"It is not so long," he says ruefully. "And I have a well known habit of disappearing into the world when I am needed."

Harry looks deeply unimpressed. "Shalt thou still claim thou'rt in Cheapside when thou'rt king?"

"I have no Northumbrian waste to vanish into when I may. If that is where you have been." Hal crooks an eyebrow. "How is your rebel father?"

"We're not here to talk of the earl," says Harry, gripping his hilt again.