I have to stop indulging with mead this way. This time the hangover weighs massively on my chest and forehead. I will not touch a bottle again, I swear.

I open my eyes, bracing myself to discover all the ways I have embarrassed myself. First I distinguish the worried face of a dark young man. Amleth, my comrade in arms, companion of so many voyages! I turn my head and a gigantic wolf licks my face affectionately. Well... I guess it is a good thing. Then I discover, kneeling at my feet, the face of a youth in a halo of flaming blond hair, and blazing eyes... My face breaks into a smile. “Thidrek!” I exclaim. “Child, I have been searching for you high and low!”

The lad falls back sitting on his heels, in shock. Behind him, that other crazy young man, the Saxon, is laughing and crying and shaking him. What is happening here?

As I push up on my elbows, Amleth lets out a relieved sigh. He gets up and turns to Thidrek with pure contempt in his sharp features. “I did it for him,” he says coldly, nodding at me. “Because he has been a worthy companion and a good friend. Not for you. And not to gain favour with you.”

He cleans his hands on the sides of his tunic, picks up his sword and sheathes it. “However, I think we can reach a gentlemen’s agreement. I still hate you, and I do not doubt I am requited – but I am tired of you hounding my steps, Thidrek. So. A father for a father. Is it enough? I will go my own way now, and will never come searching for you again. See that you extend to me the same courtesy.”

While I blink, confused, Amleth looks down to me and bows. “Fare thee well, Hildibrands,” he says in an entirely different tone of respect. “You will be always welcome at Ydalir, whatever you should need.”

Then he turns, sweeping his cloak over his shoulder, walks up the stairs brushing by a tall lady in armour who is staring at us wide-eyed, and is gone.

I look around at the bunch of two- and four-legged kids huddling around me.

”Will someone explain...?”