Her eyes widened. "You did that?"

"Does that trouble you?"

"No, we only won with fewer losses on both sides. We would have won anyway."

"A good reply. Now, how did you know about my private chamber?"

"I spied on you. I saw you go down there."

"How did you keep the hawks quiet?"

"I walked carefully. I made no sound, and stayed in the shadows of the passage. I've had much practice." She smiled, ruthlessly she hoped. "I've seen Marishka sitting with that handsome fop from the palace guard. I've seen Mihael steal off to play cards with the kitchen servants. And I have seen you with Lady Lorena, holding her while she cries."

"We all fear for your father's safety, child," Jorani answered.

"She curses him with her lack of faith."

"You know what her custom demands if he dies in battle. Can you blame her for being afraid?"

"She'd do better to breed. Then custom would allow her to raise her child."

Jorani's anger flared, then dissipated just as quickly, leaving him gazing thoughtfully at her with just a hint of distaste. ^UI think I was right about your education, but there will be no lessons today. Prepare for a long hard ride tomorrow."

TWO

Ilsabet met Jorani in the courtyard the following morning. She was dressed as befit the daughter of the lord, in a pale blue riding gown trimmed with lapis beads. Her hair was braided around her head like a crown.

Jorani, in contrast, dressed like a servant and carried a pair of hooded brown robes. "Put this on," he ordered, holding one out to her.

She shook her head. "The daughter of Baron Janosk Obour, ruler of Kislova, will not sneak through her father's lands like some thief."

"Your father has no guards to spare for our ride," he reminded her, thrusting the robe into her hand. "Put this on."