“I say you will be in peril, and Amaury will have my hide for it.”
“Listen! On the far side of the trees, the river runs toward Marnis village. This road crosses it in the forest. If you follow the river toward the village from there, it bends suddenly to reveal the mill, just ahead. At that point, on this bank of the river, there is a very large rock with a tree growing atop it. You cannot mistake it, for the tree’s roots twine around it, as gold wires will hold a gemstone. And if you climb that rock, you will find a hollow hidden beneath the tree’s trunk. It is only large enough for a man’s fist. You might need Philip to reach within it for you. But if you stretch the length of your arm into it, I believe you will find Denis’ hidden treasure there.” She cast him a look. “Guard it well.”
“You dare too much in this, my lady,” the knight growled.
“I would risk this and more to see justice served. Tell him that.” She took a breath. “And if you find what I believe you will, and he holds his sole desire in his hand, remind him of that truth.” She heard her voice harden. “Do not let him surrender the promise of the future for me.”
“My lady!”
“Understand, sir, that he will never be permitted to leave Marnis alive again. Persuade him of this, for the sake of Montvieux and all he holds dear.”
She did not wait for a reply, for she knew the knight would argue with her. Isabella touched her heels to her horse’s side and the palfrey began to canter. She could feel watchful eyes upon them, but strove to give no sign of her trepidation. They passed the forest on the south side, riding toward Marnis village. She gave no especial attention to the stone she had mentioned and neither did Thierry. They passed the mill, then circled around the village, coming to a halt at the graveyard.
“Be careful, my lady,” Thierry whispered as he handed her down.
Isabella saw the cord slide into his glove and watched his grip close around it. She gave him the barest nod and assured him that all would be well.
“I shall return at midday, my lady,” Thierry said loudly, then bowed. He swung into his saddle and rode away with speed.
Isabella walked to her mother’s grave, leading the palfrey behind her, her heart thundering in her chest. She dropped to her knees and bowed her head to pray. Aware that she was observed, she reached beneath the stone that marked the place, as if this was the secret repository of Denis. She did not have to wait long to feel the weight of a hand upon her shoulder.
“What have you found, my lady?” Mallory demanded, his tone low and dangerous.
“Naught,” Isabella confessed, opening her hand to reveal that it was empty.
Fury flared in his eyes but she did not give him time to respond.
“The prize I hid here is gone. My brother must have seen my deed and claimed it.”
“Then where is it now?”
“There are so many places my brother favored for his secrets. I must begin at the beginning to find what he has hidden.”
“What did you hide here?”
“The seal for Marnis, of course, and the seal to Montvieux. No one can claim possession of either holding without them.” She smiled. “That must be why Denis took them into his care.”
She caught her breath at his stinging blow across her cheek.
“You will tell me every hiding place,” Mallory muttered, seizing a fistful of her hair. “You will tell me or I will kill you.”
“You will not kill me before you have the seals in hand, and I must consider which place to search next. I was Denis’ confidante and no other.”
“Let me encourage your willingness to be of aid, my lady,” Mallory snarled, then struck her so hard that she fell. Her head hit the ground and darkness descended.
But Amaury was safe, as safe as the hidden seals. Isabella could be confident of that at least.
Something was amiss.
Amaury rode into a quiet camp, noting that Thierry’s gaze was downcast and Luc looked grim. “Where is my lady wife?” he asked, assuming that she rested in the tent. “I would have her meet the count.”
Thierry sighed, his expression grim.
“What is this?” Amaury asked softly, looking between the brothers.
“She is gone,” Luc said tightly. “Gone on some fool quest with my foolhardy brother.”
“But you are here and she, I think, is not,” Amaury said to Thierry. He felt the count come to stand beside him and Roland as well.