Ice and Shadow by Andre Norton Page A

note.
    “We do not have much provision for ladies, that is certain. If you are willing I can send to Fittsdale for peasant clothing.”
    “Well enough. That they be fit for riding is all that is necessary. And you have an escort for us who knows these smugglers’ ways?”
    Now the Colonel laughed. “Indeed I do, Your Highness. We have held these hills so long that we know the four sides of every rock. And since the smugglers in question are bound for Leichstan and not for our side of the border, we have no ill will to fear.”
    But when he had left, Roane made one last attempt to break free from this current carrying her farther and farther into danger.
    “I must go back!”
    Ludorica shook her head, a smile on her lips. “But, my dear Roane, indeed you must not! If what you said is true, that they will treat you ill for what you have done on my behalf, then all the greater reason not to. Also, suppose you are taken by Reddick’s men—do not think that he will not use harsh means to learn all you can tell him. The mere fact that you are found in a Royal forest after my escape will make you suspect. You wear such clothing as is strange, carry mysterious tools and weapons—Yes, you would make a puzzle Reddick would work hard to solve, and the solving would not be to your comfort. We ride for Leichstan. And when the Crown is in my hands, then shall we in turn treat with your people. Never go to a bargaining, Roane, unless you have that on your side which is a mighty aid.”
    The Captain came to show them to his quarters in the third story of the tower, and there Ludorica announced they had better get what rest they could, since no one could guess how long the journey across the border might last. That she was as close a prisoner as if she now wore the collar and chain, Roane knew. There would be no slipping away from this place, unless she used her stunner freely. And then the chaos she would leave behind—She shook her head. She could do nothing but hope for the future.
    She slept, and it was twilight when the Princess aroused her with a gentle shaking. On the floor sat a very large tub, into which Ludorica now poured steaming water.
    “As a bath,” the Princess remarked, “this is a primitive affair. But we are undoubtedly lucky in this time and place to have one at all.”
    She shed her clothing and stepped carefully into the tub, kneeling to splash its meager contents over her, rubbing with a bunch of rough fibers which left foaming streaks on her smooth skin.
    “If you will pour the rest now—” Ludorica indicated another jug and Roane obeyed. The Princess arose and made good use of the towel her companion handed her.
    “Now—if we empty this into that other—”
    The Princess anchored the towel more firmly about her as they dumped the water into an outsize bucket and refilled the basin for Roane. Though this was far different from the more efficient freshers she had always known, she found it good. The soapy substance oozing from the matted fibers of the scrubber had a fresh, herbal odor she liked.
    Ludorica sorted a pile of clothing, holding up one garment and then another to measure against her body. She laughed.
    “Nelis has the name of being one who does not notice women too closely. But this is proof his cold reputation is not deserved. These are a good fit. We shall go reasonably well clad. Now—the brown for you, and I will take the blue.”
    Roane dressed in the unfamiliar clothes. They were clean, if creased, and to them, too, a good herb scent clung. There were no mirrors, but she thought the Princess right. These fitted well. The skirt was full, ankle length, and its folds felt odd against her legs so long used to coveralls. In contrast the bodice was tight, laced from belt to just under her throat with silken red strings. Embroidery of the same shade of red bordered those lacings. The dress itself was a pleasant yellow-brown. There was also a hooded cloak lined with red, and a close-fitting