“The Connacht men are near the end of their training,” Sigurd comments. “Final display of battle-craft soon, before they leave the island. Johnny’s sending some of the new swords back with them. Not compensation, exactly; Rodan’s was an accidental death. But such a gift silences talk of possible negligence. That’s what I’ve heard. This way, Felix.”

We enter a small chamber set within the massive double wall that rings the enclosure. Johnny, Gareth and Gull are standing around a table on which documents and writing materials are spread. I see a map showing the southern coasts of Erin, Britain and part of Gaul. Sigurd closes the door, remaining inside.

“Welcome, Felix,” Johnny says. “Be seated, please.” He has already congratulated me on the safe return of the three abandoned men; he spoke to each of us in turn last night, before we slept. He gave me his personal thanks for diving in after Gull, though our survival that strange day owed little to me. As a leader, Johnny misses nothing.

“I’ll get to the point quickly,” he says now. “Gull tells me both Donn and Colm will be fit to return home in about ten days’ time, provided an adequate escort can be arranged. I don’t know what your plans are for the long term, with your brother gone, but you’ll be wanting to report back to the king of Munster about the voyage and the losses, at the very least. The items salvaged from Freyja should be returned to him. Gull says it would be ideal for Colm if you were to accompany him on the journey. I understand he is plagued by nightmares.”

“He will need me, yes,” I say. “He will recover more quickly at home. His father is one of Muredach’s grooms; his mother works at court as a seamstress. He has brothers and sisters.” Lucky Colm. But unlucky Colm, to witness such horrors before he is a man. Once safely home, he may never want to leave again.

“I regret the need to act on this so soon after your return, Felix,” Johnny says quietly. “But I know you have duties to fulfill elsewhere. What are your plans after you speak to King Muredach? Will you stay on at his court awhile? From the story you told us that night, I understand it could be difficult for you to return to Armorica.” He is taking care not to ask me who will bear the news of Paul’s death to my mother and father.