... can there be in the whole green Erin???

I push away this pityful attempt at self-deceiving. One thing at a time, I tell myself to keep my nerve. Holly and Ruaidri. I must not worry for them: I believe they can look after themselves, as much as Summer Isle can. Conall... I am sure he will reappear, and I tell so to Briar. Wolves mate for life, I reason to myself, no matter what uncertainties the frailer, human part of him might feel.

The girl nods forlornly, and here is another thing I must take care of at once, with no thoughts for anything else. With the help of the woman we carry her to a quiet room and lay her on a soft pallet.

As Briar sleeps restfully, I close the door and sit down against it. It is my customary guarding position but I realize I am shaking. I try to release my pent-up breath silently, in wide-eyed gasps, and it takes a while until I am calm again.

What is Amlaidh doing here? And in peril of his life? I seem to vaguely recall something he said about leaving Inver Colpa in a less-than-peaceful manner because of Verica. I guess that now he is facing the consequences of his gesture. Yes, but... why did he leave Pictland instead of remaining there safely with his loved one? It seems he even got the Pictish tattoos... Why did he come back to risk his life here?

I am relieved to discover that it is the warrior in me talking, not the lovesick woman. Something has happened to a fellow traveller and warrior. We have always been looking out for each other; now I cannot leave Amlaidh to his fate. I do not know what I can do, but there is no way I can remain idle in this room. The fact that Summer Isle is his friend and is out there to help him makes me greatly hopeful: with a surge of enthusiasm I believe that between us two we can get Amlaidh out of trouble. And even if I had to watch him being executed... My heart sinks, but if a just law so states, my honourable duty would be to stand by and offer him the final comfort of a familiar face.

I set my jaw, my heart full of determination. I get up and silently leave the room, not before hanging my cloak on a peg. This way, if Briar wakes up, she will know I am coming back. From what I have see of this inn, she will be as safe here as we were at An Caidreamh Suiri.

Then I slip out into the village and look around...