Farryn

Chapter 4- Part 3

She shoved all three books back in their spots and decided she'd think about them- and the conversation she'd just overheard- later. Right now I need to figure out how I'm getting out of here.

She headed over to the window that stood beside the cabinet, and tried to peek out at the ground below. It was too dark to see much. It's likely a dangerous drop, she thought. She was on the second floor, after all.

What other choice do I have?

Farryn took a deep breath, and tucked Liviana's folder underneath her arm. She pulled her skirts up between her knees, and took a deep breath, readying herself. But even the thought of jumping made her dizzy, so she took a step away from the window. That won't work.

The library door opened suddenly, and she jumped. Run? Hide? Jump out the window?

"Are you in here!?" came a whispered yell.

Claud.

"Here!" she whispered in response. 

He appeared in front of her, silhouetted by moonlight. "Why did you sneak up on me like that! You nearly gave me a heart attack."

He smiled sheepishly. "Not my fault you're a coward." 

She rolled her eyes. "What are you doing here? You've been avoiding me all day."

"Avoiding you?" he cried. 

"Shh!" 

"Sorry. No, I haven't been avoiding you. I went into town. Took Edward a bit of broth."

"And?" she asked, a bit too eagerly. 

Claud shrugged. "He spilled on the letter. Spilled on... a lot, actually. He was very drunk and very injured, and whatever tonics the doctor gave him- anyway. I-"

"Hurry it up, Claud," Farryn hissed. The anticipation was practically killing her. 

"I'm getting to it, I swear. So I was talking to him, and he-"

"What did he say about the letter?"

"I was getting to-"

"Just spit it out, Claud!"

"Stop interrupting me!" he yelled, and Farryn fell quiet. It was just the stupid kitchen boy, but she couldn't help the chill that ran up her arms when he said that. Stop interrupting! Stop looking at me, you stupid girl!

"Sorry." She mumbled. 

Claud sighed. "I'm sorry too. He didn't say much. He just talked about how the knife that Lord Trison was stabbed with was not from our kitchens. So the killer brought it with them. Maybe some kind of heirloom." He glanced at the file tucked under her arm. "What's that?"

"I found her file," Farryn said. "She was put down as Liviana, not..." she paused. Ada wasn't the only one who had suggested Liviana might be going by a different name. Claud himself had said the girl had an M name.

"Why did you say she had an M name?" she asked him. 

Claud only shrugged. "He called her an M name. I figured-" he paused.

"He?" Farryn asked. "The heir?" Claud fell silent, and Farryn stared at him. "You seem to know a lot about-"

"Do you need my help, or can I leave?" he asked suddenly. He was red in the face, and obviously looking for a way to escape her questions. 

"What do you know about the heir, Claud?" she asked.

"Nothing," he said defensively. "And even if I did, I don't have to tell you anything."