"Fidach," Melcorka said flatly. "The Norse have overrun Alba. They have defeated the royal army and enslaved the king. They are burning and r****g their way across the country."
"So you don the blade of Calgacus and Kenneth, Arthur and Bridei to repel them." Ceridwen said. "Is that your destiny?"
"I cannot repel the Norse," Melcorka said, "I am only an island girl."
"So why are you going to Fidach?" Ceridwen was direct.
"To gather support," Melcorka said. "I am only a messenger."
"To gather support for whom?" Although Ceridwen"s voice was as gentle and precise as ever, her smile had vanished. "You said yourself that the Norse had enslaved the king. The over-king is with the Norse. To whom will the Picts of Fidach rally? For what cause will they fight?"
"For the freedom of Alba," Melc
