Thraxas and the Ice Dragon / Траксас и леденият дракон: Девета глава

"I think so. Daringos, the King's Chief Steward, did carry out an enquiry. If there'd been any hint of foul play I'm sure it would have been discovered." The Baroness sighs. Briefly, she looks older. "My daughter just won't accept it was an accident. She's a quiet girl…" The Baroness's voice tails off.

#101

"You mean quiet and sensible, or quiet and neurotic?"

#102

"My daughter is not neurotic."

#103

"So she's sensible?"

#104

"I'd say so. And she's good-natured, and intelligent. I love her dearly. I'm sure she's in no danger but I hate to see her frightened. Do you think you could talk to her? Just in case there's anything in it?"

#105

I mull things over for a little while. Outside I can hear the civilised tread of passing Barons, and the voices of their children.

#106

"Is it difficult being married to a Baron? After growing up poor?"

#107

"Isn't that rather an impertinent question?"

#108

"Probably."

#109

"My marriage to Mabados has been generally successful."

#110

Generally successful doesn't sound like the warmest description of a marriage I've ever heard. Sensing my doubts, Demelzos takes the opportunity to ask if I ever managed to stay in one place long enough to get married.

#111

"I did."

#112

"And?"

#113

"Complete disaster."

#114

"Any children?"

#115

"No. No property either."

#116

The Baroness smiles. It makes her look younger, more like the barmaid I remember.

#117

"What does the Baron say about all this?"

#118

"He doesn't believe any of it. I can't really blame him, it all sounds so unlikely. It's putting a strain on my family. My daughter's refusing to leave the house. She wouldn't come with us to Orosis. My husband was furious."

#119

"It must be awkward, with the wedding coming up."

#120

"It is. If she's not at her brother's wedding, people will talk. Baronesses can be very vindictive with their gossip. Do you think you can help?"

#121

"Yes. I can."

#122

The Baroness fishes around in her bag. "How much do you charge?"

#123

"Thirty gurans a day. But you don't have to pay me."

#124

"That's gallant. I don't remember you being gallant. Weren't there some questions asked about your tactics in the tournament?"

#125

I grin. "One or two. But I still won. You don't need to pay me."

#126

Demelzos smiles. She's pleased I'm not charging her.

#127

"But you could lend me some money."

#128

Demelzos looks startled, and then laughs. "That's more like the man I remember. What do you need a loan for?"

#129

I explain that I need money for Makri to enter the tournament.

#130

"The Orc woman?"

#131

"Yes. Though she wouldn't like you calling her that."

#132

"Can she fight?"

#133

"Champion of the Orcish gladiator pits."

#134

"But she's just a skinny young girl."

#135

"True. But she's part Orc, part Human, and part Elf. That's meant to be impossible, but she managed it somehow. The mixed blood's done something strange to her. It makes her move faster than anyone else. She likes fighting too, which makes a difference. But we need money for armour and weapons."

#136

"And then there's your betting to consider, I imagine?"

#137

"You don't seem to have forgotten much about me. Yes, I may place a few bets."

#138

"So which one of the women is yours?" she asks, while counting out coins.

#139

"What?"

#140

"The Orc girl or the Sorceress? Who's you lover?"

#141

"Neither. I gave up on women when my marriage fell apart."

#142

Demelzos plainly doesn't believe me, but lets it pass.

#143

"How much do you need?"

#144

"For Makri? About two hundred."

#145

Demelzos hands me three hundred gurans. Twelve heavy gold coins.

#146

"That should keep you going. Make sure the Baron never hears about it."

#147