VII
BOURRÉE
“If you do not have audacity of heart, all else is missing.
Audacity, such virtue is what this art is all about.”
— Fiore dei Liberi, c.1409
Jarrod would never have believed that he’d one day be so exhausted. He staggered up the stairs of High River to his chambers and flopped on his bed, in his armor.
Javal joined him, closing the door behind, some minutes later.
“You checked for pitchforks,” the knight assumed.
Jarrod opened one eye and glared at him.
“And?” Jarrod needed to know.
Javal opened his hands, indicating that he was powerless in the situation. “There’s a formal feast tonight. Ambassadors from Gateskeep. We can’t see anyone, until at least tomorrow. Alby, the genius, says affairs of state can wait.”
Jarrod’s hands went to his aching forehead. “I can’t bel
