"If we are to pursue these Caterans, we will need a boat," Melcorka said.
They sat on three-legged stools in the small chamber in the broch where Tuath lived with Igraine. The stone walls were decorated with green boughs and a simple tapestry showing an apple tree. Alva sat on the floor opposite, watching and freely offering her five-year-old wisdom where she thought it most needed.
"There are many boats on the island," Tuath said. "We can just take one – or, if you prefer, Hector will order the owner to give you one."
"I want my own boat," Melcorka said, "one that I can trust. One built by a master boat-builder."
"Finlay MacCodrum is the best builder in the island." Igraine was stout and cheerful, with the ubiquitous red thread around her finger and a necklace of red beads around her
