‘No. We have our own history of exile, but for different reasons, and the preservation and support for rural life are part of the government’s remit. Land is owned locally and most Norwegians have a rural hut they use to get back to nature. So no abandoned villages like this one.’

They followed Blaze and the river down to the shore, where he began running about trying to pick up Seven’s scent again.

Looking eastward, Rhona searched for MacLeod’s Maidens, the group of rocks that rose like teeth out of the grey waves.

‘I think we’d have to be higher to see them,’ Alvis said, anticipating her search. ‘Maybe from Hoe Point.’ He pointed in the opposite direction.

To the west were the highest cliffs on Skye, more spectacular than the much-visited and photographed Kilt Rock. The entire coastline, Rhona knew, was dotted with arches, caves and hidden bays.

‘If you wanted to hide, you’re spoilt for choice in either direction,’ Alvis said, consulting the map. ‘But it would likely involve descending a cliff face or finding a gorge.’

‘She’s an experienced soldier, and the group apparently came here to climb. If she’s capable of climbing a mountain, then she’s likely capable of scaling cliffs.’

Rhona was watching the dog who, having scoured the foreshore, now seemed perplexed as to where his quarry had ventured next.

‘There’s no chance she may have taken to the water?’ Alvis offered.

Rhona was already contemplating this possibility, and if Blaze failed to pick up Seven’s scent again on land, that might well be their conclusion. Or – and this dark thought was growing – Seven hadn’t left by boat, but simply continued walking into the sea.

Rhona turned to find Alvis studying her.

‘Do you have any reason to think that Seven may have been suicidal?’ he asked as though reading her mind.

‘You said she and Private Galbraith had a special rapport. If Seven found out that he was dead,’ Rhona said, ‘might that be why she abandoned her camp, leaving everything behind including the mementos?’

‘You think this walk might be a suicide mission?’ Alvis said.

Rhona didn’t want to think that, but it couldn’t be ruled out. If Seven had found out that Private Galbraith was dead, and that had happened shortly after they’d met her, how would she have reacted? And how was she told? By mobile or a visit to the camp? Both of which could only have happened if the other soldiers already knew their fellow soldier was dead.

Rhona thought of McNab’s theory that Galbraith hadn’t fallen from An Dorus, but had died elsewhere. Was that even a possibility?

Eventually Rhona registered that Alvis was calling her name and, coming out of her reverie, heard the flurry of barks from Blaze. Having retraced their steps, the collie had now apparently picked up Seven’s scent again, and was heading for the Hoe.