“A blessing I"ve found something, eh?”
“Stars above, it is. If you"ll wait here, Lord Knox, whilst I check?”
Marl smiled, watching him go.
The soldier soon returned. “Captain Volans welcomes you, Lord, this way.” And the soldier led him not to the main building but to a small side building standing alone near the forward corner of the compound. “Our guesthouse, Lord. Oft used by the Lord Sage Edgeword, who was here just two days ago to buy a dozen slaves for the mines. I"ve sent for the servant to assist you with bath and clothing, Lord, and Captain Volans bids you when you"ve finished to join our fare.”
Simple clapboard on the outside, the guesthouse was modestly appointed inside. The down mattress five fingers deep, the curtains filigreed with gold strand, the carpets plush and silen
