He used so many words so quickly, it was hard for Sa-at to keep up. ‘But you said there were two.’

‘In the forest, yes,’ said Rochant, ‘but my enemies have many, many servants.’

‘Do you have servants, too?’

A strange expression crossed Rochant’s face, one Sa-at couldn’t name. It wasn’t really one thing nor the other, like a movement just beneath the water, a hint of an action rather than the action itself. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘Some of the greatest women and men of the land are loyal to me. Perhaps one day, you will meet them.’

‘I’d like that.’

‘I’m sure they would too.’

The conviction with which Rochant spoke lifted his heart. He had been so lonely for so long that the thought of meeting the greatest people in the land – and them liking him! – made him feel warm inside. Filled with new purpose, he started turning left, guiding the others with his arm so that they all faced the same direction. ‘This way.’

‘Listen,’ said Rochant. ‘If they catch us, then, if you are to keep your promise, you need to do something for me.’

‘What?’

‘Kill me. Preferably swiftly.’

Sa-at frowned. ‘Why?’

‘Because that will keep me safe from them. Do you understand?’

‘No.’

Rochant gave a little smile. ‘Will you do it anyway?’

‘Yes.’

He closed his eyes, though Sa-at couldn’t tell if it was from relief or fatigue. ‘Good.’

They completed the turn and left Sorn, crossing the unkempt grasses and moving into the trees, heading away from the Godroad.

Travelling quickly with the extra weight between them was hard work. Conversation soon became impossible, the two young men reduced to gasps and puffs. Crowflies kept its distance, flying above them or waiting in the higher branches. Sa-at could feel its eyes on him though, and knew it was troubled.

At last they came to an old oak tree. Despite the fact he’d been keeping an eye out for one like this, he had the odd sense that it had put itself in their path, finding them rather than being found. It towered over them like some moss bearded giant. Parts of its root network were exposed, as if it had recently moved, disturbing the surrounding earth. After lowering Rochant to the ground, Sa-at approached the tree. He took an instant dislike to the arrogant lean of its trunk but he knew they were running out of time and so tried his best to look friendly.

‘Hello,’ he said.

The tree gave no indication that it had heard but he was sure it was listening. ‘I ask that you shelter my two friends. In return, I will give you two locks of my hair.’ He took a handful of its sleek, black length and pressed it against the bark. ‘I will hang them from your mighty branches.’

The tree did not move.