Page 65 of Crucible of Chaos

Sir Daven looked down at his pistols. ‘I suppose I could shoot you instead. Do you have a preference?’

Estevar gestured to the path along the rocky beach, away from the crevices in the slope where Caeda was hiding. ‘I thought perhaps we might go for a walk and speak peaceably of matters whose consequences will affect the lives not only of those who reside on Isola Sombra, but of our fellow citizens far beyond these shores.’

The knight made a show of considering Estevar’s offer, then shook his head. ‘Sadly, you have a meeting with the Margrave of Someil and, I’m told, several legal documents to sign. These aren’t necessities, you understand; we’ll take the island one way or another, but a judicial decree issued by one of the King’s Magistrates would smooth things along with some of our more faint-hearted generals. Also, and I say this with complete sincerity, while we’re only recent acquaintances, you and I, still I feel a certain affection for you.’ He looked down at the loaded weapons in his hands with a saddened expression. ‘It would trouble my sleep to know that it was by my hand that you met your death.’

‘In this one respect, we are in agreement.’

Sir Daven gestured with one of the pistols towards the boat. ‘Good, then if you’ll be so kind as to remove that rapier from your side and—’

Estevar cut him off with a raised hand and locked eyes with the young knight. He allowed his voice to deepen, ensuring there could be no doubt as to his seriousness. ‘You misunderstand. I do not wish to be the death ofyou, Sir Daven Colraig, but make no mistake: if I set foot inside that boat, I swear to you on my oath as a Greatcoat that you will be dead before we reach the other side.’

The knight tilted his head quizzically. ‘I honestly can’t imagine what would possess you to make such a futile threat.’ He broke out in a friendly laugh. ‘Unless you fear your excessive weight will capsize our craft, which I admitissomething of a danger, eh?’

Estevar took a step towards Sir Daven, causing him to point both pistols at him again. One was aimed squarely at his chest, where the bone platesmightwithstand the lead ball. The other, however, was directed at his face.

‘Typically, the mannotholding the pistol is more circumspect in his actions.’

‘It is you who fails to appreciate the precariousness of your position, Sir Daven. Please, as you love life, do not force me to get in that boat with you!’

The golden-haired knight’s expression darkened. ‘I’ve tried to be civil to you, Estevar, but you’re starting to irritate me. Now listen carefully: remove your sword belt and leave the rapier on the ground, then get in that boat or I will shoot you and drag you aboard. Either way, you’ll be having dinner with my liege tonight. I’m told his stewards will be serving braised lamb seasoned with thyme, cinnamon and imported pomegranate seeds. It would be a terrible shame if you weren’t able to enjoy the meal.’

Estevar removed his sword belt and lay it down on the rocks. He was reaching into his coat when Sir Daven coughed conspicuously. ‘Ah, no,’ the knight said. ‘We’ll have none of those wonderful Trattari tricks tonight. You’ll be leaving the coat as well.’

Estevar slid his coat from his shoulders, folded it carefully and set it on a rock before placing a flat piece of driftwood over it so that the leather wouldn’t get wet if it rained.

‘You really are an optimist,’ Sir Daven said. ‘I admire that.’ He motioned for Estevar to head for the boat. ‘If you’ll be so kind, pull it back into the water and get inside. You’ll be doing the rowing, I’m afraid. Do try not to have a heart attack.’

Estevar did as he was told, observing how the wooden vessel was pitching this way and that against the currents. ‘Might I ask you a question before we begin our journey, Sir Daven?’

‘We’ll have plenty of time for conversation later,’ the knight replied, striding confidently towards the boat.

‘It’s only that I was wondering whether, as you rowed towards the island, you happened to see anyone with me?’

Sir Daven’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, then he quickly turned and glanced behind him, swinging one of the pistols towards the rocks. ‘I saw no one. Have you been hiding someone from me, Estevar? I do hope you haven’t placed your faith in one of those monks. They’re all mad as hatters, you know.’

He’s forgotten her, Estevar noted.Just like Strigan and Brother Agneta. When she’s out of sight for a few minutes, they can’t remember seeing her.

‘Come now, Eminence,’ Sir Daven said, ushering Estevar into the boat. ‘Greatcoats are legendary for their tricks, but without your coat, you’ll have no japes left to play.’

When the two men were sitting in the boat together Estevar made one final entreaty. ‘There is still time to allow reason and decency their say in these treacherous matters, Sir Daven. It is not my habit to take a man’s life needlessly, so I ask again, will you relent?’

Sir Daven sighed. ‘Are you going to be like this the entire way back to the mainland?’

‘That depends. How long would you say it took you to row across?’

‘Oh, I don’t know. Twenty minutes, I suppose?’

‘A short time. We’d best begin.’

‘Begin what?’ Sir Daven asked.

Estevar set the oars in the water and pulled hard with the muscles in his back, propelling them away from the shore. ‘The interrogation. I have questions that need answering before you die.’

CHAPTER 37

CONVICTION

The half-mile-wide strait between the mainland and the island grew choppier, waves lapping higher and higher, threatening to swamp the little rowboat. Still Estevar continued to row, neither slowly nor quickly, but with the patient, steady rhythm of a sleeping man’s heartbeat.

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