man's arms, you might well have killed me with that blade throw.'
'Someone else might have, but not me.' The claim was spoken so earnestly that she couldn't help feeling vaguely charmed, rather than offended, by his arrogant words.
'You are clearly confident of your skills, Master Cassien.'
'They are the only aspects of the world I can control, I'm afraid, my queen. The rest is all extremely unpredictable.' He smiled and this time she saw the crinkling around his eyes, the light of humour flaring within them.
'How did you know we were in trouble?'
'We were coming to Rittylworth from the north. And we had a good vantage point.' He shrugged. 'We saw everything unfolding.'
'Did you know I was here?'
'No. I saw people in trouble. We guessed you were not monks. It all looked wrong ... even to Hamelyn. When you drew closer we could hear clearly.'
'I see. You said you were sent to protect me. How did you know to help?'
'I didn't know anything other than I was helping three people under attack. When I discovered it was you, your majesty, I was as shocked as anyone might be.'
Florentyna nodded. 'Were you on your way to Pearlis?'
'Yes.'
She was aware of the boy trailing them. 'Hamelyn too?'
'No ... and yes.'
'How is that possible?'
'No, he was not sent at the time that I was. Yes, he has deliberately joined forces with me to ensure your safety.'
Florentyna shook her head and regarded him. 'You have me intrigued, Master Cassien.'
They'd reached the monastery and Florentyna knew they would not be left alone to talk until she'd extricated herself from the monks. Nevertheless, there was a burning question demanding to be asked. 'We don't have time right now for you to answer all of my questions but there is one I feel might explain plenty.'
'I will answer whatever you ask of me, your majesty.'
'Tell me then if a man by the name of Fynch sent you to me.'
He didn't hesitate. 'Yes, he did.'
It felt as though a flock of birds had just lifted off in her chest at his admission. Fynch. He was certainly determined.
'He believes the Crown is under grave threat.'
'So I gather,' she said softly.
'Have you heard of the Brotherhood, your majesty?'
She blinked, stunned. Those words were rarely uttered outside of Stoneheart. 'Yes, of course, but I have no reason to - '
'Forgive me,' he murmured, looking over his shoulder, 'but time is short. I am of the Brotherhood. Master Fynch believes there is a sinister force at work.'
She could tell he was choosing his words with care, speaking obliquely. Florentyna opted to be direct. 'I don't believe in demons, Master Cassien.'
'Neither did I, your majesty, until I met Master Fynch ... or Hamelyn here. There is more to say but now is not the moment,' he said, noting that a fresh party of soldiers was waiting for them as they returned to the monastery's cloisters.
Florentyna remembered Burrage's promise to have more men waiting to escort her back to Stoneheart. She wished now with all her heart that she'd let him send an entire unit with her to Rittylworth and then perhaps Felyx and Brom, and even Saria, would still be alive.
'Perhaps you'll permit me to accompany you on your return to Pearlis?' Cassien suggested. 'We can continue our conversation when you're safely back in familiar and secure surrounds.'
'Yes, of course.'
She watched him bow his dark head and turn away but already she missed his quiet, strong presence.
Chapter Twenty
Burrage regarded the man. 'It is very unusual that we should grant such an audience; I'm sure you understand,' he said carefully. The handsome fellow had been respectful, though, and earnest.
The man nodded. 'I do understand, of course. But the people of Robissun Marth are keen to present King Tamas and Princess Darcelle with an early marriage gift. Briavel is having its difficulties with Morgravia right now. A show of our respect for Princess Darcelle and the new bond with the Isles of Cipres,' he shrugged, 'could go a long way. And you cannot fault me for wanting to make new ties and friendships with the people of Cipres, Master Burrage.'
'Given that you are such a highly regarded merchant, no, I wouldn't blame you one bit. You can lay the trail for our merchants in the future,' Burrage replied.
'That's magnanimous of you, sir. Especially as my dealings have normally been eastward.'
'Indeed. Although I'm surprised you have not presented yourself at court previously.'
His visitor placed a hand on his chest in a gesture of remorse. 'It has