“My lord,” Tadhg replied calmly, “it was common knowledge among the Folk that you yourself were responsible for that deed.” A gasp went around the hall; hands moved to sword hilts, as if this small, mild man were more threatening than any monster in their midst. “It made sense. They knew their own kind had no part in it. King Engus conducted a most thorough investigation; even his closest comrades and kin were interrogated at length. Engus knew you to be both ambitious and ruthless. It was clear to him that you had set up the murder to win your brother’s position as leader here, and at the same time to incite your people to acts of violence against the Folk. I congratulate you. You succeeded on both counts.”

“Young man,” Olaf Sveinsson’s tone was incredulous, “have you no fear at all for your own safety? A fellow can’t simply walk into a king’s hall and call him some sort of—some sort of—”