down to battle-fatigue.’

‘No insult,’ Roisin said. ‘Rather, a display of your intelligence. In another life we could have been friends, I think. We have much in common. But in this life you are just in my way – too popular, and that is growing daily. Even my only son adores you.’

She sighed.

‘Cian, Brogan, please.’

Her shieldmen drew their swords and advanced on Edana.

‘Roisin, you don’t need to do this,’ Edana said as she retreated before the two shieldmen.

‘I’m afraid I do. Without you around Pendathran is my man. This warband will be mine, for my son, of course.’