“No!” Nevis grabbed the goblet and gulped down more wine. “But I’ve seen other soldiers do it. They think he’s actually a dog. So what’s the deal with the curse?”
“It forces him to remain a dog. He can only retain his human form for a total of two hours each day.”
“Damn,” Nevis breathed. “Poor guy.”
Leo nodded. “He’s tracked down some witches to try to undo the curse, but they all tell him it can be repealed only by the one who cursed him.”
“I see.” Nevis set the goblet down and paced across the tent and back. “Then we need to find that damned wi—” He paused when Brody walked into the tent. “That damned wretch of a cook and tell him the roast beef was too tough!”
“Roast beef?” Brody asked. “Sounds good. I’m starving.”
“Right.” Nevis quickly poured another goblet of wine. “Here you go, old pal.”
Brody accepted it with a wary look. “Thanks.”
Edmund walked in with a tray loaded with food.
“Put it here.” Nevis motioned to the desk, then pulled a camp chair up close. “Have a seat, buddy.”
Brody eyed Nevis suspiciously for a moment, then sat and forked some roast beef into his mouth. “Doesn’t seem too tough to me.” He kept eating.
Nevis watched, then shook his head. “I think we’ll need more wine.”
Edmund gave Leo a questioning look, and when Leo nodded, he rushed from the tent.
Brody glanced up with his mouth full. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing.” Nevis sipped some wine. “We’re glad to have you back. Right, Leo?”
“Right.” Leo cleared his throat to keep from grinning.
Brody’s eyes narrowed as he looked them over. “I think I brought some fleas into our tent.”
Nevis’s fist tightened around the stem of his goblet till his knuckles turned white. “No … problem.”
“And I chewed on your favorite boots.”
“You—” Nevis gritted his teeth. “You have good taste.”
Brody dropped his fork with a clatter and shot an irritated look at Leo. “You told him, didn’t you?”
Leo shrugged. “He can keep a secret.”
“And I’ll help you find that damned witch,” Nevis declared.
“It’s not that easy.” Brody gave them a tired smile as he picked up his fork. “But I appreciate the offer.”
“I just have one question.” Nevis leaned forward. “Did you really chew my favorite boots?”
“No. They stink.”
“They do not.” Nevis huffed. “So, are you saying my boots aren’t good enough for you?”
“Enough,” Leo said. “Did you find anything in the barracks?”
“Some weapons,” Nevis replied, “but you have to expect that with soldiers.” With a wince, he removed a folded paper from his vest and dropped it on Leo’s desk. “This was in Captain Bougaire’s room. A letter from the Lady of Vindalyn.”
Leo’s hands clenched. Dammit. “You were supposed to find information about the assassins, not…” Proof she’s having an affair. He didn’t want to believe it. Didn’t want her to love anyone else. Not when he needed her.
“She doesn’t care for him,” Brody said softly. “I’m certain of it.”
Leo took a deep breath. Why was Brody so quick to defend her? “I don’t think her bedchamber is secure enough.”
“Really?” Brody ate more roast beef. “Her guard and I have been watching the door.”
“Yes, but did you know there’s a second door that leads to her maid’s room and another hallway? And two large windows that are easily accessible from outside. Are the duke’s chambers similar?”
“His rooms are on the east wing next to the library,” Nevis answered. “There are several entrances, but I’ll make sure each one has two guards. And I’ll ask the duke if he wants his daughter moved to another location. Where do you suggest?”
Leo refilled his goblet. “One of the towers would be best.”
“Did you find anything on the priests?” Brody asked.
Leo repeated what he’d told Nevis earlier. “I think Father Rune is one of the assassins. What have you learned?”
Brody paused, then gulped down some wine. “I’m still trying to figure it out.”
“Figure what?” Leo asked.
Brody shrugged, then took another long drink.
Leo narrowed his eyes.
“I knew it,” Nevis muttered. “She had a secret meeting with her lover.” He glanced at Leo. “No offense.”
“She did not!” Brody slammed his empty goblet down. “She doesn’t even like him. She was cringing when he accosted her on the stairs.”
“He what?” Leo jumped to his feet.
“Nothing happened,” Brody insisted. “And it was clear she wanted nothing to do with him.”
Leo sat back down. Then she wasn’t having an affair?
“But what about this love letter?” Nevis pointed at the paper on the desk. “It’s from the Lady of Vindalyn.”
Brody hesitated, then mumbled, “Then it’s one more strange thing that doesn’t make sense.”
“What’s not making sense?” Leo asked.