‘She was part of the spoils of war,’ said Asmidir, ‘and no, I do not lie awake at night and think of her. She was used. We are all used. She chose to kill herself. Her choice, Gifted One. But I have no time for these games, nor am I concerned about some whore in a prison cell. Do you know the name of the leader who is coming, or not?’
Gwalchmai swung round, his eyes bright and glittering. ‘Yes, I know. I have always known. From the night when the Gate was opened, when Taliesen came to me, and brought me the child to raise.’
‘And will you tell me?’ asked Asmidir, masking his impatience.
‘It is not a man.’
‘You make no sense, you drunken old fool. What is it then … a tree? A horse?’
‘Are you so stupid that you cannot understand what has been said here?’ asked Gwalchmai. ‘Where are we, for God’s sake? Can you not concentrate that fine mind for a moment?’
Asmidir sat back and took a deep breath. ‘Humour me,’ he said at last. ‘Perhaps my mind is not as fine as you imagine.’ But the old man said nothing and Asmidir took a deep breath. ‘Very well, I will play this game. Where are we, you asked? We are in the Highlands, in the cabin of Sigarni the Huntress. And we have been talking about a woman in a cell…” He sat bolt upright. ‘Sweet Heaven, Sigarni is in the cell?’
‘Sigarni is in the cell,’ echoed Gwalchmai, tossing a fresh log to the flames.
‘Why?’
‘The Baron desired her hawk. She refused to sell it. In the argument that followed the hawk tore out the Baron’s left eye. Sigarni was dragged away.’
‘But she lives. They have not killed her?’
‘No, they have not killed her. But they are giving her scars she will carry all her life, and her pain will be visited a thousand times upon their countrymen.’
‘What can I do? Tell me!’ .
‘You can wait here, with me. All your questions will be answered, Asmidir. Every one.’
Will Stamper sat in the Blue Duck tavern staring into the tankard. It was the fifth jug of ale he had consumed, and it could not deaden the shame he felt. Relph pushed through the crowd and sat opposite him, a bright smile on his face.
‘Looks like I don’t owe you that five coppers any more, eh? Told you I’d spear her by midnight.’
‘Shut up, for God’s sake!’
‘What’s wrong with you, Will? It were great, weren’t it? Nothing like it! And you had your share.’ He chuckled. ‘And the captain. Humping like a little bunny. Nice to know the nobles get boils on their arses, isn’t it?’
Will lifted the tankard and half drained it. The ale was strong, and he felt his head swimming. ‘I’ve never done that before,’ he said. ‘Never will again. I’m not going to wait for the summer. I’m going south tomorrow. I’m finished here. Wish I’d never come.’
‘You’ve got blood on your hand,’ said Relph. ‘Did she bite you?”
Will jerked and rubbed the dried blood on to his leather leggings. ‘No. It’s not my blood.’ He bit his lip and looked away, but Relph saw the tears spilling to his cheeks.
‘What’s got into you? Is it the boy? He’ll get over the whoop, Will. I’m sure he will. Come on, mate, this isn’t like you at all. Here, let me get you another drink.’ Relph stood, but Will reached out and took hold of his arm.
‘It doesn’t bother you, does it? She was screaming. She was cut, bitten, thrashed. It doesn’t bother you?’
‘It didn’t bother you at the time, either. And no, why should it worry me? Worse’ll happen to her tomorrow. At least she went out with a good rut, eh? Anyway, the captain told us to. So why not? God’s teeth, Will, she’s only a whore. Whores were made for sport.’
Will released his hold and Relph moved back into the crowd. He gazed around him through bleary eyes, listening to the laughter of the revellers, and thought of Betsi; picturing her in that cell. Relph returned with two tankards. ‘Here, get that down you, mate. You’ll feel better. There’s a dice game back at the barracks at midnight. You fancy a bet?’