And with that, Saga got to work.
Saga’s heartpounded like a war hammer as she climbed the spiral staircase to Asla Tower. Tucked into one sleeve was the forged scroll, freshly resealed. Though she’d struggled for hours to match Maester Alfson’s scratchy handwriting, she’d finally achieved something close to it. With these new directions, the Wolf Feeders would traipse along the western coast of Nordur, far from Svangormr Pass, and, Saga hoped, Eisa.
In her other sleeve, Rurik’s map was folded. Saga had slaved over that map, had included Askaborg’s main passages—including those known by the Urkans—and just enough obscure ones to satisfy his curiosity. But others, Saga had kept to herself. She’d not been of sound mind when she’d agreed to share this with him. Were she to reveal all of Askaborg’s secrets, it would not only jeopardize her safety, but give Rurik everything he needed.
And she planned to leave him wanting just a little more.
Saga went over the offer she’d propose to Rurik—a partnership of sorts. He’d intercept future letters for her, and she’d reward him with new passageways. How Rurik would react to this, Saga was unsure. But the man deserved it for striking that deal while her mind was addled from the tonic.
Asla Tower had long been abandoned yet was accessible through corridors within the old defensive walls of the castle’s northern wing. Not only that, but it was only a few minutes’ walk from Saga’s own bedchambers. Had Rurik selected the tower for this reason? It was disturbing to realize this man knew so much of the castle in so little time.
Saga pushed through the door and into an empty tower room. The rounded space had five glass-paned windows, each with a breathtaking view of the castle grounds and Sunnavík’s districts beyond. Saga drew nearer to the easternmost window, gazing out at the sister moons reflected in the bay’s waters. Tonight, the largest moon was at her fullest.
A full Malla is a good omen for those in need of courage,came a curiousthought. Before Saga could question where she’d heard such a thing, a scuff sounded from behind her.
“I’ve got your—” Saga began, cutting off as shock jolted through her. It was not Rurik’s large frame filling the doorway, but a woman Saga did not recognize. Her stomach turned over, heartbeat kicking up.
Clad in a thrall’s blue apron dress, the woman bobbed an awkward curtsy. “Good evening, Your Majesty.”
“Who—what?—”
“I’m Ana, Your Majesty,” said the woman, stepping into the room.
Saga’s heart leaped into her throat. This was not Rurik at all. “Your Majesty is reserved for the queen,” said Saga, more harshly than she’d intended.
“Aye,” replied Ana, unperturbed. “It is.”
Discomfort wrapped itself around Saga’s ribs, and she cast a look over Ana’s shoulder. “I thought you were…” She pressed her lips together.
“Lord Rurik?” the girl guessed. She shook her head. “I must tell you, the man is most brash. Had he encountered anyone else in the falconry tower, word would already have reached the king.”
Saga felt the blood leave her face. “You were in the falconry tower. You gave him the…” Again, she found herself not wanting to reveal too much.
“Scroll,” finished Ana. “He came into the falconry tower just as I was securing the scroll. I’ll admit, the man isquitepersuasive.” Ana raised her brows in mock amusement, but Saga only scowled. She should have known the man would be a shameless seducer.
“I was about ready to give him the keys to the building,” continued Ana. “Thankfully, some shred of my wits remained intact. And his unexpected presence had me thinking—had me remembering a woman trying to cross the castle’s inner bailey not long ago.”
Saga’s body flushed with shame, a memory surging forth—a face peering down at her from the falconry tower’s window while she fell to pieces. “You saw…”
“Do not be embarrassed,” Ana said with a wave of her hand. “Please, Your Highness, that is the last thing I wish to do.”
“And what is it you wish to do?” Saga snapped. She took a slow breath, trying to summon her patience. But she’d rather discuss Ursir’s wisdom than her affliction with a stranger.
“I passed the scrolls and note to Lord Rurik because I wanted to tell you…” Ana rolled her lips together, then spoke. “Should you find yourself in need of intercepting another letter, perhaps I could be of assistance.”
Surprise prickled down Saga’s spine. “Assistance,” she repeated, dumbstruck.
“Yes,” said Ana, carefully. The two women looked at one another assessingly. It was a dangerous line being toed, and both of them knew it.
Saga stared at the woman before her, uncertain what to think. Slowly, she eased her mental barriers down, letting her Sense stretch out.
…how can I convince her?wafted Ana’s thoughts.I must share something to gain her trust…
“Assistance could be…agreeable,” said Saga slowly. “You would help me with this?”
…yes!burst Ana’s thoughts.Tell her, but do not be too eager. You’ll frighten her off…
“Yes,” Ana replied aloud. “Though I fear I must ask something of you as well. An exchange of sorts. I think we could be of great help to one another.”
