"Stay here with the guards," Peto said to Marishka and dismounted, focusing his attention on Imre. "I would not leave you standing here when you must still be in pain. Let's sit down somewhere and see if I can help soothe things over."

With a shrug, Imre led the baron into a crowded tavern. Speaking loudly so that even the rowdies near the door could hear, Peto explained how he intended to govern through Mihael Obour. He also explained again what safeguards he would leave in place.

"What about Dark!" someone called out.

"And what about the rats?" another added.

"My men are searching the dungeons today, trying to find the source of the poison," Peto promised.

"You won't have to look past the Obours," someone else called and pointed beyond the open door to Marishka sitting on her horse.

"I'll do whatever is necessary, but only after I'm sure someone was to blame," the baron repeated more emphatically.

A woman pushed her way to the front of the assembly. She wore a shapeless black mourning dress and tattered veil and her eyes were bright with grief and rage. "My son was devoured by the rats in Nimbus Castle. I want to talk to the Obour."

Peto had seen Marishka's fear. He also knew she rarely left her own rooms since he'd taken up residence in the castle. "She's been in seclusion since her father died. I'll find the guilty party," he said.

"I'll question her myself," the woman replied, turned and walked toward the door. Some of the villagers followed. The guards, on alert since the baron had gone inside, drew their swords but were uncertain how to act against one old woman in mourning clothes.

"I wish to speak to the girl. I want to ask her who killed my son," she said as she walked toward them. The guards did not step aside.

When she tried to push her way through, one of them grabbed her, pinning her arms. "We don't want to hurt you," the guard said.