Page 25 of The Piper's Pursuit

They were nearly to one of the main streets when Katerina suddenly stopped and backed up against the brick wall of a warehouse. Her gaze darted in every direction before settling on his face.

“I believe your life is in danger if you come back with me to my stepfather’s house.” Her dark eyes were intense. Her gaze faltered as she spoke, then bore into his again. “You should go. Just leave here and go back to Hagenheim, and when you do, tell your father that many things are amiss here in Hamlin, and if he cares for the people of Hamlin at all, he should come and look into it.”

He took a moment to absorb this information, but she looked so beautiful when her eyes were so intently gazing into his.

Fear flickered in the dark blue depths, bringing his thoughts back to her sobering words.

“Why would I be in danger? In danger from whom?”

She frowned, then said in a hushed voice, “Hennek, of course.”

“Why would Hennek want to kill me? I am the duke’s son.”

“Which is why he wants to kill you. If you discover something amiss here and report it to your father, he may uncover Hennek’s wrongdoing.”

“Wrongdoing? What is Hennek doing?”

“He must be taking money from the tax coffers. He seems to have almost unlimited wealth all of a sudden, and I don’t know where it’s coming from. He also takes bribes so that innocent men are found guilty while the guilty go free. I have witnessed it.”

“Do you have any evidence?”

She shook her head. “And I can’t tell anyone because the townspeople are all fooled by his pretense of being a righteous, benevolent mayor who spends all his time doing good for others and making the town prosper. But he suddenly has so much money he has been giving it away all over town, because he loves the people’s praise. I know the people trust me, and normally they would believe whatever I told them, but Hennek has them in the palm of his hand. And if he knew I’d told anyone he took bribes or I suspected he was stealing money, he’d harm Mother and would probably kill me. But I believe I could find some evidence. If I did, could you help me get it to the duke quickly?”

When he didn’t answer, Katerina crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m only telling you this so you’ll go home and get help. Bring your father, your brother, and some fighting men.”

“Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

“I didn’t know if you would stand up to Hennek or if you were perhaps in league with him. But now... I see that you would stand up to him, and that makes you a threat to him.”

“So you actually think he will try to kill me?”

“Yes, because he doesn’t want you speaking to your father. You don’t know him as I do. He is capable of any ungodliness to get what he wants.”

Steffan stared at her, thoughts darting through his mind. Then his stomach sank as he gripped his sword hilt. “Did Hennek hurt you? He is the one who hurt you, isn’t he?”

Her mouth fell open slightly, then she closed it and her cheeks turned red. “If you don’t want to listen to what I’m telling you, it is your choice. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

So she wouldn’t admit it, but now he knew. His blood boiled. What a despicable man Hennek was. Steffan wouldn’t rest until Hennek was stripped of the title of Bürgermeister.

“Perhaps I am overreacting, but I don’t think so. Hennek will never come right out and say it, but you will be able to discern his hostility if you listen carefully. He tries to sound friendly and generous and make you think he is good, but there is malice behind his loud jests and laughter.”

Her words brought to mind the strange sensation he’d felt earlier that there was aggression behind Hennek’s jolly demeanor and words.

“I have to at least go back and get my horse and belongings.” Maybe he was in danger, but he had fought real battles, not to mention training as a knight all his life. He wasn’t about to be so afraid of the Bürgermeister that he would sneak or run away.

Was she so concerned about him?

She took a step toward the main street, and he laid a light hand on her arm. She flinched and looked up at him.

“You didn’t answer when I asked if Hennek hurt you. You are not safe there with him either.”

Her jaw hardened. Finally she said, “My longest knife is always by my side, even when I sleep. Anyone who tries to hurt me will regret it. And Hennek knows that.”

“What did he do?”

“I will not speak of it with you.” She was already striding away, turning onto the main street.

“Katerina, wait.”