Updated 7/14/24

Part 7

Chapter 40

Blackhawk

Blackhawk and his friend were still in the guard’s room, having kicked everyone else out. He had exchanged everything he knew, or had heard about, Parynna’s attackers. Including the sighting of them near Fairness Crossing some moons back. And that several fellow officers had followed up leads, all without success.
“There is one thing,’ the Captain of the Guard lowered his voice to a whisper, even though they were alone, “although I would not say it to any other.”
“What?”
“Parynna was not well-liked before…”
Blackhawk nodded, acknowledging the other man referring to her being attacked.
“She was always selfish, self-centered and harsh towards the servants. She has been much worse since her return. Very much worse. No one wants to get on her bad side.”
“Could she still be recovering?”
“Some attribute the change to that, but fewer every day. You can see it in the eyes of the servants closest to her. None gossip anymore. None smile except upon the rarest occasions. She had one girl whipped for stealing.”
“A fitting punishment,” Blackhawk remarked but, once again, his instinctive dislike of her and the way she reminded him of Caileagh were back.
“If anything had been stolen, yes. Nothing was. I have that on very good authority. The girl tried to sneak out of the castle, to find employment anywhere else. Instead, she was scarred for life when the man delivering the punishment, uh, slipped. He slashed open her face.”
“That is…”
“If you are going to ask if I am sure, Steven. I am. What happened to the girl afterwards was worse. I’ll not speak of that. When we reported finding the servant’s dead body, Parynna almost smiled.”
Blackhawk gulped. “How would the lady in question react to being embarrassed in public? Before witnesses.”
“Who?”
“It was just a—”
“It was not, Steven. I’ve already heard that a visiting dowager invoked Gregory Locke’s name. There is no more vile sin to… the lady in question. Do you know which dowager? It’s important.” The Captain of the Guard’s voice dropped lower. “She will seek revenge. She could never cope with being slighted. And that was before…”
Blackhawk tried to think back. “I did not hear her family’s name, but she made a fuss upon arriving. Something about her family and the Caswells not interacting for a long time? Millsa? Mallya? Mellya? I did not hear it clearly.”
“Lady Millya Shussel,” the Captain of the Guard stated with a grimace. “Of all the people to run afoul of Parynna. This is going to be a disaster. She’s… no, that does not matter. What’s important is that dowager needs to get out of Caswell as quickly as possible. She’s here as the personal guest of Drake Caswell. If Parynna goes after her…”
Blackhawk stood. He had to get back out in public and be seen. “Can you warn her?”
“I don’t dare. The only thing worse than being perceived as an enemy of Parynna, would be getting stuck between her and her husband. That’s before considering my role as Drake’s advisor would evaporate like morning dew if I did anything.”
“Can I help?”
“Get her out of Caswell. How…?” His friend stoked his beard, deep in thought. “I know. Go to the Herald’s Station, ask for Old Jock. He owes me several favors. Inform him that I’m too busy to collect the message for Lady Styles, and have asked you to deliver it for me. Say it exactly like that. Take what he gives you, deliver it to the lady, then guide her toward the stables near the south road. You cannot miss them. They’re across from the Herald’s Station. Horses and a carriage will be waiting.”
“I can do that.” But Blackhawk hesitated before leaving, seeing the expression on his friend’s face. “What? What have you left out?”
“Drake has seated her at one of the high tables, where everyone can see her.”
“That is going to make things awkward.”

Chapter 41

Shadaya

Caswell Castle
Shadaya absentmindedly pushed her hair behind her ear as she often had when it was still long. She made her way quickly through the crowd, seeking her grandmother, who had once been the Drake’s nanny, and he still doted on her. This irked his wife, Parynna, who made the aging servant’s life difficult, as revenge.
Slipping through a corridor near the kitchens, Shadaya found her grandmother shelling peas. With an imperious look, she announced so the kitchen help would hear, “My lady has need of you.” Then she drew the old woman to her feet and out of sight. “We have a chance! Lady Parynna has taken great affront to some dowager. If I can dig up something, anything sufficient to blacken the dowager’s name, we can be free of this place.”
“Shadaya, you cannot trust her. Whatever she’s promised, she’ll twist. Let one of the others ‘win’ this competition.”
“One of…how did you know that Lady Parynna gave the task to three of us?”
“It’s her way to pit you against each other. To get you to act without thinking. What has she promised?”
“A husband, money, and choice of assignment—”
“Within Caswell, no doubt. The winner won’t escape Lady Parynna’s clutches. She never lets go. Once she has you in her claws, the only release is death.”
“She also promised freedom and one thousand baden. Enough we could—”
“You mean enough to pay the assassin she’d send after us.”
“She…wouldn’t…”
“Besides she will never let me go. Shadaya, how can you still be so naïve? You’re a good girl, but far too gullible. Still, perhaps there is a way out. Who is the countess’ latest prey?”
“Lady Shussel. She’s a distant relative who arrived only hours ago. No one seems to know much about her. Apparently, a Caswell married into their line a generation or two back.”
“Do as I say, and things will be alright.”
“Yes, Grandma.” Shadaya wondered what she knew.
“The first thing you need to do is…”

