Jester Leaps In: A Medieval Mystery Read Online Free

choice, but I had such short notice.” He pointed to his left. There was a table set up, a cloth draping it, with settings for three. He dismounted and stood by the head of the table.
    “I am a bit hungry,” I said. I stood at the opposite side of the table. Viola joined me. There was a pitcher of wine, three goblets, a basket with a cooked chicken, and a loaf of bread.
    “I am forced to be both carver and butler,” he said, pouring the wine. He lifted his goblet. “To your good health, and success on your upcoming venture.” He drained it, then looked quizzically at us and our untouched wine.
    “Surely you don’t think me that crude,” he sighed. “Shall I be taster as well?” He picked up our goblets and took a sip from each. “Satisfied?”
    “Yes,” said Viola. “I drink to the Duke.” She drank. I joined her.
    “What venture, Captain?” I asked as he sliced the bread.
    “I’m not sure, and I truly don’t care,” he replied. “My spies weren’t close enough to hear your little chat with that overdressed warbler. But my responsibility is for the security of Orsino. When the Duke’s mother reverts to her old habit of dressing as a man and then runs off with the village idiot . . . .”
    “Fool, please.”
    “Then the scandal could suggest to our enemies that we are weak, perhaps worthy of chastisement. Or even conquest.”
    “A bit far-fetched, don’t you think?” said Viola, digging into the chicken. “I’m of no consequence here.”
    “You’re the Duchess of Orsino and the Duke’s mother. Still of marriageable age, and therefore still of strategic value to the city.”
    “Not anymore,” she said. “We’re married.”
    He was unfazed by the news. “Odd. I don’t remember receiving an invitation.”
    “It was a private ceremony,” I said.
    “Conducted by that crazy hermit in the woods, I suppose. Such unions are of dubious validity, milady. Did you really expect to sneak off like this without any repercussions?”
    “I left letters with my maid for each of my children. Mark and Celia will know everything within the hour.”
    He reached inside a pouch and pulled out two scrolls. “You mean these?”
    “You had no right!” she shouted. Odd to hear such feminine fury emanating from a bearded face.
    “Nevertheless, I have them. Quite beautifully written. I was almost moved. I may even give them to your children.”
    “When?” I asked. “What are you looking for? You obviously want something. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here alone.”
    He nodded. “I was wondering when you would ask. It’s very simple. Right now, you are both under the Duke’s protection. How long that will last depends on how he reacts to the news of your happy nuptials. These letters certainly would help your case. Promise me one small thing, and I’ll see that they’re delivered.”
    “What is it?”
    “Wherever it is that you’re headed, Fool, stay there. Don’t come back to Orsino.”
    “And my wife?”
    He grimaced at the word. “She is the Duke’s mother. I’ll use my influence to guarantee her safety anytime that she wishes to return. Perhaps they’ll even let her wander in the courtyard on pleasant days rather than penning her up for this fit of madness. Go and have your little adventure, Duchess. You won’t last, I promise you. And then come back to us where you’ll be safe.”
    Viola reached for the pitcher, poured wine for herself and me, then lifted her goblet.
    “To our journey, my loving husband,” she said, and drank. I did as well. She turned to Perun.
    “We thank you for your hospitality, Captain,” she said. “ButI think that you have underestimated my resolve. I take my leave of you.”
    She mounted her horse. I swung myself onto Zeus, and we galloped off.
    “Wait, I’ve packed you a lunch!” called Perun, and his laughter followed us out of the environs of Orsino.
    “Well played, milady,” I commented as we picked up the south road.
    “Thank you. Imagine his