Fearful of the reputation of the nun entering the kitchen, the scout pushed a maid off his knee. The young woman, her face red, adjusted her dress and scurried off to work. Ignoring the two women clearing wood ash from the huge ovens, Leoba scowled at the fleeing girl. The ten flat barley loaves lined up on the table filled the room with a delicious fresh-baked aroma but did nothing to improve the mood of the noblewoman.
“They told me I would find you here.”
At her sour tone, Begiloc and Meryn exchanged a grin while Caena stared wolf-like at the bread.
“My Lady, how can I be of service?”
“What way does our journey take us?”
“Through the forest to the north-west runs the ancient paved way. At sixteen leagues lies Valleroy—”
“Would you take us whence we came?” Begiloc interrupted, “Wha
