19
As they stood in the corridor outside, Jackson raised his eyebrows in query and Tarkyn gave a slight nod before continuing into the public bar.
Maud and Sheldrake were the only patrons still in the bar. Those who had stayed the night had moved on and the lunchtime crowd had not yet arrived. They watched Tarkyn as he approached, cautious of his grave expression.
He gave them a slight smile, which Maud thought looked strained. “I am sorry for keeping you waiting,” he said. “It is a beautiful morning outside. Would you like to come for a walk with me, perhaps along the road in the direction of Kimora?” After a tiny pause, he couldn’t help adding, “If you have finished with my room, of course,” and grinned.
“Yes to both,” said Maud with great aplomb, as she rose from the table to join h
