The Thief's Daughter (Kingfountain #2)

“Or so you believe,” Etayne prompted. “What about Marshal Roux?”

“It can’t be both of them, can it? My suspicion is that Tyrell did it and he’s trying to get the chest to Eyric. It will make a difference somehow. It’s important in some way I don’t understand.”

“Why don’t you just go into the sanctuary and take it back now?” Etayne asked.

Owen shook his head. “Because I’m going to figure this out, Etayne. I’m tired of being in the dark about our enemies and their plans. If I pretend to be on their side, they may expose the entire plot to me.”

The sound of boots came rushing up to the tent and Farnes burst in, flushed. “My lord!”

“What is it?” Owen snapped.

“Eyric’s ship just docked at the sanctuary! Four fishing vessels. He’s at the sanctuary right now! You were right!”

Owen felt a throb of hope in his breast. “Get word to Ashby,” Owen said. “Tell him I’m coming straightaway.”




Owen carried a torch to light their way as they walked down the main road to the sanctuary of St. Penryn. There were Espion hidden all along the way, as well as in the area surrounding the sanctuary, and they were the ones who had alerted Farnes of Eyric’s landing. Owen missed Clark, but he had been assigned to protect Evie and get her and Justine safely back to the North. Owen did not think he minded the assignment, for it would bring him close to the woman he cared about.

An Espion by the name of Victor waited in the gloom, wearing beggar rags and shaking a cup. Owen paused and rifled through a coin pouch for some money to toss in.

“How many?” Owen whispered. Etayne wore a thick silver mantle covering her dress and hair. She faced the sanctuary so he could only see her profile. She looked like an apparition in the mist.

“One hundred men, if that,” the Espion wheezed, jiggling the cup as the coins clinked into it. “They raised a battle standard from the spire of the sanctuary. The Sun and Rose. Men are coming in from all quarters, drawn to it. He has a boat ready to flee, though, and soldiers are guarding it with drawn swords. Oh, and his lady wife is with him.”

“Kathryn?” Owen asked in surprise. “What about the Earl of Huntley?”

The shabby Espion shrugged. “No sign of the earl.”

“Thank you,” Owen said, then tugged at Etayne’s elbow and started toward the sanctuary. He felt the magic of the Fountain begin to trickle in around her.

“Not yet,” he cautioned. “And stay close. If Tyrell’s there, I want him to think I’m the one who’s causing it. They all know I’m Fountain-blessed.”

The pathway wound its way up to some steps, which they mounted as they rose toward the grounds. A stone fence surrounded the sanctuary, while a wrought-iron gate speckled with flakes of rust commanded the entrance. They entered the gate and Owen began to summon his magic as the sound of their footfalls echoed on the pavement.

There were others carrying torches on the grounds, and the wind and sea fog blew in sharp gusts, threatening to tear away Etayne’s hood. She gripped Owen’s arm with one hand and used her other to keep the cowl in place.

The sexton awaited them at the main doors.

“Lord Kiskaddon, Lady Elyse,” he greeted warmly, but there was a nervous edge to his voice. “They are expecting you both. Follow me to the fountain.”

As they cleared the threshold, Etayne brought down her hood. Owen could feel the magic flowing from her, as innocuous as the breeze. She looked exactly like Lady Elyse. She was wearing one of her gowns, and her hair was in the fashion favored by the king’s niece. Owen made himself appear agitated and nervous, and he continued to glance back the way they had come, as if suspecting treachery. Etayne’s disguise was perfect.

There was a circle of light near the fountain’s edge, and the lapping of the water helped prevent noise from carrying. Owen recognized Eyric immediately, only now he wore gilded armor and a sword belted to his waist. The pommel gleamed and the polished armor fit him well. Standing next to him was Lady Kathryn, holding on to his arm. She looked beautiful, but also very wary and nervous, and her eyes scrutinized them as they made their approach.

There were several men standing with them, including the deconeus and warriors from Atabyrion with their braided locks and rugged looks. They stared at Owen with open dislike as he approached. Standing just behind the deconeus was another man, wearing the robes of a sexton. He had a noticeable gap in his front teeth. He was tall, with reddish brown hair and freckled skin. The robes could not hide his muscled gait. He looked like he was from Legault, and Owen could sense the power of the Fountain flowing from him. The man stared at Owen and Etayne shrewdly, a small frown quirking his mouth down as they approached.

A decorative table had been brought to the edge of the fountain, and Owen saw the chest on the table, the lid open and cast aside. His heart pounded with curiosity. They were all gathered around the box, but they’d turned as Owen and Etayne made their approach.

“Sister!” Eyric breathed with pure delight. Kathryn released his arm, and Eyric rushed forward, embracing Etayne with all the fervor of a man who had not seen his sister in a long, long while. Etayne fell effortlessly into the role of rejoicing sibling, and even shed some convincing tears as she hugged her long-lost “brother.” Owen almost felt guilty for the deception, but he knew it would not work with the poisoner Tyrell.

Owen came forward and took Lady Kathryn’s hand. He bowed graciously. “I beg your pardon, Lady Kathryn, for shattering the window in your manor before I left. I hope you can forgive me.”

She gave him an intense look, not showing any emotion other than nervousness. “I do not consider it inappropriate given the circumstances. You had deceived us, Lord Kiskaddon. I trust you have not come to deceive us again.”

Her words stung Owen’s heart, especially considering how vulnerable she appeared at that moment.

Eyric swept up Etayne and twirled her around. “My dear, dear sister!” he crooned, shaking his head. “I would recognize you even if fifty years had passed. This is she, my love,” he said, looking back at Kathryn. “I would have known her anywhere.”

Lady Kathryn’s mouth turned down. “If you say so, my lord husband.” Her voice was skeptical.

“What brings you to St. Penryn?” Eyric demanded almost gleefully as he took Etayne’s hands. “We weren’t expecting you here. It’s a welcome surprise, to be sure!”

Owen patted Kathryn’s hand and then met Tyrell’s gaze. The poisoner looked quite uncomfortable, almost writhing in his disquiet. Owen finally allowed himself to look into the open chest.