“Part of the job,” Hadrian admitted.
“In a contest of swords, the count has only been beaten by Braga, the Archduke of Melengar, and that was in an exhibition tournament on the one day he didn’t have his sword. He was forced to use a replacement.”
“Oh, right,” Hadrian said as much to himself as to DeWitt. “He’s the one with the special rapier he won’t duel without, at least not in a real fight.”
“Yes! The count is very superstitious about it.” DeWitt said nothing more for a moment and looked uncomfortable.
“Did you stare at the count’s wife too long?” Hadrian inquired.
The man nodded and bowed his head. “I’ve been challenged to a duel tomorrow at noon.”
“And you want Riyria to steal the count’s sword.” It was a statement, not a question, but DeWitt nodded again.
“I’m with the retinue of Duke DeLorkan of Dagastan. We arrived in Medford two days ago, part of a trade negotiation hosted by King Amrath. They held a feast for our arrival and Pickering was there.” The baron wiped his face nervously. “I’ve never been to Avryn before—for Maribor’s sake, I didn’t know who he was! I didn’t even know she was his wife until I was slapped in the face with a glove.”
Hadrian sighed. “That is not an easy job. Taking a prized sword from the bedside of—”
“Ah—but I have made it easier,” DeWitt told him. “The count, like me, is staying with the king for the negotiations. His quarters are very near my duke’s. Earlier this evening, I slipped into his room and took his sword. There were so many people around I panicked and dropped it in the first open door I found. It must be removed from the castle before he notices it’s missing, since a search will surely find it.”
“So, where is it now?”
“The royal chapel,” he said. “It’s not guarded and is just down the hall from an empty bedroom with a window. I can make certain the window will be open tonight. There are also ivy vines just outside the wall below the window. It should be a simple thing really.”
“Then why don’t you do it?”
“If thieves are caught with the sword, all that will happen is the loss of their hands, but if I am caught, my reputation will be destroyed!”
“I can see the reason for your concern,” Hadrian said sardonically, but DeWitt appeared oblivious.
“Exactly! Now, seeing as how I have done most of the work, it doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Before you answer, let me add this to the proposal.”
With some strain, the baron pulled the bundle from beneath his foot and placed it on the table. A metallic jingle rustled when the saddlebag settled on the wood. “Inside you’ll find one hundred gold tenents.”
“I see,” Hadrian responded, staring at the bag and trying to breathe at an even pace. “And you are paying up front?”
“Of course, I’m not a fool. I know how these things work. I’ll pay you half now and half when I get the sword.”
Hadrian took another controlled breath, nodding and reminding himself to stay calm. “So, you’re offering two hundred gold tenents?”
“Yes,” DeWitt said with a look of concern. “As you can see, this is very important to me.”
“Apparently, if the job is as easy as you say.”
“Then you think they will do it?” he asked eagerly.
Hadrian sat back in his chair just as DeWitt leaned forward anxiously. DeWitt looked like a man set before a judge, awaiting sentencing on a murder charge.