Dorna gave the young noble a stern look. “The Black Knight? That’s what you’re talking about, isn’t it? You’re thinking to go in as the Black Knight.”

Brother Qown blinked. “I don’t understand. Who is the Black Knight?”

Dorna snorted. “Nobody. Anybody. Anyone who wants to can take on the knight’s identity. The Black Knight is anoy-amony—”

“Anonymous,” Ninavis said.

“Right. That. The Black Knight’s a fool, a jape. Heaven’s jester. They’re unknowable—black’s the color of mystery and danger, you see—and living proof no matter how fine the barding on your horse, there’s always going to be some jack’s ass who can piss on your riding boots. The knight’s the pisser. It’s a lark job, a retirement prize, given out to some drunkard who gets to spend all day mooning the crowds, guzzling free ale, and squeezing cute boys on the bum. Lots of fun.”

“I still don’t understand. How does that help us?”

The count finished fastening the doublet. She wore several thick layers. Since she always wore a corset bound tight across her bosom, the net effect hid her curves. “If the Black Knight’s identity is never known,” the count said, “then anyone can play the part—even a ruling noble. No one talks about it, but the worst-kept secret in the dominion is that the person wearing the black armor at any given tournament might well be a titled noble having fun. Which means I can fight—and Dedreugh’s chances in the tournament aren’t as certain as he’s been led to believe.” Her mouth quirked.

“The Black Knight is always picked out before the tournament,” Ninavis said. “I think folks might notice if a second one shows up.”

But the count’s smile hadn’t faltered with this declaration. “Indeed,” she agreed as she shook the shanathá mail down over her body, “so I suppose it would be rude not to pay Baron Tamin’s Black Knight a visit in advance.”

8: THE FOOL

Jorat Dominion, Quuros Empire. Two days since the Stone of Shackles was destroyed

“You are the Black Knight. I knew it.” Kihrin leaned back in his ch8air, pleased with himself. His theory about Janel looked increasingly probable.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but no.”

“What? But you just said—”

“I was the Black Knight,” Janel corrected. “At any time, there are as many Black Knights as there are active tournaments.”

Kihrin paused. “You’re not the one Duke Kaen is offering a bounty to kill?”

Janel looked toward the bar, then returned her attention to Kihrin.

“No,” Janel said.

“Oh.”

“You sound disappointed.”

“I am. I came here to find that person. Duke Kaen of Yor has a significant bounty out on their head. More metal than most people will see in their whole lives. I figured that anyone Kaen wants dead so badly is someone I want as an ally.”