[i]Duncan will not like the sound of that. He has kept the bogey-woman too long in the closet, it seems.[/i] "I'll tell your answer the king" Rickard said to the lady assassin. "But remember, even if the king has given you a [i]carte blanche[/i] to handle Jaden, that young still my nephew, however low his birth might be. Good night, and have a safe voyage, my lady."

He turned away slowly, and could see how Claret gazed him with steely eyes. If a gaze could kill, he would have died right then and there. Instead, he walked back to the king's bedchamber and entered inside.

He called Duncan, and the king answered this time around, eating some supper in his study. "Your bogey-woman got the letter. She said she would leave on the morrow" Rickard reported. "Though she wasn't very happy about it. Apparently, you don't often hire assassins to track people and keep them alive. Who would have guessed?"

Duncan chortled and took a sip from a cup. "She's just being prideful. Proud of her profession and skills. Anything else?"

"She will pass through the Heartlands. I fear she might have some thoughts of jumping over the fence and joining that High Lady."

"Lady Gwendolyn. A lovely lady, but somewhat protective of her own. I have met her a few times. Her husband died of the withering disease some time ago. Now, she has assumed the control over the bread basket of the kingdom, and she could hold the country in a choke hold. There's a chance that Claret would sell Jaden to the new regent, but I won't hold my breath. She might be a hired dagger, but she isn't stupid to have me on my bad side, uncle."

"Right, Duncan" Rickard said. He could believe any tales told about Claret. "Would it be wise to send another agent on his own? To double our chances at finding Jaden?"

Duncan rubbed again his jaw. "No need. Only if Claret doesn't come back or find any credible proof of Jaden's demise, then maybe. But not yet." He started to play with a peach. "You know, this peach came this morning from the Heartlands. It's still fresh and ripe. Take one, and leave me. I need to think a few things."

Rickard nodded and left the king to his own peace. He found his way to his own bedchamber, that was more spacious than the king's, but it had more furniture and furs on the floor. He undressed and went to bed, trying to catch sleep, only to find himself drifting in memories and times past. Finally, he fell asleep.