There was no time to be lost.
She reached the top of the stairs and lifted the latch of the door. It was extraordinary how silently it could open. The door creaked a little, but very little, not enough to arouse Lord Lynke.
The fire was still burning brightly and she could see the outline of the bed quite clearly and his head upon the pillow.
She closed the door behind her and tiptoed across the room. She put her hand out and touched his shoulder.
“My Lord.”
He awoke instantly, every sense alert, like a man who has been used to danger all his life.
“Venturo! What is it – ?” he began.
She put her fingers hastily to his lips.
“Hush!” she whispered. “Don’t let them – hear you.”
“Let who hear me?” he asked. “What is it?”
He sat up in bed, but he still spoke in a whisper.
“There are
