empire. As you can appreciate, in the church we are well versed with the towns and villages of our lands.'
'Of course,' Burrage said. 'Perhaps it was a tiny hamlet, though, or - '
'I concede that, Master Burrage. But why did he look so bewildered when I mentioned Morgravia and Briavel? In fact, he admitted that he was lost.' Pel frowned. 'I've been thinking about that conversation a great deal, trying to remember it in case it can give me a clue to this stranger. And he said the oddest thing.' They both leaned forward. 'He said he was under a spell. That "she", and I don't know to whom he referred, had brought him to this world from another.' Pel's voice had gradually lowered to a whisper even though they were alone. 'He spoke of magic,' he said, sounding frightened.
Florentyna and Burrage stared at Pel as though he'd just begun talking in tongues.
'From another world,' Florentyna repeated, remembering another stranger with a warning. Neither man responded. 'Did you believe him, Master Pel?'
He looked surprised to be asked such a question. 'At the time I just wanted him to be gone from the barn, my queen, for Master Flek gets deeply irritated if his security is breached. I didn't want a scene.' He gave a mirthless groan of a laugh. 'I was certainly left with one though. I have no idea why he should kill an innocent. I don't know why I found a scrivener's quill with the royal sigil on it, and I don't understand talk about other worlds and magic. I am a simple man; you must forgive me for passing this problem on to the Crown. I didn't know what else to do but to tell you everything I could and return your quill. Oh, I believe his name may have been Gabriel.'
Florentyna listened and nodded. The name could be a lie, of course. 'We're grateful that you came, Master Pel. I'm sorry for your loss,' she said. 'Now, please, let us find you a bed in which to rest and some food. You may return home when you are ready.'
'Thank you, your majesty, you're very kind. I hope the Crown finds him and I will be glad to bear witness against him.'
She nodded and watched the elderly man leave, escorted by Burrage to the door. Florentyna turned away, biting her lip in worry. The talk of magic had prompted a reminder of the man called Fynch, who had told Florentyna of the imminent arrival of a stranger - a magic bearer. She took a deep, steadying breath. She had to speak with Fynch again.
Pel's sinister tale also deepened the mystery surrounding her former chancellor's disappearance.
She wished Darcelle would be a friend and confidante, but it seemed that since the marriage proposal her sister was becoming increasingly bored with life as the spare heir and not especially interested in Florentyna's needs. Darcelle wanted a crown of her own and her new husband-to-be would provide it. And then she would likely consider herself Florentyna's equal. Despite her love for Darcelle, Florentyna knew they had grown apart, especially since the announcement of marriage and particularly with her choice of husband. But Florentyna had refused to dwell on King Tamas and her sister being wed. She would be happy for them, and Cipres was a long way from Morgravia.
Along with Reynard's disappearance, Florentyna was feeling increasingly isolated, to the point where the only trustworthy companions she could call upon were Burrage, in his seventh decade, and Felyx, her champion, who quietly resented his 'nursemaid' role.
'Do you need company?' Burrage whispered, interrupting her thoughts as she began to walk away.
'Just want to clear my head,' she assured. 'I'll be fine.'
'In the grove?'
She found a smile. He knew her too well.
'Felyx will accompany you,' he said, walking to the chamber door. She wanted to be truly alone but knew that was about as likely as two moons appearing tonight. She sighed quietly as she watched Burrage whisper to someone outside the door.
Soon enough, Burrage returned with her nursemaid. Between them they shared one hundred and fourteen summers. Florentyna could use some male company of her own age, as these men always felt the need to advise and counsel, rather than simply listen and let her reach her own conclusion. And there was so much to consider in Pel's curious tale.
Florentyna wished now that she hadn't treated Master Fynch with such indifference. She had allowed others to sway her attitude toward