I noticed a small circlet of dark waxy leaves on the table. My heart began to pound at the sight of it and the piece of parchment lying under it, bearing Rushton’s distinctive script.

I drew the parchment out, and read the words scribed on it.

My love, you know already what I ask, seeing this handfasting wreath. If you would bond with me, wear this about your wrist at firstmeal today and let it be your answer to my eyes. I will commission the Twentyfamilies to make two metal bracelets that the ceremony might be performed while we are at sea. If you would refuse me, whether only for now or for some time to come, wear it not and I will never reproach you. You will ever be my ravek. Rushton.

I took up the little wreath. The leaves were damp, which meant Rushton had not brought them when he had come in and woken me. He must have picked the leaves and worked the garland in the last hour for them to be so fresh. He had obviously crept back to leave it so that I would find it when I woke. If only I had woken when he came in, I might have held him one last time! I felt the coercive net fraying under the solid weight of this new sorrow.

‘Would you fail at the first test, ElspethInnle?’ Maruman asked sternly.

It was as if he had poured ice water over me. I grimly strengthened the net I had woven to draw off sorrow and regret, and as my mind cooled, I understood that nothing would have been solved or salved if I had woken when Rushton came in with the wreath. Not one more embrace or twenty would have been enough to assuage my longing for him. Perhaps even an entire lifetime would not be enough.

I folded the parchment and slipped it into the waxed pocket in my vest and, after a moment’s hesitation, I carried the wreath to my bed and laid it in the dent in the pillow left by my head, praying that Rushton would find it and take it as a farewell, and a tender reminder of the night we had spent together.

Turning away, I stopped the water gourds and sealed them with wax before adding them and a number of other small things to the top section of the pack with the food packages. Then I laid a densely woven blanket over them, tucking it in and wishing I had a proper travel blanket with one side waxed. At least I had a good supply of food. I added a pair of sandals and a few toiletries in a small pouch, and then I tied the pack shut.

‘Do I have everything?’ I muttered.

‘The oldOnes said do not forget the stone key and the memory seed, ElspethInnle,’ Maruman sent.