“Where am I?” asked Ludwig.
“Where do you think? Under the baron’s keep, where else?”
“Why am I still alive?”
The guard looked amused. “Why? Would you prefer to be dead?”
“No, merely curious.”
“His Lordship was most intrigued by the method of your attack. I expect he’ll want to talk to you about it.”
“I shall say nothing,” swore Ludwig.
The guard shrugged. “It makes no difference to me. Are you hungry?”
“Yes,” said Ludwig, “though thirst is of more immediate concern.”
“I detect an air of education to your manner. Are you a knight?”
Ludwig was caught. He could reveal his noble lineage, but to do so risked his father hearing word of his whereabouts. “No,” he finally responded, “merely well-read.”
The guard grunted out, “Wait here,” then disappeared back through the doorway, only t
