Free Tributary (River of Time 3.2 Novella) by Lisa T. Bergren Page B

head. A young priest, round and bald, set his hand on Lord Greco’s shoulder. “Brother,” he said, “might you assist me with something outside?” Rodolfo sighed and reluctantly followed him out, never looking back in Alessandra’s direction.
    When he was gone, she felt able to take her first full breath.
    “Forgive Lord Greco,” Lia said. “Your arrival has brought up old difficulties for him.”
    “He needn’t feel conflicted,” Alessandra said. “Unless he regrets his traitorous acts.” It was out before she could stop herself. “Forgive me, m’lady,” she blurted. “Clearly, I am as conflicted, being here among you, as Lord Greco finds himself.”
    “Pay it no heed,” Evangelia said softly. “Castello Forelli…coming here for the first time brings up all sorts of contrary feelings. Until it doesn’t.”
    Alessandra puzzled over her words, but rose and followed her out. Lia either had thought twice about showing her the drawings, or their exchange had made her forget. Servants buzzed around the tables, clearing trenchers and bowls and knives and mugs. Others grouped around the sketches, now pinned to the panel. From what she could glimpse as they passed, Castello Forelli was in the midst of a major expansion; the footprint of the property would be half-again as large, if she’d judged it correctly.
    There could only be one purpose for such action. The Sienese intended to make the castello stronger than ever. And launch an attack on Firenze from the security of her walls.
    She glanced at Evangelia, her head throbbing more than ever. These people spoke of peace and acted as friendly hosts. But she could not forget who they truly were. Sworn enemies.
     
    ***
     
    Alessandra strolled alongside Evangelia and Lady Betarrini in the courtyard, puzzling over what she might learn that could aid her people. Such information would help shield her from her father’s wrath when he came to collect her. She shivered at the thought of his fury. He’d never cared for her independence, her “mannishness,” as he called it. Ever since her mother had died of the fever, he’d never known what to do with her. And his frustration frequently dissolved into yelling. Since her brothers died, things had become much more dire…One thing might change their future. If she could only do this one thing…
    Lord Greco sparred with a younger knight, clearly training him, and did not give her a glance as they strolled past.
    “M’ladies, do you not spar yourselves?” she asked Evangelia and Adri, walking on either side of her. “With Lady Gabriella?”
    Adri gave her a half-smile, half-frown. “On occasion. Since the battle and the skirmishes afterward, we’ve tried to avoid it, practicing the ways of women more than warriors.”
    So the Ladies Betarrini would no longer take to the battlefield? This would be welcome news. Regardless of what they could or couldn’t accomplish on the front lines, most agreed that the mere idea of them among the knights, spurred the Sienese on.
    “Might you teach me,” she asked Lady Evangelia. “How to be a better archer?”
    “Ahh. I have not picked up my bow and arrow in a long while,” she said.
    “Is there nothing I can do to convince you?” Alessandra pressed, reluctantly following them when they resumed their stroll. “You might help me become a better huntress.” She glanced over at the platform again. “Assist me in killing the next boar, before he crosses the border.”
    Lia looked back at her, confused why she pressed so rudely, then followed her gaze to the platform. A look of quiet knowing entered her blue eyes. She lifted her chin and a small smile edged the corners of her lips. She plainly thought Alessandra wished to show off for Lord Greco. “Do you wish for the lesson out here, in the courtyard?”
    Her mother looked at her in surprise. “Truly? Are you ready for that, Lia?” she whispered.
    “I think so. It’s naught but a little fun, right