“What?” snapped Horn. “What’s good about it?”

“That he didn’t get far,” blurted out Reynevan. “We met. And Scharley here, the one with the grin, sliced him up like a Sunday roast with his sabre. The world is a more beautiful place with one less scoundrel in it. Well, Horn, no offence, let’s put this feud behind us. I suggest you cheer up and let’s shake hands. Well?”

Urban Horn shook his head.

“You must be in league with the Devil, all bloody three of you. He helps each and every one of you. I’d rather be with you than against you, dammit. No offence. And thanks for that bastard Schilling. Shake, Scharley. Reinmar… Ouch, Samson! Not so hard, not so bloody hard! You’ll burst my stitches!”

Prokop the Shaven received Reynevan standing up. He didn’t ask him to sit down.

“I sense you expect something,” he began bluntly. “What is it? Gratitude for your invaluable contribution to the mission to Silesia? Thus I express my gratitude and assure you your services won’t be forgotten. Will that do? Or perhaps you’re waiting for an act of contrition by virtue of my having subjected you to a test of loyalty. You won’t get one. In any case, you got your own back on Bedřich, I hear. It’s a wonder he’s forgiven you. Anything else I’ve forgotten to mention? But be quick, I’m busy—the Polish envoys are waiting.”

“My friends want to leave Odry, they wish to visit their loved ones. Will you allow them to leave freely, without let or hindrance?”

“Scharley and that idiot? They can do what they want. They always could.”

“What about me?”

Prokop looked away. He looked for a long time through the window at the clouds.

“You, too.”

“Thank you, Hejtman. Here is the decoctum. I’ve prepared a whole flacon, there’s plenty… Should the pains return.”

“Thank you, Reynevan. Go, search for your lady. But before you go, one more thing. One question. And answer me honestly.”

“Ask away.”

Prokop the Shaven slowly turned his head towards him. He looked daggers at Reynevan.

“Did you inform on Domarasc in Opole? Was he caught because of you? Did you betray him?”

“I didn’t betray anyone. Domarasc in particular. I have no idea who he is. I don’t know anyone of that name.”

“That was the answer I expected,” said Prokop, his eyes still fixed on Reynevan. “The very answer. But if by some chance it wasn’t like that, then… Then don’t come back, Reynevan. Don’t come back: flee, drop everything and flee. Because I won’t forgive you for Domarasc. If it turns out it was you, that you caused it, I’ll kill you. With my own hands. Don’t say anything. Now go. God be with you.”