Chapter 42

Rebekah

Being seated at one of the high tables was something Rebekah had not expected. She had intended to slip away before the feast began. However, Drake sought her out and escorted her to a far too prominent—and visible—location, sitting only one tier below the bride, groom, and their hosts.
To her left was one of the gossipy dowagers she’d sat with during the wedding. While on her right was the disguised James of the Wood. Rather than his usual rough leathers and visible weapons, he was adorned with a silk scarf, satin tunic, and an embroidered jacket with pearl buttons. Most interesting was the smooth hair and shaved face. He had been trying to grow a beard. She smiled at him.
What are you doing here? Blast, I don’t even know what name you’re using. My maid was driven off before she could learn even that.
“Lady Shussel,” James rose to his feet and bowed, “it was not my intention to impose on you this momentous day. The earl’s servant thought it fitting. Therefore, please accept the apologies of a mere merchant. I, Albertus Bekh, do humbly beg your pardon.” He ended with another bow.
Rebekah forced herself not to react to James of the Wood using the name Bekh. “Given that the situation was not of your making, I accept your offered apology. This time. There is a matter I wish to discuss with you later. In private. Regarding dealings that I’ve had with your father, Tommas.”

Chapter 43

The Spy

The spy ambled awkwardly down a passage used only by servants. There were many extra servants for this occasion. During the wedding ceremony, he’d posed as an ancient, bent-over dodderer who’d leaned against a wall, guarding an open doorway. It had allowed him to surveil all those present and mark some people for closer inspection.
He had not come alone. This assignment was far too important. He’d drawn in all his own people and every independent he could safely hire to act as additional eyes and ears. Paying his people extra, plus a bonus for every viable lead, would motivate them. As for the outside hires, he’d never pay them the baden he’d promised. The dead have no need for money.
His biggest problem was not finding subjects to investigate, but the sheer number of them, starting with Lady Parynna. He’d been watching her for some time. She was a woman who’d benefit from experiencing a little terror. Then again, whatever game their hostess, the Countess of Caswell, was playing, it might aid him. Perhaps she would flush out his prey.
Slipping into a dark passage leading to a storage room, he shed his servant disguise and emerged as a man of quality, a baron from the farthest edge of the Sea of Glass.

Chapter 44 - 160

James

James of the Wood paused, trying to work out how this woman knew Tommas Bekh. “My father has arrangements with a great many people, Lady Shussel. I regret I’m not aware of your transactions.”
“That’s not a problem. This will be a new, urgent commission. I will pay handsomely, within reason, to have your sole attention for a time. You can make commitments on his behalf, can’t you?”
“Within certain limits, I am completely at your disposal. If your generosity equals what it has in the past, there is no limit as to what we can do for you.”
“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear,” Lady Shussel said.
James wished he understood what he’d just committed to. Her wry smile made him nervous. However, he had to go along while playing this ridiculous role.
I thought it a great idea to pose as Tommas Bekh’s son because Drake doesn’t know him. I didn’t think about his guests.

Chapter 45

Shadaya

Shadaya, the bold servant girl, huffed, wondering now why she’d done as her grandmother had bid her. She’d asked Rhini, another of the short-haired maids, to work with her. That way, they could  each get close, in turn, and one of them would always be within earshot. Rhini had agreed.
Shadaya had taken the first pass and overheard what sounded like Lady Shussel arranging for the services of a paramour. But when Shadaya informed Rhini of what she’d heard, Rhini pushed her into the cellar and locked her in.
Grandma arrived only moments later, but Shadaya stamped her foot and sputtered, “Why did you have me do that? Now, Rhini will claim the prize.”
“Good, child. This is better than I’d hoped. Brush out your skirts. Now, tell me what you heard.”

