“I know why I’ve received this reprieve from you, Bielau,” he said hoarsely. “Rymbaba told me. Let us thus not prolong this pathetic scene. Want to know how you were caught in Wrocław? By accident. And thanks to Wilkosz Lindenau’s wagging tongue. He was grateful to you. Praised your goodness and nobility. Too much, too often and too loudly. May I go?”

So it wasn’t Achilles or Allerdings. Reynevan sighed, greatly relieved. And not Felicjan! So not everything is lost, Felicjan is still searching for Jutta… Perhaps he’s found her?

“Hmm, hmm…”

He raised his head. Eberwin had already gone and the young knight with golden curls was standing in front of him.

“M’lord,” he said in a slightly trembling voice, “I confess I do not entirely understand why they freed me. I know neither your name nor your coat of arms. But you are a Hussite, so you know that the Catholic faith and knightly honour do not permit me to enter into close contact with a heretic. But know also that I am indebted to you for my release. I shall pay back the debt, I swear before God.”

“You swear to a Hussite?”

“God will show me how to honour this promise, without sinning or offending the faith.”

“God has heard your oath,” said Reynevan, looking him in the eyes. “And I can tell you at once how to fulfil it. You will raise a toast.”

“What?”

“You will raise a toast and drink to the health of the lady of my heart. Miss… Fair Nicolette. But at no other time than at your very own wedding, Sir Wolfram Pannewitz. To Miss Katharina Biberstein. Then, and only then, will I acknowledge the oath fulfilled. And you as a man of honour.”

Wolfram Pannewitz paled and pursed his lips. Then blushed like a beetroot.

“I know now who you are,” he said, swallowing. “For I have heard much… You wish to see me married to a maiden with a child. What reason do you have for that, eh? Perhaps that child—”

“Don’t be a fool, Pannewitz,” Reynevan quietly interrupted him. “Go to Stolz. Look at the little boy. And then in the looking glass. I shall not say anything more to you about it.

“God has heard,” he added, loudly, for everyone to hear. “God has heard what you have vowed.”

“Reynevan,” Urban Horn called impatiently. “We’re leaving. Don’t prolong this pathetic scene.”

Chapter Four

In which Reynevan loses part of his ear and most of his illusions.

“Thank you for rescuing me,” said Reynevan, “but I’m not going with you. I’m returning to Silesia.”