‘They’re nowt bairns anymore,’ Ceirwan said reflectively when the pair had been dismissed and we were crossing Obernewtyn to visit the Healing Hall.

‘It seems but a moment ago that we were children,’ I said.

The guilden frowned. ‘Ye sound a wee bit hoarse, Guildmistress.’

‘It was getting wet yesterday. It is nothing to be concerned about,’ I said dismissively. ‘I had a herb drink in my chamber just now.’

‘Like as nowt Roland’ll tell ye to gan to bed,’ Ceirwan predicted.

‘I might not need too much telling,’ I admitted, which caused the guilden to give me such a sharply speculative look that I wished I had kept quiet. But when he spoke again it was only to remind me that I would need to go and be fitted for the expedition at some point.

‘I have a new coat and boots already,’ I said. ‘Maryon presented me with them when I last visited her. In fact I wore them yesterday to ride down to see Iriny. Naturally they fit beautifully and were completely waterproof, though I doubt I will have much use for either aboard a ship or in the Red Land.’

‘Maryon must have seen somethin’ that made her give ye heavy clothes,’ Ceirwan said lightly, and I reflected that my successor was likely to have a good deal less difficulty in dealing with the Futuretellers than I had. He went on. ‘Did she ever say what you an’ Dragon were doin’ in th’ Red Land when she saw ye?’

I shrugged. ‘I didn’t think to ask that, but I will.’

‘What about Iriny?’ Ceirwan asked. There was curiosity in his voice, for I had not explained to him why I had wanted to see her.

‘I think she might be interested in the chieftain of Halfmoon Bay, but I forgot to tell her that he will be here for the moon fair. Fortunately she will remain in the highlands and her brother will be up any time so I will make a point of mentioning to him that she is camped in the White Valley.’

Ceirwan stopped suddenly and turned to face me. ‘Here, you have just reminded me! One of the jacks that just came mentioned ridin’ past a large troupe of Twentyfamilies gypsies headed up to th’ White Valley.’

‘They are to hold a ceremony there,’ I said. ‘That is why Darius came up.’