Placing a hand on Lawrence’s shoulder, Hawkwood said, “My apologies, Douglas. You’re right, you deserve an explanation. And you’ll have it – in the morning. Will you settle for that?”

“I don’t suppose I’ve any bloody choice, have I? Very well, morning it is. But by God I will hold you to it, see if I don’t!” He jutted his chin towards the two figures waiting behind Hawkwood’s shoulder. “Are you going to introduce me? I take it these fellows do have names I can pronounce?”

“That they do,” Hawkwood said, relieved to be back on firmer ground.

“Excellent! In that case, I’m most anxious to make their acquaintance.”

Hawkwood led Lawrence to the fire.

“Major, meet Broken Twig, war chief of the Turtle Clan and Dogs Round the Fire, war chief of the Wolf Clan. Though you might find it easier if you address them as Tewanias and Cageaga. It was Cageaga who came to our aid.”

Turning to the two warriors, Hawkwood said, “Ontiaten:ro’ ne ki – Roren.” This is my friend – Lawrence.

Lawrence held out his hand. “I thank you both, gentlemen. Chief Tewanias, Chief Cageaga, it’s an honour to meet you. We are for ever in your debt.” He looked at Hawkwood. “Er, how do you say—”

“Niá:wen,” Hawkwood said, pre-empting him.

“Niá:wen,” Lawrence said, bowing formally. He glanced sideways. “Though it don’t do justice after what they’ve done for us. Do they speak English?”

“When it suits them,” Hawkwood said, earning himself a reproving look from Tewanias.

Both warriors took Lawrence’s proffered hand, but their faces remained impassive.

“Roren,” Tewanias said.

“Roren?” Lawrence looked to Hawkwood again.

“It’s how they say Lawrence.”

“Is it indeed? Well, I’ve been called worse. What do they call you?”

“We’re on first-name terms. It should be Watio, but I’ve managed to get them as far as Mat-huwa.”

Tewanias, with great formality, showed Lawrence to a space by the fire, poured some bark tea from the pot resting on the hearthstones into a wooden bowl and held it out.

Lawrence eased himself down carefully, accepted the bowl with both hands and took a cautious sip. Running his tongue along his lips, his brow furrowed. “Interesting.”

“Three sips are considered polite,” Hawkwood said.

Lawrence took three swallows under watchful eyes. Placing the bowl down, he picked a tiny piece of bark from between his teeth. “It has medicinal properties, I take it?”

“Only if you’ve run out of leeches,” Hawkwood said. He thought he saw the corner of Cageaga’s mouth twitch, but decided it must have been a trick of the firelight.

Tewanias spoke. “Roren, satonhkária’ks ken?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t—” Lawrence began.

“He asks if you’re hungry.” To Tewanias, Hawkwood said, “Tiohrhen:sa sata:ti.” Speak in English.