Page 26 of The King’s Commander

If he dislikes us so, mayhap Father Beald should just stay away. Yet he does not, and each time he returns, his threats become more direct.

“Aye, she is assisting me with a new commission. A sword for the king’s Curia Commander. You’ve heard Galfrid’s men have come?”

He’s diverted the Elderman’s attention well.

Father Beald’s lips purse, but the extremely verbose Elderman does not answer. So, he knows something.

The Talisman sails from Murwood to the port of Brecklow, north of the Royal Court of Edingham. Surely he could not know why Galfrid’s men are here?

“We’ve heard little of their purpose,” I say, as sweetly as I’m able, “but perhaps you know more than we do?”

I do not scare easily, but the look Father Beald gives me isn’t one I’d care to see again soon.

“As always, it has been a pleasure speaking with you,” he says stiffly. Then he shuffles away, having answered neither of our questions, moving down the winding alleyways toward the center of the village.

My father shakes his head, mutters a word that would have turned the Elderman’s ears red, and turns toward the forge. I follow, prepared to spend my day here before meeting Vanni this afternoon.

If I’m looking forward to that meeting, it is only because I need information. If Father Beald knows something I do not, something that can affect Kipp . . .

Aye, that is the only reason my hands will not steady as I begin filing the spoons again. Although maybe, possibly, it has something to do with the thought of seeing Lord d’Abella again.