“Our employer,” he said. Marissa stood by the door, a little unsure of how to react.
“Sit,” Cade said, watching as the woman seated herself, near Targ, but not too near. So, Cade thought to himself, she fears him. I wonder how much she knows. “Targ,” he said aloud, “says you have done well. My brother’s wife trusts you.”
“Yes.” She nodded. “She and I have become friends, lord.” Cade smiled slightly at the title but he didn’t correct her.
“She doesn’t know that you work for me.”
“No, lord, she waits for you, knowing that you will, ah, help.”
“Understand one thing.” Cade’s voice was harsh. “I have come for ^enge, nothing more.”
“I think Sarah understands, lord.”
“And tell me how does it feel to be the Lady Marissa?”
“Better”-she smiled-“than it did to be the slave girl Donan.” Cade did not answer her smile. Disguised as an old merchant, he had bought the girl’s freedom. Then two months ago he had sent her here with Targ to set up a base for him. It was no accident that the house next to this was his sister-in-law Sarah’s.
He tasted the wine while the other two waited for him to speak. Cade nodded his head once. Good, they had done well, the girl in particular- She hardly resembled the anemic creature he had freed so many months ago. She had been a find, that one. Able to speak court Rankene, and read and write: a rare find
And she was strong. He could sense that in people. After what this girl had been through it was surprising she retained her sanity. Cade had seen the scars that covered her back and thighs. He liked her; she was good and if he didn’t need her he would free her from life’s black curse, but first . . .