“As I said, it’s of no matter. But I see I’m in the wrong again. I’ve failed you before by not saying what’s on my mind. Let me say now, and you can call me a fool.” He leaned forward and planted his palms on the table, gazing at the heap of papers. “One of the questions that has been plaguing the Espion for months is the true identity of the Painted Knight. This person fought near the king at the Battle of Guilme. This person entered my tent the eve before the battle and took something from me.” He looked at her with knowing, accusatory eyes.

Trynne felt her heart flutter in a sudden panic.

“I think I’ve known for some time who it is,” Fallon said in a low, confident tone. “The woad is a clever disguise, but I believe I’ve solved the riddle. I think my sister knows too, but the king certainly does not. I had hoped, Trynne, that I would not have to unmask the fellow myself. I’m the only person who even knows his name. Sir Ellis. Fidelis. A nickname you once teased me with, and a virtue you claim that I lack.”

He sighed and looked away from her. “I’d hoped you would tell me yourself, Trynne. But I figured it out eventually. That is something else that I am good at.” He gazed across the heap of scrolls. “That’s all these really are. Clues. Pieces of paper.” He lifted one and flung it aside. Then he gave her a sidelong look and she caught another glimpse of the old Fallon. “I won’t ask you to deny it. Or to affirm it. You’ve probably bound yourself to an oath you cannot break or some such foolishness.”

His astute statement twisted a smile from her. She stood silently, gazing at him, grappling with the news that he had finally discovered her. He had suspected her before, of course, but she’d thrown him off.

“You’ve always been clever, Fallon,” Trynne said, her voice husky.

He shrugged off the compliment. “I’m also incorrigible, incomprehensible, infallible, impassible, and incontrovertible as well.” He gave her a sidelong smile, then he turned away and sighed. “I had hoped you were here to tell me your secret. Of course, I can think of many reasons why you wouldn’t, including the most obvious one. We’ll be competing against each other at the Gauntlet of Kingfountain. I admire your courage and skill. You’ve bested me before. You also bested Elwis. He doesn’t know, does he?”

Trynne shook her head no.