I shook my head. I could not have put it into words, even to myself. It was like suddenly having a shield put into your hand when you are naked in battle.

He said: “You weren’t afraid?”

“No.”

“By the Goddess, I think that’s true. Ambrosius was right, you have courage.”

“If I have, it’s hardly the kind that you need admire. I thought once that I was better than other boys because there were so many of their fears I couldn’t share or understand. I had others of my own, of course, but I learned to keep them to myself. I suppose that was a kind of pride. But now I am beginning to understand why, even when danger and death lie openly waiting in the path, I can walk straight by them.”

He stopped. We were nearly at the grove. “Tell me why.”

“Because they are not for me. I have feared for other men, but never in that way for myself. Not yet. I think what men fear is the unknown. They fear pain and death, because these may be waiting round any corner. But there are times when I know what is hidden, and waiting, or when—I told you—I see it lying straight in the pathway. And I know where pain and danger lie for me, and I know that death is not yet to come; so I am not afraid. This isn’t courage.”

He said slowly: “Yes. I knew you had the Sight.”

“It comes only sometimes, and at the god’s will, not mine.” I had said too much already; he was not a man to share one’s gods with. I said quickly, to turn the subject: “Belasius, you must listen to me. None of this is Ulfin’s fault. He refused to tell us anything, and would have stopped me if he could.”

“You mean that if there is any paying to be done, you’re offering to do it?”

“Well, it seems only fair, and after all, I can afford to.” I laughed at him, secure behind my invisible shield. “What’s it to be? An old-fashioned religion like yours must have a few minor penalties held in reserve? Shall I die of the cramps in my sleep tonight, or get ripped by a boar next time I ride in the forest without my black dog?”