From that, I could feel the other hands that had passed over its surface, the quills that had scratched letters and words, words that time had faded but in which the memories of the author were imprinted. I assimilated these as well as my lessons and I knew that Jacopo was impressed with the speed at which I learned and which he attributed in a self-congratulatory way to his teaching. That was something that his quill, which I occasionally touched, told me. It also revealed to me a great darkness within him. It was something I didn’t want to explore.
My education proceeded at a good pace and my teachers were pleased. I enjoyed what I was being introduced to and, for all my restlessness, there was much to stimulate and satisfy me – providing I wasn’t left with my own thoughts and recollections for too long. Those I fought daily to repress.
My little harlequin was my secret repository, my redeemer. Every time something became too much for me, I would distil it into my figurine. It sat atop the cabinet – my greatest secret, filled with my longings and the pain of far too many memories.
Memories I foolishly hoped never to have to deal with again.
THERE WAS THE RUSTLE OF ROBES and the clang of keys. Katina stirred atop her bed and sat up. The candle almost guttered and she quickly cupped her hands around the flame to preserve the light. Reassured it wasn’t going out, she stood up and straightened her clothes. No-one was expected and she wondered who it could be. Fortunately, she’d washed a few hours ago and been given a fresh robe. She twisted her hair into a knot at the nape of her neck and rubbed her eyes, waiting to see who entered her cell.
The door swung open and in walked an old man in dove-coloured robes carrying a tray. Over his shoulder swung a heavy bag. He turned towards the guard.
‘You may leave us,’ he said and waited until the guard had shut the door behind him.
‘Elder Maggiore.’ Katina bowed her head, trying to hide her astonishment. An Elder, and of all of them, Maggiore, visiting her? What was going on?
‘Katina.’ Smiling gently, he held out the tray. ‘Sì, sì.’ He verbally dismissed her as she went to kiss his hand. ‘Enough of that. Take this, would you? Before I drop it.’ She bore it from his shaking hands and placed it on the small table against the wall. It was laden with food and a brimming jug. Vino splashed over the lip as Katina set the tray down.
Elder Maggiore let the bag drop from his shoulders. It spread in a loud plashet at his feet and out rolled an apple. Ruby red, it glowed in the semi-darkness and, despite herself, Katina felt a longing to bite into it and draw the moisture into her mouth. She picked it up and squeezed it onto the tray. Why were food and drink being given to her?
Rotating his shoulder to ease the muscle, Elder Maggiore made a leisurely study of Katina’s cell. Her eyes followed his.
Small, it was nonetheless dry and comfortable. She had a bed, a table and chair, a supply of candles and some reading materials. Every so often, a guard would appear with washing water and a change of clothes. Conversation was brief and neutral but it was not denied. She may have been in deep trouble, but the guards were not forbidden from communicating with her. Each time the key turned in the latch and the door swung open, her heart leapt. She foolishly hoped to see Debora, Alessandro or even Dante. But they’d all been kept from her. She understood why, even though it pained her.
Alone for so long, at first she had tried to occupy the hours by reading. But with each tale or historical account, her mind had begun to drift and the questions she’d pushed aside for so long would come to the fore, bringing doubts and distress. Over and over, she replayed the events that had led to her being held within the palazzo awaiting trial.
Why were the Elders so afraid of Tallow? Why was it so important to sever her from her past? The Elders, particularly Nicolotti and Pisano, had been determined that Tallow feel isolated, alone. And that was before their intention to use her – to have her release the souls of the Bond Riders from every pledge stone – had been made apparent.