“I hope so,” said the duke, snorting. “Why do you think I am in Bohemia and against Jagiełło’s wishes at that? There was a faction in Poland that wanted to exploit the feuds with Emperor Sigismund as a chance to rid the Slavic lands of German influence. That faction exists and grows in strength. Who do you think has just arrived in Odry? I’ve known for a long time about the planned annexation of Upper Silesia. And I shall support those plans. If I benefit from them, naturally, if they give me what I want. If they cut me out a kingdom from Upper Silesia. Reynevan? Will they give me what I want? What did they discuss? What did they decide?”

“You overestimate me, Your Grace. I don’t have that kind of knowledge.”

“Indeed? Reynevan, I’m able to repay you. Don’t scorn my gratitude when your lady is still being held captive. Find out the decisions reached by Prokop and the Poles and I shall help you to free her. I have men at my command who are capable of stealing the very Devil from Hell. You’ll have them at your service. If you do me a favour. Find out what the Poles were discussing with Prokop and what decisions they made. I have to know.”

“I shall try.”

Korybut said nothing, biting his lip.

“I have to know,” he finally repeated. “For it may be that I am here in vain… That I’m just wasting my life.”

Reynevan groaned and hissed, massaging his thigh. Urban Horn snorted.

“I’ve been cut and so have you,” he said. “And not shaving this time. What did you say back then? Serious injury to the tissues. Well, he injured our tissues, the fucking bastard, cut us with iron; you with a knife, me with a scrap of metal torn from a door. In spite of that, we are both alive. Do you understand? We can be certain we weren’t poisoned with Perferro, that we don’t have that devilish poison in our blood. Quite a consolation, don’t you think?”

“I do. Horn?”

“Yes?”

“That Polish mission. Do you know who’s in it?”

“It is being led by the Chamberlain of Krakow, Piotr Szafraniec of the Starykoń coat of arms, the lord of Pieskowa Skała. Sir Piotr and his brother, Jan, recently elected the Bishop of Kujawy, are sworn opponents of Sigismund and any negotiations with him, which is why they are sympathetic to the Hussites. Władysław of Oporów, Provost of Łęczyca, Deputy Crown Chancellor, a confidant of Jagiełło, came with Szafraniec. You’ve met the two younger men. Mikołaj Kornicz Siestrzeniec, Burgrave of Będzin, is a client of the Szafraniec family. The Krakow Voivode Spytek is a descendant of the acclaimed Melsztyn Leliwa family. I don’t know much about him. But I’m certain I shall hear more.”