She said, “I saw it just to the side of the door this morning when I went to sanctuary services up the street. I also heard horsemen arrive here late at night. And then leave before sunrise. Reckless, with the horses, to do that, if they’d strewn these on the road. If you are here doing what I think you are, you will know what this object means. And those horsemen. Do not ask me to say it aloud, please.”

Thierry cleared his throat. His heart was pounding again. “Why?” he managed. “Why are you…?”

She said, “This could throw Ferrieres into chaos, at a time when there are enemies who want that, and can use it. But there was a vicious murder last night of someone who mattered greatly. Rollin de Montereau was a man of many facets, but he was good to me at a time when I needed that. If what they are saying about how he died is true…I do not want it unpunished.”

“Whatever the consequences?”

“Others,” she said, “will have to decide those.”

Thierry said, “I saw the body, my lady. It is true, what is being said.”

She nodded. Was staring at him now.

He was holding the caltrop carefully. The spikes were sharp. He added, “Punishment may mean war here, not just chaos, if…”

“If this object I found means what it likely does. And that is revealed. Yes. Others, as I said, will have to make those decisions.”

It was difficult to believe he was having this conversation. It was very nearly impossible.

“Was…” He paused again. So many chasms in front of him, he thought. “Was one of the riders a tall man in a red cloak?”

“I didn’t see them,” Marina di Seressa replied. “I was in bed. Only heard the horses. And then shouting.”

“And they…they came inside? Here?”

She nodded again.

“And went out again while it was still dark?”

Another nod.

Thierry sighed. “To be honest, my lady, I’d be happier discussing poetry with you.”

This time she laughed. A vivid, appealing, unexpected sound. “And I, Thierry Villar. Perhaps we will. Would you take me to one of your taverns?”

He was genuinely startled. “Would you come to one?”

She said, “I wouldn’t have asked if I would decline to go.”

He made a face. “You would not be the first well-born lady who wanted to taste that life.”

Her expression grew serious, another of her quick changes. “I think you will find I am not very much like Jolis de Charette.”

His turn to nod. “I am quite sure that is so, my lady. I…would be honoured to escort you of an evening, should you choose. When—if—life in Orane allows.”

“Good. I will not be staying here. How can I get a message to you?”