Chapter 12.5

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When the lord and his ladies had retired to their chambers, I found Sharp cleaning and storing his instruments. I tried to explain myself to the bard. First he ignored me, then turned and threw a crust of bread in my face. "Christian dog."

Stung, and all too aware of who might be watching, I signed my thanks and slunk off to the stables. In the morning, I felt, there would be time to explain. Still, the long night was cold and lonely, and I was a long time in finding sleep.

All too soon I was shaken awake. I rolled over, hoping that it was Wallen or Sharp come for an explanation. Instead, backlit by the grey morning light, I saw Peter the Monk. His eyes were red and puffy, but he seemed otherwise none the worse for his indulgence of the night before.

"What is it?" I signed clumsily, unaccustomed as I was to the early hour.

Hos hands flew numbly. "You missed Lauds. I should have warned you of the dangers of drinking too much honey and wine. How is your voice?"

"The same," I answered truthfully. "How did you know to find me here?"

"When I didn’t see you at Lauds, I searched the castle. I knew you would not miss an office on purpose."

Of course not. Thanks to my new companion, my disguise had just gotten harder to maintain. "Thank you for your concern."

"It is more than that. After seeing the Heathens last night, my cousin has expressed an interest in the apprentice. Since you have been tending to the boy’s misery, I thought you could deliver this to him." He handed over a folded piece of paper.

"I hope it is written simply," I signed. "I fear the boy is rather simple."

"It has a time and a place – that should be simple enough. Come, let us do our morning charity in the kitchen."

I made a face.

"They are baking bread and pies today, which will not be counted until they are put in the storeroom."

Peter, I realized, would have made a wonderful bard.