When Labraid's disguise falls away, so does my strange fascination. I feel betrayed at first, even if it was only by my own impulses and desires. The woman, Lasair, throws me a rueful glance that brings a deep blush to my face. Keu's mocking laughter makes it worse. Then Nion tells us its time to make our move - and Hadaig has already gone down to the bogside with the druid!

That can only mean one thing. The sacrifice is about to be done. And my Night Raven is there?

Lasair visibly tenses at the mention of Morann. Having heard her story, I can understand why.

We are all supposed to spread out at a distance from the bonfire, which is still merrily burning. When the Niafer war band arrives, we'll close the snare, according to Datho's plan. Surrounded, they will be easy prey for the combined armies of the Laigin renegades and the outlaws of Magh Croimor.

Nion waves his arms to hasten us on our way.

I stand still and breathe deeply, trying to shake off a smothering sense of doom. The smell of stagnant water and wet, rotting wood fills my head.

"Hadaig, my raven-wing love, wait for me!" I whisper to the stars as I rush towards the bog.