“I suppose so. Though with Barnabas and my mother there, there’s not much need of another master.”

“That being so, I could use your sword, Alexander,” said the duke.

His tone was casual, almost flat. It took several slow seconds for the sense of what he had said to get through to the young man’s brain.

“You mean on your journey home? Or – or at Castle Rose itself? Serve you there?”

“Both. What did my daughter tell you about her home?”

“Only that it was the most beautiful place on earth, and that it, with you, my lord, had all her heart.”

“And that I am soon to retire into the life I long for, of prayer and solitude. The holy life?”

“She said something about it when we first spoke, but, not knowing you then, I paid little attention.”

“Then listen now. Before I can accept your service, there are things you must know. I have an heir, the younger son of a cousin who is dead. The elder brother keeps the estates in the north, and this man is landless. Before I left for Tours I sent him a letter suggesting that we meet and talk over the idea of a marriage. He was abroad at the time; I was not told where, but now I think I know. Well, I planned to proceed with the matter once I got home.” A pause. “You may have heard what has happened. A few days ago I got news that this man is already at Castle Rose, with some of his fighting men, and sees himself already – according to my servants – as lord of the estate.” Another pause. “And, though nothing yet has been settled, or even spoken of, counts himself as plighted and soon to be married to my daughter.”

“No!” It burst out, a violent protest. Alexander would have caught it back, but the duke merely cast him a swift, amused look.

“No. No indeed. Though he is distant kin of mine, his name is not one I would want my daughter to bear. You know it, I understand. Madoc of Bannog Dun.”

A gasp from Alexander. “The same?”

“The same.”

“Then that was the business that took him north from the Dark Tower?”

“Presumably. You told me that Madoc been sent north on some business of the queen’s, and Count Ferlas brought word back that he ‘was already in possession, and all was well’. That, I think, would be the marriage, and with it the disposition of Castle Rose.”

“And the queen’s interest in it? To have one of her people established there, in command of a stronghold, a central point in Rheged?”

“We can only guess at it. But I think we must suppose so.”

“And he’s there already, in possession! Tell me, sir, could Count Madoc hold your castle against you? Could he prevent your return?”

“That I doubt. He has only a few of his own men with him, and none of mine would help him against me. And as yet he has no idea that I know of his plans. He must still be expecting to be received as my daughter’s promised husband. But if he were to refuse to go when I bid him, and if he called his allies in – well, I am an old man, and ailing a little now, and I am afraid of what may happen to my people.”