Page 74 of Lake of Sorrow

“Because the inherent appeal of a cursed castle naturally draws people.”

“It’s drawing you,” he grumped. “Let’s go visit the glassmaker. Or paint-poison maker. And then we can find someplace to sleep. I’m exhausted.”

“I am too.”

“Are you sure? Two days ago, you were in a funk deeper than Braleor Bog. Now, you’re perkier than that plant.”

“I’m… on a mission.”

“The wrong mission.”

“Just help me with it. I’ll explain everything later.” Kaylina paused. “I’ll explain most things later.”

She peered out again, catching movement in the street near the castle, and didn’t hear her brother’s reply, other than to note its sarcastic tone.

The person watching the gate had disappeared, but four people with lanterns were heading toward the gatehouse. They also wore cloaks and hoods, but Kaylina glimpsed a braid of long brown hair hanging down one person’s curved chest. A woman.

Her first thought was that Jana Bloomlong was visiting the castle for some reason, but she had gray hair. This woman moved like a younger person, almost skipping as she led the group. The others were hesitant, warily eyeing the gate and courtyard wall—and especially the glowing tower window.

Given how rare visitors were, Kaylina was surprised when they all entered the courtyard. Before disappearing through the gate, the woman glanced down the street, and Kaylina glimpsed her face.

“Mitzy,” she whispered.

Frayvar peered out. “The Virt girl?”

“The Virt girl who tried to get me to agree to help the rebels the day of the assassination attempt. Well, not exactly. She told me their people would be making their move that night instead of during the day, so it was a test. Like the fire. They were trying to see whose side we’re on.”

“By lighting me on fire? That doesn’t make me inclined to join their cause.”

“Me either.”

“Why are they going into our cursed castle at night? They’re not going to light it on fire again, are they?”

“I wouldn’t think so. They have to be looking for me.”

“Uh, why?”

“I heard Spymaster Sabor—the guy who ordered those guards to search ranger headquarters—say the Virts are claiming I’m on their side. Apparently, they heard I tried to poison the queen and liked that.”

“But you didn’t do that. And why would they care that much about you, anyway?”

“I’m not sure,” Kaylina said, though she had a feeling this had to do with the brand and her helping Jankarr. Somehow, word about her supposedly having magical power was spreading fast through the city.

“Maybe they’re heading into the castle because it’s an access point into the catacombs,” Frayvar suggested. “The Virts could be starting a new plan to try to get what they want.”

“That is possible.”

Lantern light grew visible through a second-floor window, one high enough to be seen over the courtyard wall.

“But there isn’t a catacombs entrance up there,” she added.

“Weird.”

“Are they going to see the plant?” Kaylina wondered as the lantern moved away from the window. “Or searching for me?”

“I don’t know, but why don’t we avoid them? And the castle? Let’s get some rest, then go see?—”

“The glassmaker and the poison-maker, I know, I know. I’m willing to do that, but let’s see what the Virts are up to first. I’d like to hear what they’re saying about me.”

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