It was later that eve when Luc abandoned his inquiries for the day. The hall was sliding into shadows, he and Uther and Brother Thomas were exhausted. Luc and Uther had talked to half the household while Gavin paced agitatedly behind them, but had learned precious little.
Everyone had evidently been in the hall, the kitchens, or the stables. No one had noted any omissions, but with the household being of such number and spread between three locales, ’twas difficult to ensure anyone was anywhere at any point in time.
Someone, ’twas clear, lied.
But Luc did not know who. And he was too tired to fathom a guess. A night’s sleep might set details more clearly in his mind. He bade Uther good evening, confirmed again that Brianna was secure in her chambers, and left the hall.
Luc was stepping
