Half-hidden among the trees stood a small, stone cottage, in some disrepair; there were slates missing from the roof and a steady trickle of rainwater fell from a hole in the little roof above the door, but the firelight coming from the window was warm and welcoming.

The door opened before Rawne could knock, and a tall man dressed in a darned woollen suit held up his candle, stepping aside at once to gesture the stranger inside.

"Come in," he urged. "Quickly, before the rain follows you."