No matter how much Jorani respected this man, his loyalties remained with Janosk's kin. He shook his head.

"Ilsabet is your pupil, is she not?"

"In academics, Baron. I teach her history and philosophy, not the use of poisons. Indeed, much of what I know myself is only theoretical."

"The rebels told me of your skill."

Jorani took a deep breath, looked at the baron's eyes, and replied, "My reputation is similar to that of an old warrior-much exaggerated."

Peto smiled. "As were your castle defenses, I recall." He unwrapped a piece of dried bread and placed it on the table. "We found this in the cell, dragged in by one of the poisoned rats. What do you make of it?"

Jorani held the bread up to the light and saw a fine powder coating the crust. He brushed it onto a piece of white parchment and studied it closer. "There appear to be two different substances in this dust, Baron. One is ergot and could be there naturally. The other is unknown to me. I know of drugs that drive the victim insane, but this powder does not resemble any of them."

"I understand that it is called devil's cup, and that your servants harvest the plant on your own lands."

"I'll confess to a lie, but not to a deed I did not commit."

"Then if it was not you, tell me who knows enough to have done the poisoning."

"I don't know."

"Until you think of an answer, you are confined to your chambers. There'll be guards outside with orders to check on you frequently to be certain you stay there."

Upstairs, Jorani took what comfort he could from the consequences of Ilsabet's rash acts. He had his hawks for company and a lovely view of the river and forests; all of this far better than the fate he would have ordered had he been in Peto's position.

However, he was pleased that Ilsabet had exposed herself too soon. Peto would never relax his defenses now. He would have tasters for food prepared under the watchful eyes of his faithful guards.