In the end, they didn’t enter the synagogue, which was located in the north-east part of Strzegom, not far from the New Gate. Instead, they sat down on a low wall and talked, hidden behind the staircase leading to Ezrat Nashim, the women’s courtyard. Reynevan felt uncertain and tense under the piercing gaze of the strange woman’s eyes; yellow-green eyes like a cat’s and equally inscrutable. He was decided. Having had enough of uncertainty. Enough of mysteries. And enough of being manipulated.

“First things first,” he interrupted her, soon after she began speaking. “Let’s begin with this. Who are you? Why did you help me in Wrocław, why did you intervene when I was arrested? Why are you here now, in order, you claim, to help me to free Jutta? Whose instructions are you executing? For it’s clear you aren’t doing it on your own initiative, independently, touched by human misfortune.”

“And why is that so clear?” she asked, tilting her head. “Don’t I look like somebody who might be moved by misfortune? First things first, you say. Agreed, as long as we can establish what comes first. I’m prepared to introduce myself. Once I give it some thought. In any case, you asked me in Racibórz in the spring. You have the right to know a little about me. And some more besides.”

She pulled the hood off her head and tossed her hair, which was as black and lustrous as a raven’s feathers.

“My name is Rixa Cartafila de Fonseca. You may call me Rixa. Why do you stare so?”

“I do not.”

“You do. Are you looking for where my Judenfleck is sewn on? Would it be easier for you if my name were Rachel? Or Sara?”

“Enough,” he said, regaining his poise, “you’ve introduced yourself, thank you, I’m honoured, the pleasure is all mine.”

“Are you quite sure it’s a pleasure?”

“Oh, indeed. We shall leave that issue for now. Let’s move on to the others.”

“I can’t tell you whose orders I’m executing. I cannot and that is final. What you know will have to suffice.”

“Well, it doesn’t. Your own secrets are your business. If they are personal to you, may they remain secret. But not where they concern me. You want something from me. I want to know—”

“Agreed,” she interrupted him at once. “It’s high time you found out. There is no way of concealing it any longer. I want from you exactly what Łukasz Bożyczko and the Inquisition want: collaboration and information. Bożyczko is compelling you to collaborate using blackmail and threats. I want to convince you to collaborate by showing you a community of interests. In principle, I already have. I’ve made sure nothing bad has befallen you; I’ve acted as your guardian angel. And now I shall help you regain Jutta. I offer my help, my immediate assistance, we can set off today. Is that little?”

“It is much. But finish, please.”