They began to walk down toward the settlement, where torches flared in the chill wind outside the hall.

“Uncle?”

“What is it, Nessa?”

“This ritual…I cannot tell you what it is, but it must be done there, in the women’s place. The voice I must summon is a very old one, a dark one; there is only one chamber where I might hear her, and that is not on the Whaleback. I must return there if you want your answers. I am safe. I travel under the protection of the ancestors.”

The king walked on in silence for a little.

“Only between tides, then, and you must take Kinart and another man with you, so they can watch both sides of the women’s place. I am uneasy, Nessa. I saw the look in that man’s eye. If he cannot have you by fair means, he will not hesitate to use foul.”

“It can’t be done by daylight, Uncle. I must be there overnight. Kinart can take me there and come back for me. I don’t want him to keep vigil in the dark.”

“I don’t like this. I should have seen this coming. I should have sent you away before winter.”

“I will go tomorrow and come back the next day. Uncle, I must ask you a question.”

Engus sighed and stopped walking. It seemed to Nessa her uncle’s broad shoulders were stooped, as if the weight of cares he bore were making him old before his time.

“You need not ask,” he said gravely. “I understand what is troubling you. Nessa, how can the Folk survive without a king? How can they cling to hope after so many losses, unless the royal line has an heir?”

Nessa found it difficult to speak. “How can they go on without a priestess of the mysteries?” she said tightly. “Without a wise woman, the Folk cannot hear the voice of the ancestors. Without that guidance, we would indeed lose our way.”

“A cruel choice,” Engus said. “But Rona still lives. And there are girls here who could learn. You could teach, and still bear a child for us. You are the last one, my dear.”

“Then why not marry me off to Somerled and have done with it?” Nessa could not restrain the bitter words. “That way at least a remnant of our people survives. Never mind my ten years of dedication and study, the calling of my heart and spirit. You heard his plan. My child would still be the next king of the Light Isles. Somerled’s child.”

Engus put his arm around her shoulders, a rare gesture, for he was not a man given to the open expression of affection.