Breaker of Bones by David Penny

Author:David Penny [Penny, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-04-07T22:00:00+00:00

Thomas knew both Sancha and Theresa were staring at him but refused to acknowledge their attention. Prince Juan sat half propped on a pile of cushions. On a side table the remains of a bowl of broth showed he had managed to feed himself for the first time since the re-breaking of his leg.

“It itches,” he said.

“It will. But if you scratch it will only take longer to heal.”

“Will I be able to run?”

“Most likely.” Thomas sat back on the hard chair. His skin was sticky beneath his clothes, but when he had asked about bathing, Sancha told him a hot bath might be found. He had no need to explain why. Word had spread quickly. It always did—faster than it seemed people could carry it. By the time he’d walked into the palace everyone turned to look his way—to look at the man who had captured the bonebreaker.

As soon as he had handed matters over to Labrada, Thomas had returned to the palace. He had given orders that Juan’s drugs be reduced over the last day and a half, reduced again today. He had wanted to be present when the boy awoke, but Sancha and Theresa were more than up to the task of taking care of the prince.

Now the two nurses stood close together, whispering.

Thomas felt a sudden urge to get away, anywhere, away from the palace whose air was tainted from constant plot and intrigue. And, he had become aware, a worry over funds. He had realised long ago a person such as himself was all but invisible. He had examined ladies of the harem while they spoke with husbands and lovers; treated kings and sultans as they planned battles and betrayal. Here in Qurtuba he heard news of the crippling cost of the war. Taxes were already high and any demand for more would result in a rebellion. Thomas knew defeat was inevitable for the Moors—what he hadn’t realised was how much that defeat was costing Fernando and Isabel. And there were other wars as well. Against Portugal, against France, even in Naples. Fernando wanted the recovery of lands lost by Aragon but his wife was against spreading their resources too thinly.

Perhaps, Thomas thought, I will be able to live my life out in peace after all before Spain is able to consolidate her forces enough to defeat Gharnatah.

“How long will it take to draw that bath?” he said, breaking from his reverie and turning to the two nurses.

Theresa giggled and covered her mouth with her hand.

“Would you like it now?” asked Sancha, brazen, her mouth curled into a smile. Thomas knew he had spent far too much time in their company and likely shown too much kindness which had been misinterpreted.

“Now would be good. Can you arrange it for me?”

Sancha gave a little bow and went to the door, but as she reached for the handle it opened and the queen entered.

She looked at her son, who smiled, then at Thomas.

“I hear I have to thank you again, Cousin.

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