Colvin found Lia in the woods, his expression grim and hardened, and asked for her help communicating with the mother of the children who gibbered at them in Pry-rian.
Lia dried her eyes and met with the mother and was able to determine much from the woman about the family they had discovered. They lived in the wilderness and her husband rowed a small boat back and forth to Pry-Ree once each day. They ferried goods to trade, occasionally travelers, and did well enough to support themselves year to year. All goods brought in to Bridgestow were taxed by the king, so her husband’s business was small but prosperous as a way of circumventing the taxes. After much hard rowing day after day, the husband had determined their specific location was the shortest distance between Pry-Ree and their kingdom, and thus the least amount of work for a man who earned his living by rowing. He had built the thatched cottage himself in that spot and the pier to dock his boat. He would return by nightfall from having taken Martin and the visitors across the narrow strip of sea that separated the two kingdoms. The family was not involved in the plot to abduct Ellowyn. In fact, they did not know who she was, other than some highborn guest. There were eight men, including Martin. Just enough to fit in the boat for the journey there and back. And because they had not crossed at Bridgestow, the sheriff of the Hundred had not known they were there or when they arrived.
It was just like Martin, Lia realized. He had planned the escape perfectly, knowing how many men he would need and how to avoid the places where he might be accosted. They had traveled on foot, which slowed their progress. She wondered whether they would have caught up to them if they had not slept during the night.
“Those soldiers discovered the smoke from our chimney,” the woman explained to Lia. She cuddled with her children, grateful to be alive when so many had been butchered on her doorstep. Her name was Aerona and she had introduced her two oldest daughters, Blodyn and Dilys, and her infant, Cowan. “They arrived without warning, we only had time to hide the children in the loft. I was so frightened. Edmon helped the little ones escape from the thatch, but the knights shoved their way in and saw him in the light. I was so fearful my little ones would be hurt. I speak very little of your language. You speak our tongue very well. What clan are you from?”
Lia evaded the question by explaining her remarks to the three earls. Nightfall was approaching and Aerona was anxious for the return of her husband.
Dieyre paced as she listened, absorbing the information. Lia noticed that Marciana glanced at him surreptitiously. All of their horses were saddled, in case they needed to escape quickly. Edmon stood watch.
Dieyre muttered under his breath. “The last thing Pry-Ree needs is another war. This makes no sense.”
“Perhaps not to us,” Colvin agreed, “but their motives are different than ours.”
“They are a rash and faithless people. They got what they wanted without Demont’s help. The heir of Pry-Ree has returned. Now the entire country will burn for it.”
“Why do you say that?” Edmon asked from the doorway, still watching the woods.
“Do not be stupid, York. I know that is difficult for you, but try and keep up.”
Lia bristled at the condescending attitude, but Colvin’s voice was patient. “She is a prize that many will fight over. I am sure a reward will be offered for her return. One large enough to tempt even Pry-rians to betray her. No matter where they keep her, someone will tell. Or someone will try and kill her.” He shook his head and sighed.
Lia felt a twinge of pity for him, but she had already decided on the best course of action. “That is our advantage,” she offered quietly. “They are not far ahead of us.” She rose and folded her arms. “I will bring her back. I speak Pry-rian. I can cross tomorrow morning after the boatman has rested and find her.”
Dieyre looked at her, startled. “There are eight soldiers. I know you are clever and brave, but you are still but a girl. Their leader is the master who trained you, if I remember it right. You will be caught.”
“I have to try,” Lia said.
Colvin looked up at her, eyes wide with amazement. “You would go?”
She looked him in the eye and nodded curtly.
“I was not going to ask that of you. I had already made up my mind to go.”
“What?” Dieyre said with a choking laugh. “You cannot be serious, Forshee!”
“Colvin, no!” Marciana said, her face suddenly flaming with worry. “It is a wild country. The Blight is there. I have heard stories. Serpents and other poisonous things. The land cannot be tamed.”