Gaultier’s gaze flicked to Melissande, his dissatisfaction clear, then to her hand within Quinn’s.She smiled with a serenity she did not feel, for she could not fathom Quinn’s thoughts.He seemed harder and more resolute in this discussion, more a man of war, and her fears of his intentions were renewed.
She would be alone with him again this night, and his comrades filled the hall.How curious and troubling it was to consider that she would be outnumbered in her own abode.
“I have asked you a question, sir,” Quinn said softly and color rose on Gaultier’s neck.
The Captain of the Guard faced Melissande, making his true loyalty clear.“There was a theft, my lady.The miller and his wife were unharmed but frightened, and their coin was taken.The villains crossed the river at the ford, just below the mill, for I found the tracks from their horses there.”
“They ride horses?”Quinn asked.“Where would they stable their steeds?”
“If I knew that, sir, I should know where to apprehend them,” Gaultier snapped.
“You might be able to see their haven from the mill,” Quinn replied.
Gaultier straightened and Melissande raised a hand to silence him.She turned to Quinn.“The mill, sir, is not on the river Helva, but on a mountain stream that flows into it.We did not pass close to the mill on this day, but on the other side of that stream, the forest is dense.I would wager that in twenty paces, the sight of a horse would be lost in the undergrowth.”
“Thank you, my lady,” Quinn said, his voice a low rumble of approval.His eyes glowed as he smiled at her.“I appreciate your summary of the site and its traits, and will ride there on the morrow to see it myself.”
“But Gaultier has done as much already...”
“I would meet the miller myself, as well as hear his testimony,” Quinn said, interrupting her smoothly.He granted Gaultier a look.“Do you have more detail to share?”
“No, my lord.”Gaultier bowed again.
“You did not determine where the tracks led from the river?”
“They led toward the forest, but could be followed no further.”
Quinn sat back, his dissatisfaction clear.“I look forward to seeing it on the morrow.”
“I shall accompany you, sir.”
“Nay,” Quinn said firmly.“You will remain here at Annossy and ensure that the keep is secured.”
Gaultier opened his mouth and closed it again.
“Aye,” Quinn said, his voice silky yet stern.“We shall see if I learn more than you did on your quest.Upon my return from the mill, do not let me hear that you or any other men in the employ of Annossy have ridden through its gates since my arrival on this day with my lady wife.The tidings of my assumption of Annossy’s seal shall remain here for the moment.”
“If it was your desire to close the gates, sir, you should have told me as much.”
“I summoned all of you to the hall to pledge fealty, which should have been sufficient to ensure that none departed.”
Gaultier looked disgruntled and there was a gleam in his eyes that Melissande had never noticed before.“Of course, my lord,” he said, his tone cold, and bowed once more.Then he took his leave, striding across the hall and calling to some of the other sentries.
“Was it wise to provoke him so?”Melissande asked, unable to remain silent any longer.
Quinn arched a brow.“I cannot say as yet.I am intrigued that he could be provoked, in truth.”
“Why?”
“How long has he been here?”he asked instead of replying.
“A little over a year.Tulley sent him after the death of the Captain of the Guard who had served my father.”
Quinn nodded and lifted his cup to her.“This is the wine of Annossy?”
“The last of it, I fear, sir.”
“It is most fine.”
