I lay on my sunny rock as mindless as a cat, half asleep when Bareil came, bringing oatcakes and wine. “Is there some other service I may offer you, my lord?” The lines of worry carved so deep on his brow grieved me sorely.

“I can ask no more than you’ve already done today.”

“I do only as Master Dassine instructed me. Are you fully recovered?”

“For now. You were quick.”

“Then perhaps… The Lady Seriana would very much like to speak with you.”

Speak with the lady? The sunlit meadow suddenly wavered before my eyes, as though I gazed through the heat shimmer of a fire. “No. Not now. Tell her…”

How could I tell her that I was afraid of her? Clearly she knew more than she was telling me, yet I had to trust her, because Dassine did so. But whatever she knew and whatever she was drove me to the brink of madness. Any further along that course, and I would have to abandon the search, just to get away from her. Then I would be left with only the disturbing task of avenging Dassine. Better she think me a boor.

“Just tell her I won’t speak with her now. Perhaps later.”

“Nothing more?”

“Nothing more.”