“We are perhaps getting ahead of ourselves,” Johnny said. “It’s clear Svala believes Sibeal should go, though she cannot tell us why. As for this question about propriety, Gareth and I would not select any man for the crew unless he was completely trustworthy.” In the pause that followed, I thought of Knut, who would be on the boat, and who was one of the least trustworthy men I had ever met. “Believe me, I have given the whole matter considerable thought. Sibeal’s personal safety has loomed large in my mind, along with what her father would deem appropriate. The perils of the voyage itself were foremost in my mind; I didn’t imagine there could be any threat from our own men, and I still don’t.”

“I wonder if you have thought it right through,” Biddy said quietly. “There’s consequences here to freeze the marrow in your bones. It takes a lot of courage to go out and battle monsters. But it takes even more to wait. To see the ones you love put themselves in the path of the storm.”

Gull glanced at her and cleared his throat. “Seems as good a time as any to speak up. You’ll be needing a healer on this trip. Those fellows who were left out there are going to need attention. Not to speak of someone to deal with possible mishaps on the way.” He glanced at Muirrin, then at Evan. Biddy was white. Her lips were pressed tightly together. “Seems that healer should be me, bearded ancient as I am. And while I can’t claim to be a woman, I have been acting as Sibeal’s chaperone, more or less, since she came to Inis Eala. In place of a father, you might say. My presence on the voyage should answer those concerns about what’s proper.” After a few moments of stunned silence, he added, “Sibeal can be my hands. Between us, we’ll do a good job.”

I was shocked and elated both at once. I wanted to protest; Biddy’s words and the look on her face told me this would alter our friendship forever. Johnny was expert at masking his feelings, but right now shock was written all over his face. Gull was his father’s oldest friend, revered and loved by all on Inis Eala. He was like a father to everyone on the island. It would be simple enough for Johnny to point out that Gull, with his maimed hands, could not combine the duties of healer with those of crewman as Evan might. But I knew Johnny would not say this.

“Father—” began Evan now, getting up from his position on the steps.

“Hush,” Gull said. “You’re my son. Your wife’s expecting a child. Nothing more need be said on the matter.”

“A pox on this!” The voice was Cathal’s, wretched, furious. “With every step the ripples widen to take in another! It’s not Felix who’s the ill luck man here, it’s me.”