Chapter 46 - rework

Blackhawk

As Blackhawk walked back from the Herald’s Station, he ruminated on the value of doing good deeds. Of all the idiotic things he’d done in his life, including saving Little Soldier, this could be the most asinine.
He was going to save a woman he did not know, from someone else he did not know, because the second woman reminded him of Caileagh.
Yet, his friend had rarely been wrong about people. And if Parynna was taking her ill humor out on servants, it would not be too long until more started dying. And such wanton cruelty irked him. It grated at his soul, remembering being helpless to say ‘no’ to Gaelib, being all too aware that – directly or indirectly – doing so could cost his life.
So, he strode on.
Detouring through the kitchens, his way was blocked by maids, pages, and all manner of servants. Many of whom belonged to visiting nobles, merchants and wealthy land owners.
At one point, he lent against a wall beside a hooded mercenary. Neither said a word, as they stayed out of the way of passing traffic. When a gap came, they almost collided as they were headed in different directions.
Yet, watching the crowd had given Blackhawk an idea. “Shussel, I seek the servants of Lady Shussel,” he bellowed. “There is an urgent message for her.”
After the third time he’d yelled out, a maid approached. “What message does an officer of the King’s Guard have for my mistress, Lady Shussel?”
“The herald is overwhelmed. I was asked to pass this on.’ He tapped the rolled-up parchment, which he knew was blank. “However, I have not been introduced to her and have no intention of roaring out her name to seek her out. Therefore, you shall point her out to me.”
“Allow me. It is not fitting for a high-ranking officer to act as a messenger.”
Blackhawk cursed himself. That was all too reasonable a request. Insisting on delivering it would only make his actions more suspect, and thus memorable. “That is a sensible solution. Yet, there was a verbal component to the message. Where can I find quill and ink to write it down for your mistress?”
“I could—”
“The matter is sensitive. It was not included on the scroll to keep it safe. Walking out there and announcing it before all and sundry could imperil your mistress. Can you read?”
“I… no, sir. I cannot.”
“Can your mistress?” Blackhawk barked.
“Of course,” the maid responded indignantly.
“Then the safest way to get this to your mistress is for me to add to this scroll. Again, where can I find ink and quill?”
The maid led him to an office containing the supplies he needed.
Unrolling the parchment only enough so he could write on it, and so the maid could not see it was blank, he scrawled:

Leave Caswell. Lady Parynna seeks to do you harm.
Invoking Gregory Locke has earned her ire.
Horses and a carriage await you in the stables opposite the herald’s station on the south road.
A well-wisher.

Blowing on it to dry the ink, he rerolled it and handed it to the maid, then prayed he had not done something suicidal.

Chapter 47

Jonathan

Jonathan found himself—still hooded—walking amongst the servants of the visitors. Watching them posture and compete, depending upon who their masters and mistresses were, would have been humorous if he was not afraid of being discovered.
[@@@insert encounter w/BH]
There had been no time to discuss the matter. When the maid limited James to one bodyguard, he had ordered Jonathan to the kitchens, from where Jon could slip away as if carrying out a task for his employer.
As a mere mercenary, every retainer thought themselves better than him. That suited Jonathan.
Cooks screamed at everyone to keep out of their paths. Maids, squires, and other servants pushed through anyway. More than once being splattered by hissing meat on spits only to yell out their own curses.
Dodging yet another such yelling match between servant and cook, Jonathan stepped aside only to find himself standing beside a captain of the royal guard. He nodded. The other nodded back. Then there was an opening in the throng. The two men nearly collided as they headed in opposite directions.
The soldier bulled his way past, Jon giving way.
 He had almost worked his way to an exit when an old woman beckoned to him from a dark passageway.
“I must talk to you,” the woman whispered. “Your master is in danger.”
Jonathan turned away from her, but eased closer.
Then the woman continued, “Lady Parynna believes he’s a provider of carnal pleasure. She intends to ruin him, blackmail him, or worse. If you have any loyalty to your employer, you must warn him. And leave immediately.”
Jonathan almost laughed. Considering all the things James could be accused of, peddling flesh was beyond ridiculous. There must be a mistake. Yet that would not stop the young man from being harmed. “What do you seek in return for this warning?”
“I…we, my granddaughter and I, would leave Caswell, but cannot without Lady Parynna’s blessing. Get us out. That’s all we ask.”
“I cannot make promises on my employer’s behalf. But I will do what I can. Do you wish to accompany me or—”
“We cannot. If seen with you, it will bring down the lady’s wrath. Is there somewhere we can meet you?”
“Go to the stables on the south road.”
As he strode away, the old woman whispered again, “Thank you, sir. Thank you.”

