Peter needed little prompting to gossip, and said, ‘‘Well, the story goes that there was some difficulty between the Baron and the master builder he hired to work on the lower caves and tunnels as he expanded his wine cellar. ‘‘I don’t remember much about it,’’ admitted Owyn. He was a different man after that, but it killed his wife.’’ I bought this inn not long after, and you never stopped in before today. You were only six or seven back then, and I only saw you once or twice when you visited. ‘‘I was one of the cooks up in the keep, before that tragic day when young Neville died. ‘‘You said you were in to see him, young sir, but nothing about being his nephew.’’ Peter interrupted, ‘‘Baron Corvallis’s Neville? Peter the Grey arrived with their food, and as he set the table, Owyn said, ‘‘I never knew my cousin Neville, he died when I was but nine, and I had only seen him once before that.’’

‘‘She’s the only member of my family I ever really cared for around here.’’ Owyn sighed as he leaned back in his chair. ‘‘But give her a couple of years and she won’t have to work. She’s working a little too hard at being vivacious.’’ He shook his head in appreciation. Gorath said, ‘‘The women of your people are. Looking over her shoulder, she smiled at Owyn and left. With a laugh and a half twirl that set her skirt swirling around her knees, she turned and half skipped, half walked 165 ‘‘He’s coming to see me by the end of the week!’’ ‘‘Come to supper on Sixthday and you can,’’ she said. He travels to Malac’s Cross regularly to play against the best in the Kingdom at the Queen’s Row Tavern and has played against nobles in Krondor and Great Kesh!’’ Her description indicated some pride in the claims. ‘‘He’s the finest chess player in Kenting Rush, probably in the entire area. ‘‘Chess?’’ asked Owyn, casting a glance at James. He’s taught me about things like poetry, music, and he’s taught me to play chess.’’ ‘‘Oh?’’ asked Owyn, his voice registering both curiosity and disapproval. He’s fascinating, if a little odd at times, and he’s taught me a few things.’’ She shrugged, and replied, ‘‘I don’t know. ‘‘I know little of your customs, but isn’t that an odd term to describe a suitor?’’ ‘‘Dangerous?’’ said Gorath, speaking for the first time to the girl. ‘‘Probably not,’’ she said, jumping out of Owyn’s lap. If I can’t marry nobility, Father will settle for wealth.’’ And he has a great deal of wealth, which is the only reason Father hasn’t ordered him whipped out of town by Father’s guards. He’s very attractive, and intelligent, and he says he’s been everywhere.

‘‘I find him staring at me in odd ways, when he thinks I’m not looking.’’ She shook her head and wrinkled her nose. ‘‘Are you in love with Navon?’’ asked Owyn. ‘‘He’s a man of trade, not nobility, and even Myron, my father’s solicitor, is related to nobility: he’s the nephew of the late Earl of Silden, on his mother’s side.’’ ‘‘No,’’ said Owyn, ‘‘but your father did.’’ ‘‘Why? Did I say there was anyone else?’’ she asked with a glimmer in her eyes and a smile on her lips. He’s a nice man, but I want something more.’’

Betrayal at krondor cavall waterfall