Chapter six Tavern brawling — Silda styleNo doubt whatsoever entered Silda’s mind that Lon was lying, was trying to trick her into paying. She had summed up the animal handler, and she trusted her own judgment. Lon had gone to a tremendous amount of trouble for tonight. He had obtained his wonderful costume from somewhere. He had silver enough in his wallet to pay for what they had consumed. She was convinced of that. So — some thieving bastard had stolen Lon’s money. Instantly, she said: “Don’t fret over paying, Lon. That presents no problem.” “But! My lady! I cannot—” “I’ll have a word with the landlord. Thieves will do the reputation of his establishment no good at all.” “I’d like to—” “Quite.” Something light touched Silda’s side, a feather-like glancing touch she barely appre