‘For the next Temple of The Thirty. Each temple is financed by the death of the last.’
‘Oh. What happens if you don’t die? I mean, supposing we win?’ His eyes searched her face for a matter of moments.
‘Then we return the money,’ he said.
‘I see,’ she said.
‘You are unconvinced?’
‘It doesn’t matter. What do you think of Rek?’
‘In what way?’ asked Vintar.
‘Let us not play games, Father Abbot. I know you can read minds. I want to know what you think of Rek?’
‘The question is not precise enough – no, let me finish,’ he said, watching her anger rise. ‘Do you mean as a man, as a warrior or as a prospective husband for the daughter of an earl?’
‘All three if you like. I don’t know. Just tell me.’
‘Very well. Do you believe in destiny?’
‘Yes,’ she said, remembering the same question she had asked of Rek. ‘Yes, I do.’
‘Then believe this. You were destined to meet. You are the perfect match. You boost his strengths and counter his weaknesses. What he does for you, you know already. As a man he is not unique, nor even very special. He has no great talents, is not a poet, a writer or a philosopher. As a warrior – well, he has a sporadic courage that hides great fears. But he is a man in love. And that will increase his strength, and his power to combat his fears. As a husband? In days of peace and plenty, I feel he would be wayward. But for now . . . he loves you, and is prepared to die for you. You can ask no more of a man than that.’
‘Why did I meet him now, of all times?’ she asked, tears stinging her eyes. ‘I don’t want him to die. I would kill myself, I think.’
‘No, my dear. I don’t think you would, though I agree that you would feel like doing so. Why now? Why not? Live or die, a man and a woman need love. There is a need in the race. We need to share. To belong. Perhaps you will die before the year is out. But remember this: to have may be taken from you, to have had never. Far better to have tasted love before dying, than to die alone.’
‘I suppose so. But I would have liked children and a settled home. I would like to have taken Rek to Drenan and shown him off a little. I would like some of those bitches at court to see that a man could love me.’ She bit her lip, straining to hold back the tears.
‘They are inconsequential. Whether they see you or not will not alter the fact that they were wrong. And it is a little early for despair. It is spring, and it will be many weeks before we reach the Dros. All things can happen in that time. Ulric may have a heart attack, or fall from his horse and crush his skull. Abalayn may make another treaty. The attack may come at another fortress. Who knows?’
‘I know. You are right. I don’t know why I’m suddenly so full of self-pity. Meeting Rek was marvellous for me. You should have seen him standing up to Reinard’s outlaws. You know of Reinard?’
‘Yes.’
‘Well, you won’t have to worry about him any more. He’s dead. Anyway, Rek stood up to twenty of them because they were going to take me. Twenty! He would have fought them all. Damn, I’m going to cry!’
‘Why should you not cry? You are in love with a man who adores you, and the future looks bleak and empty of hope.’ He walked to her, took her hand and pulled her to her feet. ‘Virae, it is always harder for the young.’
She rested her head on his chest as the tears ran. He put his arms round her and patted her back. ‘Can Dros Delnoch hold?’ she asked him.
‘All things can happen. Did you know Druss is on his way there?’
‘He agreed? That is good news.’ She sniffed and wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her shirt. Then Rek’s words came back to her. ‘He’s not senile, is he?’