Chapter 345 - Beginnings
Godwin raised an eyebrow at Scarlett’s question and cast a mildly surprised glance at Arnaud. “I may be leaping to conclusions, but it sounds like I’m missing a touch of context.”
Arnaud was silent for a moment, then gave a small nod. “Yes,” he said simply.
Scarlett looked between them. “Have you met with Yamina Ward?”
Godwin turned back to her. “While I can’t speak entirely for Mister Astrey, I can say it’s been quite some time since I last saw Ward in person. That said, you are not entirely wrong — we have had contact with her recently, though only by magical means. And yes, it was indeed her advice that prompted this impromptu visit.”
“What did she say?” Scarlett asked.
Godwin gestured loosely with both hands. “Put plainly, she urged Mister Astrey to make his way to Freybrook, implying that any delay might prove costly. I found the message rather odd—given the significance of our current obligations in Elystead, and the challenges in leaving—but I have never known a Ward to speak without purpose. And my companion here evidently saw cause to take her words seriously.”
Scarlett frowned. How could Yamina possibly have known they’d be leaving now, of all times? It was worrying that the woman supposedly had this level of insight into their movements. Yamina herself had been the one to admit that divining anything substantial related to Scarlett was difficult, if not outright impossible. It didn’t seem likely she’d foreseen the departure far in advance. Otherwise, Arnaud would have been warned sooner. More likely, she’d only just discovered Scarlett’s plans and rushed to intervene by contacting Arnaud.
Yet she still refused to contact Scarlett directly.
Scarlett fixed her eyes on Godwin. “Where is she now?”
He gave a slow shake of his head. “I’m afraid that’s not a question I can answer, Baroness. Yamina, much like her father, has a talent for eluding even those who know how to look. It’s a habit that continues to surprise me, frankly, after so many years.”
Scarlett turned to Arnaud, who predictably shook his head as well. She studied them in silence, weighing their expressions. Once again, she was left in the dark when it came to Yamina Ward — and as before, she had no clear path to uncovering more about the woman’s actions or intent.
With little more to glean from either man, she shifted focus. “You mentioned it being difficult to leave the capital. What exactly were you doing in Elystead?”