Page 27 of The Piper's Pursuit

“Yes, of course. Did she say something?”

“I asked her where she has been, and she said, ‘In the mine.’”

“In the mine?”

“I asked her what she was doing there, and she said she was digging rocks. I tried to ask her what kind of rocks and where this place was, but she started to cry and wouldn’t talk anymore. Do you know what it means?”

Katerina shook her head. “No.”

Her mind raced. Katerina didn’t know of any mines in this area. There were some silver, iron ore, and copper mines in the Harz Mountains, beyond Hagenheim, as well as in the Black Forest, but those were far away.

Kat asked, “Do you know where the closest mine is to Hamlin?”

Johannes shook his head. “Near Keiterhafen there are silver and coal mines, but they have been abandoned for years. She’s so young. What could she know of mines and mining?”

“I don’t know, but don’t tell another soul about this, not until we figure this out.”

Johannes nodded. “I understand. And I shall let you know if she says anything else.”

“Thank you.” Steffan nodded to the man. “We appreciate it.”

Since when had she and Steffan become “we”?

***

Steffan made an effort to smile and look pleased when Hennek met them just inside the front door, but his skin crawled and his hand itched to draw his sword when he thought about this man hurting Katerina.

“Get the arm patched up?” Hennek asked. Before Steffan could answer, he said, “We have the best healer in the Holy Roman Empire. If Frau Windmoeller tells me what herbs to take for an ailment, I know they will work like nothing else. I daresay you have no one whose remedies are as good as hers, even in Hagenheim.”

Hennek was eyeing Steffan and Katerina by turns, but Steffan did not answer him.

“God must have been watching out for you two today. That beast has killed so many before you, it’s strange that you were able to slay it so easily.”

“It was not easy,” Steffan said, “and no one else had Katerina to accompany them with her crossbow.”

He glanced her way to see how she would take his compliment. A look of pleasure flickered across her face, but it was fleeting.

“Oh yes, our Katerina always carries her crossbow. I’m surprised she hasn’t shot herself.” He laughed. “Women are given to strong emotions. You had best take care she doesn’t mistake you for another wolf and shoot you.” He laughed again, this time with no amusement in his eyes, as if his mind was on something else.

“So, how is the arm?” Hennek said, motioning for Steffan to sit while he ignored Katerina. She, who looked as if she was used to being ignored, propped herself against the wall and watched.

“The arm is well.” He’d never let on how bad it hurt.

“Did Frau Windmoeller say anything about how she thought it would heal? Did she foresee any problems? Because, you know, the last man who was attacked died of a putrid infection.”

Steffan felt a chill run down his spine at the suspicion that that was exactly what Hennek hoped would happen to him. “I should heal well.”

“I am glad. Come. We shall have our midday meal together. God is always among Christian men who are eating and drinking in honor of Him. In the meantime, I’ve sent my men to examine it. If it’s the Beast of Hamlin, we’ll parade it through town, and you and my daughter will be lauded and praised.”

They went into the dining hall, Katerina trailing silently behind, her eyes wary. He thought for a moment she might stay behind in Hennek’s little room where his books and papers were kept, but Hennek closed the door behind them and locked it, then dropped the key into his pocket.

During the meal, Hennek repeatedly tried to get Steffan to drink the strong drink he was drinking.

“I like this better,” Steffan said, referring to the spiced wine.

“But it’s watered down. Try this.”

And even though Steffan had already refused repeatedly, Hennek ordered the servant to bring him another goblet and fill it with the stronger drink.