Chapter 48

James

James stared at the silverware, three forks, two spoons, and two knives. Too many choices. Copying the man across the wide table, he fumbled with the most outside fork and stabbed the green lettuce before him. He’d just relaxed a bit when the plate was removed. A bowl was placed before him. He looked at it and sneaked a glance at the man who easily scooped up a spoon. Seeing the pattern, he set into the soup. He wouldn’t be fed like this again any time soon.
The table conversation fulfilled all that James dreaded. Although he had little experience with gossip, careful slights, and small talk, those annoyed him. Yet, almost worse, was the growing feeling that he recognized Lady Shussel’s voice. He forced a smile as she and the other ladies prattled about daily life. It was maddening.
Then his eyes widened as he gasped.
For the third time, she mentioned his “father,” Tommas Bekh. It was the way she emphasized the name.
James snatched up a napkin and used it to wipe his mouth clean of the juices that threatened to stain his tunic. Or so he hoped anyone watching would interpret his actions. He did so to hide his grin.
She’s Tommas Bekh!
A revelation that raised more questions than it answered. He … or she…could impersonate an influential merchant and a dowager with equal believability. And he wasn’t going to get any answers while at table.
The dowager, Bekh, leaned close to James to whispered, “While I’m thinking of it, you must not mention the commission, or who it came from. Not to anyone. Ever. It would cause all sorts of problems. Worse, it would spoil a very special surprise for Melazera, who tends to react ever so poorly when disappointed.”
James was even more confused, but he nodded in agreement.
“Is anything wrong?” she asked with a too-knowing smile.
She’s enjoying this.

Chapter 49

Rebekah

Rebekah had wondered how many clues she’d have to drop when the light of understanding finally flashed in James’ eyes. She hoped no one else had witnessed it. Or, worse, misinterpreted it. Otherwise, one might think she’d indecently propositioned him, as the dowager seated on her other side had hinted at doing.
“I…no, just eating too fast,” he said as a servant delivered a small, rolled parchment. “However,” he flashed a dazzling smile, “I’ve just been informed of a matter that I must attend to. After which, I must depart immediately. Therefore, would you walk me out?”
He stood and helped her from her chair.
Drake cast an annoyed glance at them.
“I’ll be right back, my Lord,” she said with a curtsey. Drake gave a nod and turned away.
The bodyguard followed.
Once they were beyond the feasting commoners, and walking toward the stables, the second bodyguard took his place behind them.
Rebekah whispered, “What’s going on?”
James leaned close and winced. “I have somehow offended our hostess, Lady Parynna.” They continued to stroll, the two bodyguards following close behind. “She intends to frame me for unseemly behavior, then blackmail or defame me. As I’ll never again pretend to be Albertus Bekh, it’ll cause me no trouble. If I leave immediately. The same may not be true, however, for Tommas Bekh, my ‘father.’” He grinned.
“How do you know of this scheme?”
“A servant told my bodyguard that Lady Parynna thinks me a flesh peddler. And that you are my latest customer. Thus, ensnaring you as well. We must both flee.”
“Thank you for the warning. If there’s anything I can do…”

Chapter 50a

Blackhawk

Blackhawk had followed the maid far enough to ensure the message was delivered. Only to see her duck into an alcove, open the scroll, and read it.
The girl frowned, beckoning to a minstrel, whom she spoke to, her face getting longer.
Within minutes, four more musicians arrived, their faces scrunched up. Removing their colorful outer garb, they became unremarkable, able to blend in with the crowd.
The maid nodded to her companions, who moved into flanking positions, as if they were hunting someone.
Blackhawk considered intercepting one, to obtain answers. They were already too spread out. At best, he’d catch two, leaving three free to cause mischief, plus the maid.
Through the crowd, he spied his sergeant. Using the call of a northern bird, he attracted the soldier’s attention, without giving himself away to the five thugs. As the man reached him, the maid walked out into the open, toward the dowager Blackhawk remembered.
However, before the servant reached her mistress, the merchant seated beside her stood. Then, he helped Lady Shussel to her feet. Then both walked off into the distance.
The maid turned, shrugged at no one, then trailed behind her mistress.
The five thugs edged their way around the feast’s high tables.
Blackhawk instructed his sergeant, “Find a few soldiers and meet me on the south road. Something odd is going on. I intend to find out what.”
He had then walked out amongst the high tables, saying a few words to this person and that, ending with Drake and the newly married couple. Refusing a seat at the table, Steven then headed for the south road, hoping his quarry had not got away.
Reaching the road, he found the sergeant and a dozen men, who fell in with him as he strode down the street. He spotted Lady Shussel heading toward the stables where the horses and carriage were waiting. He had to be quick to ensure Parynna’s thugs did not apprehend her.

