Ana blew out a long breath. “We believe the queen is directing the Klaernar for her own twisted deeds.”
“The Klaernar?”
“Yes,” said Ana. “We have knowledge to suggest someone is pulling the strings for her. A liaison of sorts. And we seek this name.”
Saga stared at her, thoughts zipping madly through her mind. “What are the Klaernar doing on the queen’s behalf?”
…murder and treason are the best of the bunch, came the woman’s exasperated thoughts.
Ana winced. “I’m afraid I cannot reveal the details. Suffice it to say, the people I work for have a vested interest in discovering who this person is.”
Saga turned and stared out the window, Ana’s thoughts dulled as her own mind whirred. The Klaernar. Treason. This was bigger than mere mail tampering. But then she recalled that first conversation she’d heard between Alfson and the queen.
What kind of incompetent imbecile was your friend, Maester? Kommandor of the Eystri branch of the Klaernar. How could an untrained girl best him?
The Klaernar were involved in the queen’s hunt for Eisa. And with that realization, her decision was made.
“I’ll do it,” said Saga, handing the scroll to Ana. “This must be sent with haste.”
Ana took the scroll, turning to examine all sides of it. As she moved, Saga caught a flash of inky black on the pale skin of Ana’s inner wrist—her thrall’s tattoo. “Clever, Your Majesty,” murmured Ana. “Outer parchment replaced, wax seal an exact replica, and your penmanship looks like a precise match. I shall send them at once.” Ana paused. “We must burn the original letters. But the sealer stamp—do you have a hiding place for it?”
“A loose stone in the wall,” replied Saga.
Ana nodded. “We need you to search for the name of this liaison between the queen and the Klaernar.”
“I shall find this information,” vowed Saga, steel in her voice.
“I wish I could speak to you all day, Your Majesty,” continued Ana. “You must know it is a great honor just to meet you. My parents…my family…” Her eyes shone.
…oh hush, Ana’s thoughts chided.Stop being so sentimental…
“Your parents were good and fair rulers, worthy of our devotion and sacrifice,” said Ana aloud. “Long have the Volsiks been protectors of the realm. The throne belongs to you.”
Ana’s words made Saga squirm. Years she’d spent burying such sentiments. Years she’d spent molding herself to fittheirideals.
“You must know,” said Ana, “there have been many plans to free you from this prison over the years. They’ve all gone astray for one reason or another.”
Saga’s throat stung, and she swallowed back her emotion.
…they treat her like a child, when clearly she has grit,thought Ana.Why they’ve never included her in their plans, I’ll never understand…
“I think,” said Ana, her dark eyes sweeping Saga’s face, “after you deliver us the name, I’ll demand my foreman put out a call for a new plan to free you.”
…and this time, I’ll demand they include Saga in their plans,thought Ana.
Saga was speechless, her mind awhirl. The thought of leaving Askaborg should fill her with exhilaration. But she hadn’t set foot outdoors for five long years. How could she leave the castle? The familiar hand of panic wrapped around her ribs and began to squeeze, tighter, tighter…
“Remember this,” continued Ana, oblivious to her plight. “A white linen flying from the falconry tower means I’ve intercepted the queen’s mail. We shall meet that night in this very tower. I’ll bring the wax and spare parchment; you bring the sealer and any information you’ve gathered. A black linen means trouble. Do not linger near the falconry tower and deny any knowledge of me.”
Saga nodded, drawing in a deep breath.
“You can descend first,” said Ana. “I will wait ten minutes and follow. And I’ll ensure this letter is posted immediately.” Ana performed a rough curtsey. “This will be a wonderful partnership, Your Majesty!”
Saga managed a shaky smile and left. She’d come to the tower hoping for an alliance with Rurik, but she left it with so much more. Now she had the chance todosomething that mattered. Because if the information Ana sought could expose Signe’s schemes—if she could bring evidence to Ivar that his wife undermined his rule—Saga could do far better than misdirecting a warband.
She could stop Signe once and for all.
Chapter Twenty-One
