One thing Amaury had learned in Maximilian’s company of mercenaries was where to seek fighting men when they were in or near a town. The village w***e would know Laurent and perhaps where that man had gone, and Amaury did not care what price he had to pay to learn the truth.
He could only hope the warriors were not long departed, for Beaupoint had need of them for its defense and soon.
He found his destination readily, thanks to the girl’s directions. Heloise’s hut was neither the largest nor the smallest in the village, and it was neatly kept. There were several chickens in the yard and a boy, perhaps a few years younger than Oliver, was repairing the thatch on the roof. He looked up at Amaury’s approach and halted his labor, curiosity bright in his eyes. His hair was dark and as unkemp