Chapter 50

Jonathan

Her voice cut through Jonathan. “…anything I can do…” His breath caught. They were the first words the dowager uttered clearly, and they could only belong to Rebekah.
He stared, marveling at her disguise. Although it had been many years since he had seen her up close. This old woman bore no resemblance to his wife. Except her eyes.
Jonathan shook himself back to the current predicament. He evaluated each person they passed. They must keep a leisurely pace toward the stables and the gate.
He followed them closely.
James spoke quietly to Rebekah, “I must help the servant and her granddaughter get out of Caswell Castle. Lady Parynna is forcing them to stay. Without her warning we would have been easily surrounded. I’ve only horses for my bodyguards and myself. Riding double would slow us down, not to mention draw attention.”
“Leave them to me,” Rebekah said. “I have resources nearby.”
Jonathan smiled. You are amazing, dear wife.
Then James strolled on with Rebekah on his arm.
Jonathan noted a commotion behind them. A group of soldiers was assembling.
He whispered to James, “We’ve been noticed.”
Jonathan continued to scan the area. An officer joined the group, which formed up and marched toward them.
Jonathan whispered, “they’re coming fast.”

Chapter 51

Rebekah

Arm-in-arm with James, whose pace quickened, Rebekah approached the stables south of the castle. As the first bodyguard opened the door for them, the other murmured from behind…
“Grio, kvenna astri. Sok met fjellet.”
It was perfect Mestelin for “Peace, beautiful wife. Seek me in the mountain.”
She stifled a gasp, overcome and blinking away tears. Her heart clenched. She yearned to turn around, to hold him. Yet couldn’t. They were being pursued. She couldn’t let anyone know she was his wife, not even James. There was too much at stake.
People stopped and stared at the armed men striding their way.
She must not be seen addressing Albertus Bekh’s bodyguard. She could, however, speak to James. “I am so happy to have seen you, to know you are well. We will meet again.”
“Hurry,” James said, as the soldiers picked up speed.
Two women cowered in the shadows of the stable.
Jonathan stepped forward. “This is my employer,” he said pointing.
James nodded toward Rebekah. “This is the lady who will get you safely out of Caswell. Do exactly as she says.”
They looked uncertain for a moment.
Rebekah motioned the serving women toward the stable’s rear door. “Come with me.”
Jon, James, and the other bodyguard donned hooded cloaks bearing the green dragon sigil and mounted. Then they rode casually into the street. Her breath caught as she stifled a sob.
Jon, that scraggly beard. You are well and as strong as ever. Oh, how I miss you.
But before Rebekah could exit the stables, a captain from the Royal Guard entered. With horror, she recognized him. It was Blackhawk, the boy-soldier who’d kidnapped her daughter.
Her hand slid towards a hidden knife.
“M’lady, I am so glad to find you safe and well,” he began, bowing.
Standing still, Rebekah could not believe what she was hearing.
“Thugs have been following you, plus a maid who may – or may not – be in your employ. If she is, she has sold you out.” He lowered his voice. “Lady Parynna has taken great offence at your comments regarding Gregory Locke. I do not know if she intends you physical harm, or merely to damage your reputation, but you must leave Caswell. Now.”
Rebekah took in the man before her. He was enormous. His arms were like those of a blacksmith. And then it hit her. This was the captain who had entertained the dowagers, making them titter and blush like schoolgirls. This was the man who had been beside Parynna when she had turned back, scowling after Rebekah’s comment about having Gregory send a protocol tutor.
She did not trust her voice, so nodded.
“Stable hands,” Blackhawk’s voice lashed out like a whip. “Why are you standing there idly when Lady Styles requires her carriage. Move!” Lowering his voice to a civil tone, he then asked her, “Are these two,” he pointed to the maid and her grandmother, “with you?”
“They are,” she got out.
“If there are any others, you must not wait for them. Leave. Now. For your sake, as well as mine, Lady Styles.”
Rebekah did not understand what was happening, or why. Yet, the boy-soldier, the one who had kidnapped her daughter, was risking his life to save her.
“The south gate has been instructed to let you pass. They are aware that Lady Styles received word of her eldest son taking a bad fall from a horse. Thus, she needs to be on her way without delay.”
“Thank you,” Rebekah replied as she got into the carriage. To her great surprise, she meant it.

