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.Most definitely behind Lord Kosenmark’s.Her voice grew hoarse and low, but still she talked.About truth.About speaking out honestly, no matter how difficult.She stopped, thinking she had heard something.She tilted back her head and listened hard.Yes, and it came from above, very faint but she was sure of it—a sound like the wind sighing through the trees.Then silence.CHAPTER FIFTEENA THIRD DAY passed.A fourth.By the fifth day, she stopped talking altogether and spent her time staring out the window.She had sunk deep into waiting, and when the knock sounded at her bedchamber door, she did not react at first.A voice called out to her as if from a great distance.She ignored it.But whoever spoke proved as stubborn as she.They called and called again until eventually she roused herself and opened the door.Raul Kosenmark stood at the opposite end of her small parlor, his back pressed against the wall.He looked so different, she nearly didn’t recognize him.Dark rumpled clothes.Hair pulled back in an untidy queue.His face slack with weariness.It was more than just his outward appearance, however.He seemed strangely diminished to her eyes.He cleared his throat.“We found the farmers.”Farmers? she thought hazily.Oh yes.Nela and Gregor.Kosenmark had wanted to confirm her story.A part of her wanted to ask how they did.The urge faded.Opening her mouth and producing words in a row felt like too much trouble right now.“They spoke very well of you,” Kosenmark went on.“You need not worry about what they might think.The person I sent to make inquiries told them you were seeking a recommendation for a better posting.”Ilse continued to stare at him silently.What kind of reaction did he want from her?Kosenmark stirred uneasily.“I heard everything you said.And you are right.I am afraid.And arrogant.Or maybe they are two sides of the same page.My brother used to say the same thing, but it’s been years upon years since anyone else dared to.Thank you for being honest with me.”Another pause.His gaze flickered to one side, then came back to hers.“And I wanted to say you were right about other things.About this house.And how I listen.It reminded me that someone else might have overheard my talks with Maester Hax.”It took her several moments to comprehend what he was telling her.“Who?” she said at last.Her voice sounded rusty from disuse.She cleared her throat and tried again.“Who was it?”“I don’t know yet.But I think I know how to find out.”She waited for him to explain.Kosenmark smoothed his hands along his trousers.He looked unnaturally nervous, but she had had a great deal of practice with waiting.“I’d like your help,” he said at last.“With catching your spy?”He nodded.“Berthold and I discussed the matter.We think the person belongs to this household.And they must have duties that take them throughout the house, but also they must have errands in the city, so they can pass along the information to their associates.”Someone invisible, she thought.One of the runners? A guard? It couldn’t possibly be one of the courtesans.And yet they, too, left the house, either to visit special clients or on their twice-weekly rest day.Slowly her thoughts woke as she pieced the clues together.“But why now?” she whispered.“Why not ask these questions before?”Kosenmark made a hasty wave of acknowledgment.“I’m sorry.I was too quick to blame you.We both were.We should have listened to your explanations before we locked you away.”But you did listen after all.The thought brought a faint smile to her lips.All too soon it faded as she realized why he had come.“You want me to help catch this spy.”“Yes.” Some of the tension leaked from his face.“I’ve arranged with Berthold—”“I never said I would help you.”Kosenmark jerked up his chin, and color ridged his cheeks.Very slowly the color faded.“I’m sorry.More proof of my arrogance.I should not expect you to involve yourself with my plot and maneuvers and petty machinations that are so damaging to king and kingdom.”“I would not go that far,” she murmured.There was a flicker of amusement in his expression.“You were very clear on that point, I thought.However, I would like you at least to speak with Maester Hax.Tell him what you told me.Let us try to convince you that our intentions are better than before.”She considered his request.She had no reason to love his cause, not after five days imprisoned in her room.On the other hand, it would do no harm to speak one last time with Maester Hax before she left this household.Because she would have to leave; she could not remain in Lord Kosenmark’s service after what she had said to him.She had no idea where she might go.Not Duenne.But there were other kingdoms with cities and universities and large merchant houses that needed secretaries and scribes, and she knew Kosenmark well enough to know he had a kind of honor, even with enemies.He would give her a recommendation in exchange for her promise to keep his secrets.That much she could promise with honor.“I’ll come,” she said reluctantly.“Does he want to see me right away?”Kosenmark shook his head.“Take your time.Wash and fix your hair.I’ll have Kathe send up refreshments to Berthold’s rooms.You’ve not eaten today, I know.And if you would, please bring your writing case.”He nodded, his manner businesslike, and left.Ilse thought the gesture appropriate.We are conducting business, she thought as she changed into fresh clothes and made herself presentable.And now we are finished with it [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]