As Isolde had hoped the guards stiffened at the question of her reasons for being in the keep. She kept silent for a few moment to make the reaction obvious.

“I am a guest of Sir Gilbrecht’s, as you yourself know it is dangerous to travel without an escort. There are some minor works to be done for the castle of course, basic wards and what not,” she gestured enthusiastically with her fork.

“I had been in Altdorf when I met him, quite sudden and unexpected it as too…” she prattled on for a while making her conversation as generic and uninteresting as she could. The guards, though determined paid less attention as the meal went on. Under the table Isolde ran a barefoot up Cedirc’s leg, making sure she had his full and undivided attention. She smiled a coy smile and lifted her brass cup to her lips. She exhaled on the cup, misted like a mirror in a hot bathouse save for where in large letters she had written with her fingers: 

PRISONER. HELP.

The words faded as quickly as she had written them. Belatedly it occurred to her to worry if the sergeant could read. Her fine plan would be for nought if he couldn’t

--------------------------------------------------

Hilde was still chattering with Sir Gilbrecht. She had maneuvered the convesation to friendlier ground, even laughing at a few of the commanders awkward jokes, when the scribe and the wounded soldier arrived. Gunter’s arm was definitely broken, it hung limply and the man was in obvious pain. The scribe’s nose was bloody and swollen.

“My lord,” snapped the scribe, “this heretic has assaulted us!”

Gilbrecht gave a stony look. He had told them to get the information out of her so he bore some responsibility.

“I didn’t tell you to burst in on the lady while she was bathing,” he chided gently. The scribe’s face darkened and he glanced suspiciously between Hilde and Gilbrecht.

“We will discuss the matter later, for now please take Gunter to the infirmary, his arm needs tending.”

Gilbrecht turned and smiled at Hilde, his aristocratic confidence back. He took her arm gently and led her up into the castle. It was still far from luxurious but it was certainly better appointed than the lower levels.

“Perhaps you will do me the honor of being my guest for dinner?” it was phrased as a question but Hilde knew an order when she heard one.