>>5237633“Yes, Will, we do.” She holds up two envelopes. “They came in today, it's why I slipped the healers. Couldn't let someone else get to them.” A chair is pushed back as Friedrich stands suddenly, drawing a look from Alys.
“At your leave, Captain-General.”
You think for a moment. “No, Sir Friedrich, sit down. As senior knight you are privy to such things as much as Alys and I are.” His stoic expression makes no move, but he sits again, and you almost swear his scarred mouth almost smirks after he does.
The knight looks to his side. “And him?”
You shrug. “Who's he going to tell?”
Domlech grunts. “Nobody talks to me but the woman, southerner, too scared.” He rips a huge chunk from the leg and mumbles. “Don't care anyway.”
Friedrich seems dubious, but accepts your lack of concern over it.
Alys begins. “They both arrived at the same time, with the same messenger. Tells me they must have conferred over the offer. Also I think Brassus had his dictated to Salaf. I always suspected the man was illiterate.”
“What does this mean?”
“Namely, Will, they are interested. In fact, they are already on their way. Together. One collective fee. I'd bet Salaf is probably skimming from Brassus' half but I doubt the old wolf would care even if he knew. The cost is, as we discussed, extensive.”
“How much?”
She softly gives a number. It's considerable. A third of your current coffers. But the crafty bastards have tied your hands. You can hardly have them come all the way out and not pay them. You suppose they just made the choice you would have had to make for you.
“Sir Friedrich, your opinion?”
He sighs. “It's robbery, but I trust the Lady Alys if she says they are the best. I am no spy, no alleyway thug. But I can see the use of such people for an Order like this. I will swallow my misgivings, Captain-General.”
“Very well.” You note that Friedrich is disinterested in what remains of his food and even Domlech seems loathe to order yet another turkey leg. “You both may leave.” Alys has her hand on your leg, bidding you to stay for a moment. Friedrich bows as he leaves while Domlech as usual stomps out without ceremony. The vast hall is silent once more.
“Alys, what is it?” You say, thinking there must be some message in the letters she wanted between the two of you after all.
