Page 50 of Staff of Nightfall

“You really shouldn’t gamble your wife’s cooking,” Dresden said, his chin cupped in his hand. “Basically gambling away her labor. That’s just wrong.”

Perceval scowled. “You cheated, Wolgemuth.”

“How?” Estevan rattled the dice in his hand.

“Check the dice,” Jerrick said without opening his eyes. “His weighted one has a tiny nick on the corner.”

Amid sounds of scuffling and grunting as Perceval tried to wrest the dice from Estevan, someone crested a nearby hill, his outline black against the setting sun. Regulus tensed and gripped the hilt of his sword. Behind him, his knights stood and watched the figure approach. The man waved, and fading sunlight highlighted his shaggy blond hair. Regulus dropped his hand from his sword. Caleb walked at a languid stroll, which did nothing for Regulus’ mounting impatience.

“Well?” Regulus asked as soon as Caleb reached hearing distance. He tapped his foot, arms crossed. “What’s the report?”

“Got some good news, some bad news, and some news I’m going to count as great but may be up for interpretation.”

Regulus grunted, but Caleb just lowered onto a nearby moss-covered log. Dresden stood next to Regulus, and the rest of the men returned to their seats, the game of dice forgotten.

“Good news is, based on what the servants around the castle are saying, all the Belangers are alive.” Caleb crossed his ankles and leaned back, propping his elbows on a protruding broken branch. “Bad news, the castle’s well-garrisoned. I spotted ten men on the walls. Looked like more inside. But the stars have aligned, my friend.”

Regulus cocked an eyebrow and waited for Caleb to continue. He should have sent someone less prone to dramatics, but Caleb had a way of making people comfortable and their tongues loose. Made him an excellent scout.

Caleb grinned. “Sir Immortal Brute has just left the castle all alone in a spectacular hurry, with no explanation other than he would be back in a day or two and instructions to keep the prisoners in good health.”

“Carrick is gone?” Caleb nodded. “For at least a day?” Another nod. Regulus smiled and returned to pacing. This would make things easier. Maybe not easy, but easier. He stopped midstride. “He gave no indication of where he was going in such a hurry? Or why?”

“If he did, it wasn’t in public. Hence the up for interpretation.” A dreamy expression spread over Caleb’s face. “I was chatting with a lovely milkmaid in the courtyard. A braid the color of honey, round, rosy cheeks, green eyes that positively demand a song—”

“Focus, Cal.” Regulus rubbed his temple.

Caleb rolled his eyes. “Carrick jogged right past me on his way to get his horse. He was shouting about finding things just as he left them when he returns and threatening dismemberment if any harm came to the prisoners.”

Perceval snorted. “It’s a miracle you even heard that! Why the captain trusts you to stay on task, I’m sure I don’t know, you philandering—”

“Oh, philandering, did you pick that up at university?” Caleb sat forward and pointed at Perceval. “I’ll have you know I was on task. That milkmaid can get us into the castle.” He gave an over-dramatic look of hurt. “To think I’ve called such an uncivilized oaf my friend.”

“Not now, you two,” Jerrick said.

Regulus gave Jerrick a grateful nod. “How can this milkmaid of yours get us in?”

“She’s not my milkmaid.” Caleb’s eyes danced. “At least, not yet. But she’s not happy with the current situation at the castle, and when Carrick left, was easily convinced to let us in. Two hours from now, just after dark, at eight and a half bells.”

“Well done, Caleb.” Regulus turned to Dresden and motioned with his head.

They walked a short distance away, followed by the sound of Perceval and Caleb’s routine bickering and Estevan goading them both on.

“This could be good, but I don’t like it,” Regulus admitted. “Something strange is going on.”

“Agreed.” Dresden looked toward Belanger castle, its turrets just visible over the tops of the trees. “I can think of no good reason for Carrick to have left so abruptly.”

“The sorcerer could have called him away.” He chewed on his lower lip. “I don’t like not knowing what they’re up to.”

Dresden rubbed his beard. “Or he could somehow know we’re here. It could be a trap. Caleb’s milkmaid could even be in on it.”

“That occurred to me, too.” Regulus rubbed the back of his neck. “But, even as blinded as he can be when it comes to women, Caleb would have noted if her behavior was suspicious.” His chest tightened. “There is another possibility, though.” His throat dried out.

“Carrick might have learned something about Adelaide’s whereabouts.”

“She wouldn’t leave her parents behind. Splitting up seemed the best way to keep her away from Carrick.” Regulus sighed. “But now I don’t know where she is or if she’s okay. I think I made a mistake. I should have dragged her to the palace if that’s what it took.”

Dresden gazed out at the sunset. Loud laughter rose from the camp behind them, the men unaware of the turmoil and fear in Regulus’ heart. Drez turned to Regulus.

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