“And you have not,” the Aldermaston stated simply.
“Power must be shared. Demont thinks that because he is a maston,” he nearly spat the word, “that his motives should be trusted without question. I am sorry, but I have known mastons who have lied and cheated. Who have violated their supposed oaths sworn in the bowels of an Abbey like this one. Sevrin Demont once held control of a king too, and it cost him his life. The Medium abandoned him just as it will abandon his son because it answers to whoever wants it the most. It answers to the strongest will. If we have the girl, it can avoid further bloodshed. We can negotiate an ending to the hostilities. Think of how many lives could be saved, Aldermaston.”
There was a pause before the reply. “When must we relinquish custody of the girl?”
“You have until the morrow,” Dieyre replied. “I do not care how many horses Demont has. He is already being lured north to face the Earl of Caspur. Even if you could get a message to him, there is no way he could get here in time. You must see that she has the upper hand. If you believe the Abbey will save you, that your will in controlling the Medium is stronger than hers, then defy her. At dawn, the Abbey will fall and the villagers will all be killed. It is within your power to protect them. Release the girl. Do not be a fool.”
The Aldermaston looked wary. “I ask for one term.”
“What is that?” The Earl had a smug look on his face.
“A safe conduct. To anyone who wishes to leave the Abbey. Anyone – learner or wretched. If the Queen Dowager seeks to make an example, let her limit it of those who do defy her. But if I am right, the Abbey will defend us as it did when the kishion struck. Even if there are only a handful of us remaining, let that be your witness that the Medium is on our side.”
The Earl of Dieyre shrugged. “I will personally vouchsafe their safety, upon my honor. The gates are made of iron. The walls are made of simple stone. It is beautiful and impressive. But it is not sacred or guarded by anything more mysterious than generations of lies. I have given you a chance to see reason.”
“Very well. Please present my terms to the Queen Dowager straight away. Any who leave the Abbey grounds are no longer under my protection. But I will hold you accountable, personally, for their safety.”
“You are a fool, Aldermaston. But I think you are bluffing. At dawn we will see who is right.”
“We will indeed. My hunter will escort you to the postern gate.”
*
Lia said nothing to the Earl of Dieyre as they walked, and he said nothing to her until they reached the gate. The postern was away from the main gate, one of the few other walled entrances to the grounds, a small iron door that provided another means of exiting the grounds.
“If you killed the kishion, as I think you did, then I am amazed at your resourcefulness.” He gave her a nod of respect. “My offer still stands, even though the bruises on your cheek have not fully faded.” With a finger, he caressed the skin of her cheekbone. “Come with me and you will not want for opportunities.”
Lia nodded to the door man to unlock it. “I believe we already had that conversation,” she replied.
“Very well, then do me the honor of passing on a word to Marciana.”
Lia breathed heavily. “It is time for you go, my lord.”
“You are a harsh strumpet, but I like you.” He looked her sharply in the eyes. “Tell her that she owes me a dance around the maypole tonight. I will be waiting for her. If she comes, her brother lives. If she does not, I cannot keep that promise. I do it for her sake, not for his. You can tell I despise him. Send her my message.” He reached into a pouch at his waist and withdrew a fistful of gleaming coins to give her. Once, long ago, a man had offered her coins for her help.
She refused to take it. “Goodbye, my lord.”
He looked at her warily, a confused smile on his mouth. He shrugged and followed the doorman into the inner wall. Then he paused and without looking back, he said, “We know of the tunnels beneath the Abbey.” And then he was gone and the doorman shut and locked the gate behind him.