I wanted to refuse, for the gifts of futuretellers always seemed to be freighted with unsettling meaning, but I unwrapped the smaller parcel to find a pair of beautifully made boots dyed a dark leaf green and reeking pleasantly if potently of the rich pungent oil Grufyyd created to waterproof cloth and fibre. A delicate leaf and flower pattern had been woven into the material but the soles were thick and well-ridged. I noticed there was a small sheath built into the lining of the boots, where a little knife fitted. Travelling boots like these would not be much use on the wet slippery deck of a ship, but no doubt they would serve in the Red Land. The second gift was a hooded travelling coat of densely woven grey cloth lined with a softer fabric, also pungent with recently applied waterproofing oil. Again it was too heavy for a journey on a ship and I did not see that it would be much use in the hot Red Land, but I thanked Maryon awkwardly.

The futureteller nodded composedly and said there were other gifts. ‘I will have Lief bring them to yer chamber when they are ready. An’ now there is another matter I wish to speak about. Since Dell has made it clear she will nowt return to Obernewtyn, I wish to elevate a senior novice to ward at the Choosing Ceremony during the moon fair.’

‘That seems reasonable. Just let Gevan know for the armbands,’ I said, wondering why she would mention the matter to me since it was completely within her province as guildmistress to make any futureteller appointment.

Maryon continued. ‘I would further ask that you would propose Dell be appointed mistress of Oldhaven at the next guildmerge. It is needful that her position be formalised.’ She dropped her eyes to her sewing for a moment to check her stitches.

I wondered what she had foreseen to prompt her to speak, but I merely said, ‘I will propose it, for Dell is the leader of the settlement in all but name.’ I drew myself up. ‘And now there is something I want to ask of you. I want you to scry for Maruman.’

The futureteller looked up without surprise. ‘I will try, but you know he is nowt the easiest beast to find if he dinna want to be found.’

‘I am worried about him,’ I admitted.

‘I ken it, but I think I would have seen if any harm had come to him. Yet as ye ask it, I will make the attempt. If I locate him, I will send word at once. There is something else?’

I nodded, suppressing a sigh. ‘There is. I need to borrow your guild’s dream-books. I have my guild sifting through all of the dream-books for information about the Red Land.’

Maryon nodded and promised to send it as soon as the latest entries were dry.