“But we know that’s not going to happen,” I replied. “What about when they don’t appear?”

“We’ll worry about that later,” she said. “Now I am going to ask him about the protocol for challenging Kauspetnd.”

She turned to the steward again, and they continued to talk in Losta; this time the discussion went on for some time. At last Grimalkin turned and gave me the gist of what had been said.

“Now it is my turn to come under scrutiny,” she observed, her eyes flickering with amusement. “He wonders why your father should send a woman to protect you. I confirmed what I believe he suspected already, that I am a witch. Each of these princelings has a pet mage, a magowie they consult, so I informed him that in our part of the world, witches perform a similar role. I also told him that not only am I skilled in the arts of combat, I am your father’s champion. Who else was better fitted to follow and act as your protector?”

“Does he believe all that you told him?” I asked.

Grimalkin shrugged. “I do not think that he is totally persuaded, but it is his master, the prince, called the Wolf of Polyznia by his subjects, whom we must convince. Now Majcher is leaving to report back to him. When we finally meet the prince, I will use a little magic to ease the process.”

The warrior nodded to me, climbed onto his horse, and led his men away.

“So far, so good,” Grimalkin said with a smile.

The five men returned on foot before noon, and after a brief conversation, Grimalkin translated for me.

“We are to be given an audience with Prince Stanislaw, but must leave our weapons behind. The high steward gives his assurance that he will escort us there and back and, if necessary, protect us with his life.”

“Do you believe him?” I asked.

“I think Majcher is speaking the truth. But to achieve what we need here, there must be risk, and we are in no position to refuse.”

I nodded and handed the Starblade to Jenny. Grimalkin disarmed herself too, removing each blade from its sheath and finally handing Jenny her scissors. I never thought I’d see her willingly give up her weapons like this, and the look on Jenny’s face showed that she was thinking the same thing.

“Stay behind and guard our possessions, girl!” Grimalkin commanded as we set off.

I could tell by her expression that Jenny was far from happy at being left behind. I had told her about what had happened during the night; she was worried about Grimalkin’s plan, and keen to accompany us. “Can’t you use a spell again?” I asked.

Grimalkin shook her head. “I don’t wish to risk arousing people’s suspicions. What’s more, the girl is supposed to be the servant of a prince; she would not accompany you to visit another of royal blood—whereas I am your champion.”

With no spell of protection to guard them, someone did need to stay behind, or we might return to find our horses, provisions, and weapons gone. I didn’t expect Jenny to fight off a band of determined robbers, but her presence would be a deterrent to opportunistic thieves.