Instead of looking reassured, his expression sobered. ‘Roland said you had been there earlier in the day.’ He hesitated, and said, ‘I did not mean to wake you just now. I brought up a tray of travel food Javo wants you to try. Late as it is the kitchen is as crowded with people as if it were midday and the halls seem to be thronged with visitors being shown about.’

‘He already sent up a whole tray,’ I protested.

Rushton shrugged. ‘For some reason Christa suggested that you sample all of the different things being prepared for the expedition to the Red Land, and you know how people take the merest suggestion from a futureteller as if it were a command from the high chieftain. I offered to bring this latest sample because I wanted to make sure you were not fevered. Then you cried out …’

‘A nightmare,’ I said dismissively. ‘You rescued me from it. Do you want me to get up?’

‘No. Sleep again, for in truth you do not look much rested despite all the sleep you have had. I only wish I could stay with you, but I have yet to deal with a dispute between two stallholders who want the same position and then Gevan wants me to approve those he has chosen to send down to Saithwold on darkmoon eve, to wait for Dardelan and take part in his sortie in Sawlney. I suppose you know about Reuvan’s messages?’

I nodded. ‘Zarak told Ceirwan and he told me before I slept. The best of it is that Dameon is on his way back.’

Rushton nodded. ‘My thought exactly, for I have sore need of him. It is a pity Dragon is not with him, but I am sure we will find her in time. How else should Maryon and Dell see her in the Red Land, if she is not to travel there with us? Oh, and Brydda just got back with Louis.’

‘Has Enoch agreed to come up for the moon fair with your halfbrother?’ I asked.

‘I don’t know. Linnet just told me Brydda had arrived as I was on my way here. I am going to see him after I leave you. I had Linnet go and meet him.’ Rushton ran a hand through his hair. ‘I begin to wonder at the wisdom of insisting that the moon fair take place as planned, when so much else is happening. It is still two days to darkmoon and Obernewtyn is already bursting at the seams, though fortunately most of the visitors will be sleeping in wagons or in tents. I can hardly believe that in less than a sevenday we will be headed for Sutrium to take ship for the Red Land.’ He sighed. ‘Coerce me when you wake in the morning, my love, no matter how early. We might snatch an hour or two before the day begins.’