Delighted that her suggestion had met with quick approval, Nesta ran up to her chamber. Digging in her chest, she grabbed her engraved, gold armlet and pushed it up her arm, under her sleeve. She stuffed the velvet and some other items in a cloth sack. By the time she returned to the yard, David’s wagon was waiting.

“What is in the chest?” she asked as she climbed up to sit beside him on the board. No one made any attempt to stop her. In his haste to go after Carwyn, Marcus must have forgotten to give any orders about whether she could leave the castle.

“Good cloth from Flanders, and small rugs from Castile.”

“That sounds very valuable. Don’t you fear the thieves taking it?”

“I count on Mark keeping them far from here. Besides, if I thought thieves would attack us, the objects of my trade are the least of it. You would not be coming.”

Nesta decided it was fortunate that David was English, and ignorant of just how bold the Welsh could be. Then she noticed a lethal long dagger attached to his belt, and decided the merchant was probably not wholly dependent on Sieg for protection.

The road to the town was quiet, no doubt due to rumors about the raiders. Nesta found David pleasant company. He had traveled widely, and explained how he had just returned in the spring from a long journey to Saracen lands.

“What brings you to these parts?” she asked. “After your exotic travels, it seems odd for you to peddle your goods out here.”

“The western lords are grateful for the luxuries, and are willing to pay a higher price than those in London. I often come to western shires, and then make my way north to Scotland.”

“You intend to go north when you leave here? Perhaps I will have a tapestry design or two for you to take. You will not see the profit that you would if you brought them to Flanders, but what you do see will come more quickly. I know a merchant in Carlisle who will buy them from you.”

“I am always interested in a quick profit. Pity I did not bring the others with me.”

Chatting became more of a chore as they neared their destination. Excitement over meeting the messenger, and worry about the news he brought, distracted her. She kept up the conversation with effort. As they rolled into the town, she pointed out the shops that carried high-quality wares.

They parted at the wagon. Carrying the linen sack, Nesta strolled away as calmly as she could even though her blood thrummed with impatience and caution.

She visited the tailor, but did not stay long. Opening her sack she laid out the velvet, a scrap of parchment showing a drawing of the surcotte she wanted, and an old gown that could be used for her measure.