Page 3

I’d have told her as much sooner, but then, I’ve no great desire to reassure a woman who conspired with her husband to incite violence for the sole purpose of starting a war between two kingdoms.

“I would not think a Shadow Warrior, an Elderman, would kidnap a queen’s sister either, but alas, here we are.”

I’d smile at her sharp wit if I did not think so poorly of the woman.

“Indeed,” I say, against my own better judgment. “Here we are.”

Knowing I must offer at least some bit of information lest the woman actually carry out her threat, I tell her only what she needs to know.

“I do not plan to kill you. We will stop as soon as I deem it safe.”

Though I thought the explanation sufficient, she continues with more questions.

“Why did you take me? What do you plan to do with me? Where are we going?”

It has been an excessively long day. My head began to throb hours ago. And though we’ve actually started backtracking toward Craighcebor along a different path, and are indeed traveling toward Edingham—a fact that Lady Hilla does not seem to realize—there is always a possibility Whitley’s men could still be looking for her.

Not to mention the queen’s.

I’d considered some time ago taking her directly to Queen Cettina’s men to let them deal with the traitor. She cannot come with me to the Merian court, of course, so I will need to relinquish her into Cettina’s care. But first, once I am sure we are not being followed, I will learn the truth of her actions. Learn precisely how large a threat she is to her sister’s rule.

This woman will share any secrets she holds. And as the wife of one of the most hated men on the Isle, Lady Hilla may provide valuable insight into his goal and that of his warmongering allies.

“They say,” she begins again, “you are the deadliest of warriors in all of the kingdoms.”

Nay, that accolade belongs to another group of men, although the warriors who fight for the church are highly skilled indeed. I wait, curious where she intends this new argument to lead.

“They say the Prima’s Shadow Warriors could overwhelm any of King Galfrid’s men, and my sis—the queen’s as well, at the same time. And quite easily.”

She thinks I do not know her identity. This time, I do smile. How very much Lady Hilla has to learn.

“They say none see you coming. That you could raise your sword before the enemy even has a chance to blink.”

I say nothing but silently agree with her assessment.

“Why then, would an Elderman, a Shadow Warrior, a man whose skills are superior to all others, waste such talents on a lowly woman such as me?”

Two things become apparent to me with her question.

Lady Hilla believes that flattery will advance her position. A belief that is not all that surprising given that she is married to a man who loves himself above all things. Such a tactic must have worked well with Whitley.

Second, she believes that disparaging herself as a woman might gain my trust. Indeed, there are men who feel themselves superior because of their gender. The man I serve, the leader of the church, is such a man.

Since she cannot see my face, I allow myself to smile. If she knew who I truly served, knew my life’s purpose, Lady Hilla would not make such a remark. One I know she does not believe herself.

Tis not because of her questions that I slow once again to a stop. This is as good a place as any to camp for the night. To begin my interrogation.

Lady Hilla has questions, but I do as well. Ones she will answer.

Of that I have no doubt.

3

Hilla

I could run.

He left me by the stream to take care of my “needs.” An entire day with the man and still I’ve not seen his face, shadowed as it was with a cowl. He spoke little, despite my repeated questions, but from his voice it seems the Elderman is not overly old.