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of
what has happened here.”
    I shook my head. “Don’t tell Verdon.” Seeing
the doubt in Hirion’s eyes, I caught his arm, intent on making him
listen. “Please, Hirion, don’t tell my brother. Silvanticus needs
to be informed first.”
    Suddenly light-headed, I closed my eyes.
    “Nay!” Hirion grasped my shoulders tightly.
“No fainting. Sit.”
    I obeyed.
    “I will wait until late morning to enlighten
Verdon, though I do not promise he won’t learn of it by other
means. Now, let me fetch Ealdine and some men to dispose of this …”
He grimaced. “… refuse.”
    He left.
    I rested my head on my pillow while I waited.
Silvanticus and Bryn would return. They knew how to deal with
Verdon.
     
    ------
     
     

Chapter Five
     
    “Get up.”
    Propelled to wakefulness by a flare of pain
in my side, I opened my eyes to an unfamiliar face leering down at
me. I blinked up at him in the early dawn light.
    “Move.”
    His foot swung to kick me again, but I
scrambled away, clutching bedding to my chest as I backed against
the wall.
    “Who are you?” I demanded with all the
dignity I could summon wearing a blood-stained smock.
    “Your keeper. Now dress, Lord Ravenridge
awaits.”
    “Where is Ealdine?”
    “Not to be found.”
    “I must speak with Sir Hirion.”
    “Gone, disappeared this morn. He will be
found and brought forward. He will pay for his treachery, be
sure.”
    I peered up at the man. “Treachery?”
    “You shall find out soon enough. Now dress or
I shall dress you.” The lecherous look in his glance made me long
for a scalding bath.
    “Nay. I am capable.” I glanced about before
spotting my kirtle and dress from the previous day. Rising to fetch
them, I encountered my guard’s interested gaze. “Turn your
back.”
    He scoffed and complied. I dressed cautiously
with my back to him, not allowing a bit of skin to show should he
turn about to watch. Taking as much time as possible, I braided my
hair into a single rope down the center of my back. Finally pulling
on my slippers, I was ready to face my fate.
    When we emerged into the courtyard to cross
to the keep, I gazed up. The sky, streaked with thin cloud trails,
stretched cold and pale above. Taking a steady breath, I prepared
to meet my brother.
    “Move on.” My keeper prodded me with a stick
like an animal.
    The stable master and his boy looked up from
watering the horses. For the boy’s sake, I chose to not make a
scene. Life in service was going to be difficult enough without
witnessing the beating my guard was eager to give.
    When I entered the great hall, I was
surprised to find it vacant. Rushes at least a week old and molding
with dog leavings stank worse with each step. The tables lay
uncleared from the evening meal. Flies and a mouse helped
themselves without worry to the half-eaten meat.
    “I have you to thank for this, dearest
sister.” Verdon’s voice echoed in the empty room as he strode down
the center toward me. “All of this is your doing. My men quarrel
and gossip behind my back. The servants neglect their tasks. Are
you proud of your curse now, witch? You brought shame to the noble
house of Favian.”
    Upon reaching me, he backhanded me across the
mouth.
    “Never speak a word again, woman, if you wish
to keep your tongue to plead your case to the saints.”
    Swallowing the bitter taste of blood, I
glared at him. My hands fisted against my skirt; I resisted the
impulse to return the blow.
    “Ah, wisdom. A little late.”
    Verdon strode to the dais. The soldier jabbed
my ribs, and I followed my brother.
    “Your fate is now in my control. The great
and chivalrous Lord Silvanticus has quit the field. Left last eve,
I believe.” Grabbing the earthen jug of wine on the table and he
filled a cup. “Apparently your ways were not winsome enough for
him.”
    Lord Silvanticus will return for me, I
reminded myself. If not him, surely Bryn would.
    He crossed to edge of the dais and regarded
me with full cup in hand. “Now