He forced himself to focus instead on unravelling the remains of Lihyaen’s story. In a voice of studied calmness he said: ‘But who was it? Who did you bargain with? Who took Lihyaen?’
Hidenory stared at him and slowly shook her head. ‘I know nothing of him. I am sorry.’
Aubranael stared hard at her, but he could discern nothing but sincere regret in Hidenory’s expression. Perhaps that meant nothing; she was, after all, the very mistress of pretence. But for the present he must satisfy himself with this unhelpful answer.
Lihyaen shook her frail head, growing agitated in the circle of Aubranael’s arms. ‘But I do not understand,’ she said fretfully. ‘How came you all to be here, all of a sudden, on this day? Aubranael and Nurse Hidey together? It is the most improbable of coincidences.’
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