‘The man who hit you,’ Lyndal said. ‘Commander Wright beat him until his face was no longer recognisable.’
Blake blinked away the image, then pushed herself to a stand, taking a moment to steady herself and ensure her legs would hold.
‘Did you hear what I said?’ Candace asked, rising as well. ‘The physician especially said—’
‘Yes, I heard what he said. Where are my shoes?’ She reached for the cloak draped across the end of her bed.
Head shaking, Lyndal left the room. She returned a moment later and helped Blake into them. ‘I’m coming with you.’
Blake did not argue.
‘I shall wait here in case Eda comes home,’ Candace said.
The girls stepped out into the crisp morning air, Blake’s arm through Lyndal’s. The streets were quiet as people slept off the festivities. Only a handful of children played gameball as they waited for their parents to rise.
‘So what’s the plan?’ Lyndal asked.
‘We go to the nobility gate and ask to speak with Commander Wright.’
Lyndal slowed. ‘But he’s in the farming borough looking for Eda.’
Blake shook her head. ‘He would have found her by now.’
‘Meaning?’
Blake looked at her sister. ‘Meaning something is wrong.’
Two defenders stood leaning against the portcullis when they arrived. They straightened as the girls approached.
‘I need to speak with Commander Wright,’ Blake said when they were within hearing range. ‘It’s urgent.’
The taller guard looked her up and down. ‘And you are?’
‘Blake Suttone. The commander has been looking for my sister, Eda.’
The men exchanged a look.
‘You mean the little chicken thief?’ the taller one asked.
Blake gave him a confused look. ‘Chicken thief?’
He wandered closer, hand resting casually on his weapon. ‘Young girl. Same eyes and hair as you. Caught with a chicken stuffed in her dress.’
Blake felt like someone had thrown icy water over her. She gripped Lyndal’s arm with her spare hand as she swayed. ‘You must be mistaken. Our sister is no thief. Please, just let me speak with Commander Wright.’
‘He’s busy. Now off you go before we lock you up as well.’
‘As well?’ Lyndal said.
‘Your sister’s in the tower with the rest of the troublemakers from the festival.’
Blake's knees threatened to give way. ‘No she’s not.’ She could not have been arrested.
Lyndal began pulling Blake away from the gate. ‘Come. He’ll come to the house.’
Blake anchored her feet. ‘Is he in there? If you tell him I’m here—’
‘Move along, both of you,’ the other defender said, taking a few steps in their direction.
