Somerled looked at them, and they fell silent at the implacable darkness of those eyes in the small, pale face.

“I said, I’ll go. I know the way. I think I can be relied upon to deliver a simple message about some cows.”

Ingi glanced at Eyvind, brows raised. “Better if you go, Eyvind,” she said. “It’s a long way and not an easy ride.”

“No,” said Somerled. “I will go. Eyvind will ride down to meet his brother. Should I take the black mare or the gray pony?”

“I don’t know if—” Ingi began, clearly taken aback. Her word was law throughout Hammarsby.

“Take the gray,” Eyvind said, “she’s more reliable. And go by the upper track, it’s quicker in dry weather.” He looked at his mother. “You can trust Somerled,” he added.

“What is this, a conspiracy?” Ingi glanced from one boy to the other, a little frown on her brow. “Very well then, off you go. Somerled, are you sure you know the cattle doctor’s house? You must cross right over to the southernmost grazing fields, and then—you do? Good. You can ride back with Snorri; you should be home in time for supper. And you,” she addressed her youngest son, “straight there and straight back, and be glad you have such a loyal friend.”

“I am,” Eyvind said, and winked at Somerled. Somerled’s blank expression did not change. He turned his back and went to fetch the pony’s blanket saddle. Eyvind rode off down the hill, eager for Wolfskin talk and Wolfskin news.

News there was plenty. Eirik and Hakon told some on the ride up the hill to Hammarsby, and more that evening over the fine supper Ingi’s household had prepared for them. Karl was there, and Snorri the cattle doctor, who had administered a dose to the breeding cows and pronounced himself satisfied with their general health. Somerled sat at table, neat and quiet, eating little, speaking little, listening, always listening. When he’d ridden in with Snorri, Eyvind had gone out to thank him, but Somerled had simply raised his brows and asked, “For what?” Sometimes there was no understanding the boy; his mind just didn’t seem to work like other people’s.