“No trouble,” Gull says easily. “I’ve been telling Ardal about today’s fighting, which I suspect doesn’t interest him in the least.” He gets up. “Sit here, Sibeal.”

“They were saying Knut acquitted himself remarkably well,” says Sibeal. “You must be pleased.”

He grins widely. “I enjoyed those seven days’ work, I can’t deny it. Bran would have been amused if he could have seen it. He always said the peaceable healer was only a thin skin covering the man I once was. Not sure I agree, to tell the truth. I love the skill a man can put into play in a good fight, the speed and strength of it, the strategy beforehand and the instinct that comes in the heat of combat. But I’ve had my fill of bloodshed. Patching folk up suits me better than killing them these days. Must be getting old.”

“Not old, just wise,” Sibeal says.

“Did you rest well, Sibeal?” I ask, though I can see the answer is no.

She shivers. “I would say my dreams were unwelcome, but I expect there is some wisdom to be gleaned from them. They were dark and confused; it will take me time to work out their meaning. Did they bring Rodan’s body back, Gull?”

Gull nods, somber now. “Johnny wanted me to ask you if you’re sure about performing the rite tomorrow.”

“Of course.”

“For now,” says Gull, “I’m under instructions to make sure you eat and drink. Biddy has something set aside for you.”

“I’m really not hungry.”

“The strictest of instructions, from your sisters. You need not walk down to the kitchen. I can fetch your supper for you.” Gull glances at me. “Ardal wants to talk to you on your own. If you’re agreeable to that, I’ll take time for a drink and a chat with Biddy before I come back. If you’re not agreeable, I’ll put my head out the door and whistle someone up.”

“Thank you, Gull. We’ll be fine by ourselves.” She’s looking into the flames, her eyes suspiciously bright. Holding back tears? What was in those dreams?

We are silent awhile when Gull is gone. The fire flickers; the shadows move; the night wind rattles the shutters.

“What did you want to talk about?” she asks, her voice small and tight.