Jacq, sitting close to the back of the Compass Rose, did not even bother to look up as the cheers filled the tavern. He rested his head in his hands, behind a veritable forest of ale bottles. Judging by the noises coming from the area around the stage, some tart had just come on to entertain the crowd. Wearily, he stood, preparing to leave, in no mood to listen to music this night. He had a long ride ahead of him, back to LeClaire, in the cold and dark. Then abruptly his head snapped up and he listened intently to the song the girl had just started singing.
“My love has gone for a soldier,
My soldier has gone for a love,
She is a beauty in satin...”
Though it seemed unbelievable Katkin should be in the Compass Rose, he recognized her voice right away. He remembered teaching that song t
