She held her handkerchief to her face and looked around her in disgust.
“You are right,” she answered. “It is not a fit place for any one. It is abominable. What are you doing here?”
“The King and this Englishman Brand are in the city together, and they have scent of how things are going,” he answered. “My house in the avenue was surrounded by soldiers this morning, but I managed to give them the slip and reach here safely. Have you brought me word from Nicholas?”
She shook her head.
“No!”
“Then why are you here? This place is of evil repute. Besides, it is not safe. You may have been followed.”
“I believe that I was,” she answered. “It is not of any consequence. There is not any one in Theos who would harm a Reist.”
His face was unnaturally white. She looked at him in wonder. Was the man a coward?
“But it was madness!” he exclaimed, angrily. “There are spies everywhere. Your brother and I were overheard talking together at this very place. I may be arrested at any moment.”