Page 37 of Lord of Deception

She was gratified to see the old woman stare wildly around, then put a finger to her hidden lips. A puzzlingly fleshy finger for an old woman.

“No need to shout our business to all and sundry. I’m a respectable fortune teller, I’ll have you know. And I cannot see the future if I’ve been offered no coin.”

Alys rolled her eyes, brimful of impatience. They were wasting time Kit could ill afford. How could she prove she was a friend to him, and gain this woman’s trust?

She lifted her hanging pocket and pulled out a groat, then spotted something in the bottom she’d forgotten she still had. The rosary bead dropped by the spy, when he was masquerading as a cunningman. Keeping it carefully concealed, she placed it in the fortune teller’s hand as if it were another coin.

Both coin and bead were examined, then whipped out of sight. Alys found herself subjected to a gimlet gaze. She returned the stare, and whispered, “What I have given you puts us both in peril. Unless you are a friend to both me and Kit.”

She took several steps backward and grasped Pennyroyal’s reins. Had she made a fatal error in trusting this woman? If so, a speedy retreat might be required. But what she’d do after that, she’d no idea. Alert the authorities and put Kit’s whole plan in jeopardy? If it saved his life, she might be forced to.

The woman in the wagon made a show of testing Alys’ groat, but without removing the kerchief over her face. “Your coin is sound, lady. I trust you may be also. Come hither, and I’ll tell your future. What is your name, daughter?”

She dropped the reins and glanced around before moving forward. “Alys Barchard, of Selwood Manor. I beg you—can you help me?”

“Enter.” The flap was held aside, and Alys mounted the steps and entered the wagon. As soon as the canvas had fallen to behind her, the fortune teller dropped the kerchief to reveal a surprisingly young and masculine face. As she stared, the woman yanked at her unruly grey hair—and pulled it off with a flourish.

“You gave me no time to draw my wrinkles on. But you still didn’t guess, did you?”

The voice was now undoubtedly male, as were the movements, and the fellow’s real hair, though exceedingly short, showed not a sign of grey.

“It was a good disguise,” she agreed, gazing around her at the interior of the wagon. It was a peculiar mixture of the occult, the practical, and the martial. It was astonishing how many knives, axes, billhooks, and swords the small space contained, besides various guns, longbows, and containers of black powder. These mingled with heaps of clothing, both feminine and masculine, cooking equipment, crockery, and lanterns.

She decided to kneel just inside the flap—there was nowhere obvious to sit and not enough headroom to stand. And in light of the armory, she wanted to be able to make a swift exit, should it be necessary.

The wise woman, now revealed to be a wise man, eyed her closely. “I am Rupert Walken, on special duties for the queen. What have you to tell me about Ludlow… I mean, Kit?”

She wasn’t interested in introductions. Speed was of the essence. “Kit considers me a friend, and has revealed his mission and plan to me. But I fear he has been discovered. Has he been here this day? He said he needed to send a dispatch and make some arrangements.”

“Nay, I have not seen him.”

This was a blow. “Then I’m certain something evil has befallen him. We were to have met, to make our escape after the flood, but I was there for hours, and he never came. They’ll miss me back at the house if I don’t return soon.”

“Pray, calm yourself, my dear.” Rupert laid a steadying hand on her elbow. “Tell me exactly what you know.”

She explained Kit’s master plan as he had revealed it to her, and the consequences thereof.

Rupert rubbed his smooth-shaven chin. “It does not sound good. You did well to find me, Mistress Barchard—you must be a clever woman. Either that or our communication methods are sorely in need of review. I don’t know what to advise, as I am not certain where Kit intended to take you, but you’re welcome to remain here while I sort things out. As you can see, there’s plenty with which to defend yourself.”

This was certainly true. “I’m no expert with a weapon.”

“I’ll give you a crossbow—they’re easiest. I’ll prime it for you—just point it at the wagon flap. If someone approaches, challenge them, and if in doubt, scream as loud as you can. If they don’t declare themselves, don’t hesitate to shoot.” He shrugged into a thick doublet. “I’ll fetch as many men as I can. I doubt I could obtain his release by myself.”

The thought of Kit at Kirlham’s mercy froze her to the core. “You think they have taken him then?”

“Possibly. This is Kit’s first assignment, you understand, so he may not have perfected ways of covering his tracks. I told Walsingham he was risking a potentially good man, but he thought he knew best. Ah, well! Bide here, and I’ll send word as soon as I can. Be of good cheer. Oh, and help yourself to any refreshment you find about the place.”

Giving her elbow a squeeze, he leapt nimbly from the wagon and, shortly thereafter, Alys heard hoofbeats amongst the trees.

Once again, she was alone, no nearer to discovering what had happened to Kit, and not knowing what to do. She pictured him in all sorts of dire situations, making herself increasingly distressed. Even now, his enemies might be torturing information out of him. He was a good man—odd, but good at heart, and she had to admit to being exceedingly fond of him, despite the turmoil he’d wrought in her life.

How long would it take Rupert to return with help? How far would he have to travel? If only she’d asked him before he left. If Kit had been captured at Selwood, only someone who knew the house well could find and rescue him, and as far as she knew, Rupert had never been there, in any guise.

But she knew the house. She was not under suspicion. If she could fulfill her avowed intention of fetching provisions, no one would think anything of her little excursion. No sooner had the thought entered her mind than she crawled back into the caravan to avail herself of a knife, hoping she wouldn’t be called upon to use it. She’d buy up the stores she’d been sent for, and hasten back to Selwood to find Kit.

And just hope Rupert would have the sense to send his men thither when he found her gone.