The guard sent one of his people to escort them and he led them to the throne room.The guard sent one of his people to escort them and he led them to the throne room. Jess was glad to see that the security was not entirely lax. King Fionn and his court were nearly ready to leave for supper. "We weren't expecting anyone else," he said, half apologizing as he removed his robe and sat back down. "No, go eat. We wait. You bargain better when not hungry," Janesse said in a barbaric accent. Jess smiled at her daughter when the court had left, leaving only a small complement of palace guards to watch the strangers. Janesse's many voices would cover their identities and keep the search parties going in circles for days, if they were lucky. They waited patiently for the king's return. The white fox pelts had been horribly expensive, but they were rare. Jess had had them made into a sheath dress and a cloak, again more expense, but necessary. They conferred quietly over the plan, Jess maintaining her act by reacting only in sign language and nods, while they were under observation of the bored guards. Soon enough, the court returned. Brianna walked near her father. Jess had pinpointed her from the Dark Lord's description. Not a bad looking wench, but stubborn, she thought. |