Maica closed her chamber doors and waited for Algwad who arrived shortly after she sent for him. Her long black hair flowed down her back, straight and free and she ran her hands through it as she pondered what to do.

She was troubled by the arrival of the girl and her father. She did not believe in coincidences and knew she had to act fast. She could not have the girl and her father killed or even thrown in the dungeon without news getting to Mayle. He would most likely delay the wedding if it came to his attention. Anything which might suggest that the wedding could be disrupted...