Chapter 52

Gaelib

@@@Gaelib stalked amongst black-robed acolytes as they pored over books and parchments from the royal library. There was a steady stream of them bringing new scrolls and returning others. He had charged them a moon ago with delivering any information he might leverage, especially if it related to the rebel knight, Jonathan Otual. But they have found nothing of use.
He was already in a black mood. King Edal had, again, persuaded his nobles to prevent one of Gaelib’s subtle changes in protocol.
Caileagh pranced up and grabbed Gaelib’s arm. “Come my love.” She drew him into an alcove and whispered softly, “I have seen a vision and heard from my spirits. It is time.”
His eyes bore into her. “Time? Are you sure?”
“Yes, I confirmed it, with blood and bones. The stars will align on the night before the hunt. It must be done when the sun is high on the first day.”
He could not hide his excitement. He pulled her close and kissed her. “I thought the day would never come.” Holding her face in his hands, he said, “I love you. What did I do to deserve you?”
He twirled her around and she giggled. He kissed her and said, “Send instructions to your acolytes to make the necessary sacrifices. I will inform my man.” He watched her saunter away.
Sagen will be an easier king to bend.
He noticed a merchant bow to Caileagh as she passed. His cap matched a high-collared navy jacket. With a nod to his guards, he indicated the man should remain.
Devoted to Gaelib, one of their first acolytes, the individual was an exemplary spy who’d supplied useful information on multiple occasions. To arrive openly was unusual. He must possess something truly special.
“Approach,” Gaelib commanded, pointing him to a private room.
“My lord.” The man went down on one knee with his head bowed. “Within a moon, the son of the man you seek above all others will marry. The Earl of Caswell is hosting the ceremony.”
“That is…interesting,” Gaelib said, outwardly calm.
Drake, you traitor, you know I seek Jonathan. Why did you not inform me? If not for your wife’s relationship with Caileagh, I would smite you now. Perhaps I should pay closer attention to what happens in your domain.
“Do you have instructions for me, my lord?”
“I want Otual’s son under continuous surveillance. Should the father approach his son, your spies are to track that knight and send word to me.”
Let’s see you evade me now, Jon.

Chapter 53

Jonathan

Jonathan rode in silence, pleased to know that Rebekah was still alive. But what was she doing impersonating a dowager noblewoman? Drake must have helped her. He glanced at the lad riding beside him.
Once they were well away from Caswell Castle, he could wait no longer. “James, do you know that woman?”
“Which one?”
“The old one you sat at table with.”
“Oh, I just met her. She knows Tommas Bekh, the other friend to us that I mentioned before.” He chuckled. “I guess I shouldn’t have used the name Albertus Bekh.”
Jonathan hid his disappointment behind a laugh and they rode on without another word. He pondered the strange circumstance, praying to see her again. Entering the woods, he removed the Lorness cloak and gave it to James, who stuffed both in a leather pouch. When they came to a fork in the road, he canted his head to James. “Thank you for allowing me to see my son’s wedding. I think it best we separate now. Godspeed to you.”
As soon as James returned the nod, Jonathan galloped off on the westward trail toward Mestelina.

Chapter 54

Spy

Outside Caswell Castle
The girl, Rhin-something, was pretty and had carried a purse full of baden and a sealed letter from Parynna Caswell. The spy easily extracted information from her. He took pride in his work, delighting in the suffering of another as he encouraged them to speak. Thus, for it to end so soon was a disappointment.
He knew all of Earl Gaelib Melazera’s allies. And Parynna Caswell wasn’t one of them. That the letter was for Caileagh, the earl’s wife, was of no consequence. He served the earl alone.
But the letter contained an intriguing idea: Follow and, at an opportune moment, kidnap the knight’s daughter-in-law. That would off-balance the boy and, with luck, lead to the father.
Even if none of that happened, the spy knew that merely possessing someone close to Otual would bring his patron exquisite pleasure.
He smiled.
And perhaps generosity toward me.