Disciple of War Disciple of War (Art of the Adept #4) - Michael G. Manning Page 0,47

Will. The maid tried to rise hurriedly and lost her balance. He moved to catch her shoulder, hoping to steady her, but that only frightened her more when she thought he meant to seize her.

“William,” said Selene quietly, shaking her head when he glanced back at her. “Patience.” They waited several long moments while the maid sorted herself out and eventually scrambled out of the way. Then they entered.

The house was modest but clean and well taken care of. The front door opened into what might have been called a parlor but was more of a multipurpose living area that served as the main room and the dining area. A small doorway led to a kitchen, and a stair off to the right led upstairs, presumably to the bedrooms. A young, somewhat attractive lady was descending as they entered.

“Laura, who was at the door?” The woman’s words slowly faded as her eyes took in the watchmen, William, and the modestly dressed princess. Recognition struck, and the blood drained from her cheeks. She sank slowly to her knees. “Your Highness.”

“Belinda Arberry?” asked Selene.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Get up. I need answers. Is there a place we can sit?”

“The table, Your Highness.” Belinda pointed at the kitchen table with its simple wooden chairs. Her hand was trembling. The two watchmen moved past her, one toward the kitchen, the other making for the stairs. That provoked a response. “Wait! Where are you going?”

“Is there anyone else in the house?” asked Will.

“My daughter. Please, she’s innocent. Don’t hurt her!”

“For the moment, I only want answers,” stated Selene. “What comes after depends on your words.” She pointed at one of the chairs. After the woman had found a seat, Selene joined her and Will dragged a chair off to one side for himself. “Do you know why we are here?”

“No, Your Highness,” said Belinda, struggling to cover her rising anxiety.

Selene’s response was so cold and flat that it sent shivers down Will’s spine, for it reminded him of her father. “That was a lie, Belinda. I would advise you against doing so again. I already know more than you realize about your relationship with your estranged husband. From this point forward I expect honesty, even if you fear that your answers will anger me, for if you lie, I will become angrier still. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Do you know why we are here?” Selene repeated.

Belinda was becoming visibly agitated and she began to beg, “Please, Your Highness! I truly don’t know!” As she did, she stood up from the chair suddenly, which startled Will. Before he realized it, he had summoned his saber from the limnthal and held it mere inches from the woman’s throat, prompting a gasp from Selene and a choking squeak from Belinda. A scream of pure terror came from the direction of the stairs, where the daughter, Theresa, was descending behind the watchman.

“Don’t kill Momma!” screamed the young girl. She appeared to be somewhere in the vicinity of seven or eight years old. The watchman grabbed her quickly as she started to dart past him.

“Theresa, don’t worry. No one’s going to hurt me,” said Belinda Arberry with forced calm as she stared at the keen edge of the sword. A tear traced its way down her cheek. “Go back upstairs and wait for me. I’ll explain everything later.” Her eyes were pleading as she looked back at the princess.

Selene covered her surprise quickly and gestured to the guard while Will quietly returned his sword to its extradimensional storage place. “Take her back to her room for now,” she ordered. A second later she spoke to Belinda, “I would also advise you not to startle my husband, Mistress Arberry. Now answer the question honestly. I don’t expect you to have exact knowledge. Tell me why I’m here.”

Belinda’s expression grew despondent. “Lewis did something, didn’t he?”

Selene smiled, but no warmth showed in her eyes. “That’s better. Doesn’t it feel good to be truthful?”

“I don’t know where he is,” blurted out Belinda. “Whoever he hurt—he didn’t tell me! Please, you have to believe me.”

“You know what your husband was doing for a living.” Selene’s remark was a statement rather than a question.

“He told me he scared people into paying what they owed.” Selene’s eyes narrowed angrily, and Belinda hastened to add, “And sometimes more than that! He did more than just hurt some people.” Something broke in her then. “He killed someone important, didn’t he?”

“Almost. My husband and I are still reasonably healthy, though. I’m