Alais felt their eyes upon her. She stood up and walked over to the hearth. Her heart was racing as an idea took shape in her mind.

“Is it permitted for another to act in his stead?” she said in a level voice.

Esclarmonde understood. “I do not think your father would allow it.

“You are too precious to him.”

Alais turned back to face them. “Before he left for Montpelhier, he believed me equal to the task. In principle, he has already given me leave.”

Simeon nodded. “That’s true, but the situation changes daily. As the French approach the borders of Viscount Trencavel’s lands, the roads every day become more dangerous, as I saw for myself. It will not be long before it is too perilous to travel at all.”

Alais held her ground. “But I will be going in the opposite direction,” she said, looking from one to the other. “And you did not answer my question. If the traditions of the Noublesso do not prohibit me taking this burden from my father’s shoulders, then I offer my service in his place. I am more than capable of protecting myself. I am an excellent rider, skilled with sword and bow. No one would ever suspect me of-”

Simeon raised his hand. “You misinterpret our hesitation, child. I certainly do not doubt your courage or your resolve.”

“Then give me your blessing.”

Simeon sighed and turned to Esclarmonde. “Sister, what say you? If Bertrand agrees, of course.”

“I beseech you, Esclarmonde,” Alais pleaded, “give your voice to my request. I know my father.”

“I can promise nothing,” she said, in the end, “but I will not argue against you.” Alais let a smile break out on her face. “But you must abide by his decision,” Esclarmonde continued. “If he will not give his permission, you must accept it.”

He can’t say no. I won’t let him.

“I will obey him, of course,” she said.

The door opened and Sajhe burst into the room, followed by Bertrand Pelletier.

He embraced Alais, greeted Simeon with much relief and affection, and then paid more formal respects to Esclarmonde. Alais and Sajhe fetched wine and bread while Simeon explained what had so far passed between them.

To Alais’ surprise, her father listened in silence and without comment.

Sajhe was wide-eyed to begin with, but soon grew sleepy and curled up against his grandmother. Alais took no part in the conversation, knowing Simeon and Esclarmonde would plead her case better than she, but from time to time she threw a look at her father. His face was grey and lined and he looked exhausted. She could see he did not know what to do.

Finally, there were no more words to speak. An expectant hush fell over the tiny room. Each of them waiting, none sure of the way the decision would go.

Alais cleared her throat. “So, Paire. What is your decision? Will you give me leave to go?”

Pelletier sighed. “I do not want you put at risk.”

Her spirits sank. “I know that, and I am grateful for your love of me.”

“But I want to help. I am capable of it.”

“I have a suggestion that might yet satisfy you both,” said Esclarmonde quietly. “Allow Alais to travel ahead with the Trilogy, but part of the way only, as far as Limoux, say. I have friends there who can provide safe lodging. When your work here is completed and Viscount Trencavel can spare you, you can join her and make the journey to the mountains together.”

Pelletier scowled. “I do not see this helps at all. The madness of undertaking such a voyage during these unsettled times will draw attention, which is the one thing we most wish to avoid. Besides, I cannot say how long my responsibilities will keep me in Carcassona.”

Alais’ eyes flashed. That’s easy. I could publish it that I was fulfilling a private pledge made on the occasion of my marriage,“ she said, thinking as she went along. ”I could say I wished to make a gift to the Abbot of Sant-Hilaire. From there, it is no distance to Limoux.“

This sudden display of piety will convince no one,“ said Pelletier, with a sudden flash of humour, least of all your husband.”

Simeon shook his finger. “It is an excellent idea, Bertrand. No one would challenge such a pilgrimage at this time. Besides, Alais is the daughter of the steward of Carcassona. No one would dare challenge her intentions.”

Pelletier shifted in his chair, his face stubborn and set. “I am still of the opinion that the Trilogy is best protected here, within the Ciutat. Harif cannot be as aware of the current situation as we are. Carcassona will not be taken.”

“All cities, however strong, however indomitable, can fall. You know this. The Navigataire’s instructions are to deliver the books to him in the mountains.” He fixed Pelletier with his black eyes. “I understand you do not feel you can abandon Viscount Trencavel at this time. You have said so and we accept it. It is your conscience that speaks to you, for good or ill.” He paused. “However, if not you, then another must go in your place.”

Alais saw how painfully her father struggled to reconcile his warring emotions. Moved, she reached out and put her hand over his. He did not speak, but he did acknowledge her gesture by squeezing her fingers.

“Aquo es vostre,” she said softly. Let me do this for you.

Pelletier let a long sigh come from his lips. You put yourself in great danger, Filha! Alais nodded. “And yet still you wish to do this?”

“It will be an honour to serve you in this way.”

Simeon placed his hand on Pelletier’s shoulder. “She is brave, this daughter of yours. Steadfast. Like you, my old friend.”

Alais hardly dared breathe.

“My heart counsels against this,” Pelletier said at last. “My head speaks otherwise, so…” He paused, as if dreading what he was about to say. “If your husband and Dame Agnes will release you – and Esclarmonde will go as chaperone – then I give my permission.”

Alais leaned across the table and kissed her father on the lips.

“You have chosen wisely,” said Simeon, beaming.

“How many men can you spare us, Intendant Pelletier?” asked Esclarmonde.

“Four men-at-arms, six at most.”

“And how soon can arrangements be made?”

“Inside a week,” Pelletier replied. “To act too quickly will attract attention.

I must seek permission from Dame Agnes and you from your husband, Alais.“ She opened her mouth to say Guilhem would hardly notice her gone, then thought better of it. ”For this plan of yours to work, Filha, etiquette must be observed.“ All indecision gone from his face and manner, he stood to take his leave. ”Alais, return to the Chateau Comtal and seek out Francois. Inform him of your plans, in the barest terms, and tell him to wait upon me presently.“

“Are you not coming?”

“Presently.”

“Very well. Should I take Esclarmonde’s book with me?”

Pelletier gave a wry smile. “Since Esclarmonde is to accompany you, Alais, I feel sure the book will be safe with her a while longer.”

“I didn’t mean to suggest…”

Pelletier patted the pouch beneath his cloak. “Simeon’s book, however.”

He reached beneath his cloak and withdrew the sheepskin chemise Alais had seen briefly in Besiers as Simeon handed it over. Take it to the Chateau. Sew it into your travelling cloak. I will fetch the Book of Words by and by.“

Alais took the book and put it into her purse, then raised her eyes to her father. “Thank you, Paire, for putting your faith in me.”

Pelletier blushed. Sajhe scrambled to his feet. “I’ll make sure Dame Alais gets home safely,” he said. Everybody laughed.

“Mind you do, gentilome,” said Pelletier, slapping him on the back. “All our hopes rest on her shoulders.”

“I see your qualities in her,” said Simeon as they walked towards the gates that led out of Sant-Miquel to the Jewish suburb beyond. “She’s courageous, stubborn, loyal. She does not give in easily. Is your eldest daughter as much like you?”