‘The ways of the world are strange and unknowable, Thomas. But some things always remain true. A stone will fall in water. A flame will burn a tree. And one of those is that it can only be a Swinton who can defeat James. That is what he knows. That is why he keeps you close now that you are of age.’

‘You mean he doesn’t want me to take over from him?’

Rohenga clenched his teeth and sighed. ‘He wants to kill you.’

It had been a trap. The whole thing. He had been led here, by Zita, to his death.

‘You must go now. If you can do it, do it now. Go to the house. Find the Captive. Break James Swinton’s power. Break his power so that you survive. Break his power so that everything survives.’

The Samdhya shook their spears, making a low thudding sound as they pounded the soft ground.

‘You told me he was breaking things …’

‘He has some power we do not understand.’

‘How can I do this on my own? You won’t attack the house? You gave us three days. I thought you were working out how to defeat him.’

Rohenga smiled, showing white teeth and sharp canines. ‘You were right. We have found the Knot. But we will not use it.’

‘You made me think you might.’

‘It was a threat, to frighten James Swinton, to see if we could find a gap in his defences whilst he strengthened them.’

‘And did you?’

A look of dark sorrow came over Rohenga’s face. ‘We cannot. His power is too dark, too savage. The house is him, he is the house, he is the wards. His mind is vast and ancient and deep, and he has seen more than any man should see. But these are things for another time.’ He looked towards the house. ‘We also wished to test you. To see if you were of his kind.’

‘I’m not strong enough. I don’t know how to release the Captive.’

It was impossible. Everything was impossible. He felt the weight of expectation on him, almost alive, rising from the ranks of the Samdhya. He could hardly believe it. These dangerous, powerful creatures wanted him to help them.

‘You will find a way.’

‘That’s not enough – how can I find a way? I barely understand what I do when I make the wards.’

‘You must find a way. And then you must bring the Captive over the water.’

‘I have to bring her myself?’

‘A Samdhya can only cross the water if carried by a mortal.’

The two Samdhya guarding Tanenwod had released her, and now she stood, proud and tall. A second later, she vanished, and in her place was a hare, whiskers twitching, which, after a moment’s gleam of her eyes, bounded away.

‘Who is the Captive?’