But following the line of thinking further back a few more days revealed that Sir James her father trusted each other, the kind of trust that comes with a lifetime of familiarity. “I’m going away to learn, just as Sir James said I should do, but with his death and the people here who hate me, I have to go somewhere else to live.”
“I tend to agree with all you say so far. The person behind the rewards for your death has posted rewards that I have heard were greatly increased this morning. He or she will not stop. Or cannot. The death of the Old Mage and Knight are too public, and if that person is found out, it would be the King’s province to punish anyone involved.”
“He would be angry,” Hannah said, still chewing.
“Oh, more than that. Both the Mage and Knight were personal friends of the King, as well as both of them were closely related to him. Their deaths and the attempts on you are as much as personal attacks and threats to the King. He knows that with this threat to his rule, his life is hanging like the last leaf of a tree in winter. The only difference is that he cannot escape to safety as you can. I am sure he will support your choice.”
“I see. The sorceress that was kind to us, Sir James and me, is a good woman. I think she will help, and perhaps even teach me. Her tree is hidden from all but those who sense magic.”
“That sounds like a good plan. Tell nobody else because you have to get there, first. An escort won’t help; it will make matters worse. You will have to do this on your own, Hannah. Your haircut makes you look like a boy, to some extent. More like a girl with straw-colored hair who cut it herself, I’m afraid.”
Hannah shrugged, anxious to leave now that darkness had fallen. She glanced at the dark windows and took another bite of carrot.
William rolled his eyes and said, “You have already packed what you are going to take with you?”
“Yes, most of it.”
“I have a few ideas that may help,” he reached for the small bottle of ink she had used for penmanship and removed the stopper. He poured the ink into a mug of water and stirred.
“A spell?” Hannah asked.
He chuckled without humor. “Of a sort. This spell will turn your yellow hair black.”
He poured the ink and water over her head and used his hands to work it down to the roots. His hands turned black, but he ignored the change as he used a convenient rag to wipe her hair, forehead, and neckline. “Well, that certainly makes you look different.” He went to the fireplace and scooped the ashes into his hands and rubbed it into her hair and onto her forehead, cheeks, forearms, and clothing. He said, “I dyed some of your skin, but you’ll have to live with it. The soot will hide the ink, I think.”
“If they stop me, I’ll say what?” she demanded, picturing in her mind how she must appear. “That I’m the son of a court jester?”
“No, you are the son of a mason. You help lay the bricks with him. No, you mix the mortar and keep it to the right consistency, that’s why the ash and soot. Still, if anyone looks closely, they’ll see it is a dye. Wear a hat pulled low.”
“Do I look as awful as I think?”
“Worse. But that’s probably good. Nobody will suspect a princess to look as awful as you. They may not even want to speak to you, especially if you act angry, spiteful, and run before you fight. You might say your father sent you to your uncle’s farm to clean the pig pit, and that’s why you’re so smelly.”
“You’re going to make me stink?”
“No, just tell them and most will back off before getting too close to you.”
She looked around the room, the scrolls, the containers of unknowns, the secret compartments yet to be found, and thought of all she might learn if she could stay. They King had promised to keep the room sealed for her, and she bit her lower lip to seal the promise to herself of returning one day. Then she squared her shoulders and said to William, “I don’t suppose you want a hug?”
“From a filthy boy smelling of a pig?” He laughed again, and this time, it sounded real.
“I have a long way to travel. Will you promise me again to seal this room until my return?”
“The King will honor our agreement, but I will make sure if I have to seal it myself. However, if you hear of the King’s death, that would be the time to return and stake your claim to your rightful inheritance as well as these rooms and all the contents in them. Any mage in the kingdom would love to own what your father has collected. You will need ears in this Palace to keep yourself informed. The death of any above you will adjust your position closer to the throne—and that puts you in more danger. I suggest you leave now while it is dark. Do not try to communicate with me for at least two full years. If your message or messenger falls into the wrong hands, it may cost your life.”
“How would I do that if I wished? After two years, I mean.”
“You would write me a letter when you learn how, telling me you are in good health and other faint information that will assure me of your intentions. You will include at least two happenings in this room that nobody else will know, like asking me to cut your hair once more.” William stood and walked to the door to the terrace. “Think you can climb down without help?”
“Of course.”
“The Palace main gates close at sunset. There is a guarded doorway to one side of the gate that remains open for a while longer. Ignore the guard. If he asks you a question, ask him if he smells the pig pit smell from when you cleaned it.”
She smiled. “That will make him stay away.”
“I wish I could do more, Hannah.”
“Without you, I’d be dead by morning.” She placed the strap of the bag containing the paintings and other personal items over her head and tossed one leg over the brick half-wall. She straddled it, taking one last look inside, grasping for anything else to remember her father. But in a room full of all that he owned, the small painting she carried in a canvas sack along with her meager supply of food, were the most important possessions. The painting was images of her father and mother, and she doubted another painting existed.
She twisted around so she faced the wall, and inched down the stone wall using her toes to hold her place until she hung by her hands. The fingers refused to let go until she saw both candles go out in the workshop and she heard the door firmly close. She kicked herself away from the wall and dropped, hitting the ground feet first, with bent knees. She managed to remain upright despite the distance and she slunk down an alley smelling of urine and age, and into the shadows of a small road lined with closed doors to shops, homes, and workspaces.
That road took her to a larger one that ran at an angle, and from there, the massive Palace gates shimmered in the yellow light of several smoky torches. Guards marched back and forth on the walkway above, as she looked for the small doorway that would take her outside the walls.
Others were leaving the Palace, too. Most looked like tradesmen or farmers who had been selling their goods in the market. They were finished for the day and headed home to their farms. She saw a man and woman wearily carrying bundles of their unsold fruit and vegetables. Behind them trailed five children, each carrying smaller bundles, all as dirty and ragged as Hannah. Hannah walked faster until she almost joined them, pausing when one girl turned and looked at her suspiciously. Hannah smiled and kept walking as if she was part of the family.