t last.  I have fretted for many days, but Ivar has been freed.

Sir Harry returned to Cannaghdown yesterday.  Today he summoned me.

“Goran, when we last we spoke, you offered surety for Ivar.  If you still wish to do so, I will order Ivar to be held no longer.”

“I haven’t found enough men to stand surety,” I objected.

“No matter,” Sir Harholm said, and he pressed his lips together.  “I have spoken with Lady Fina, who assures me no assault or other indignities were committed upon her person.  She was walking by herself and fell into a deep swoon.  Your friend, Ivar, happened—”—I could hear a tinge of scorn in his voice—”—to come along, and it seems he stayed by her side to protect her from beasts and outlaws.”

I said nothing, for it was clear that Sir Harholm did not believe Fina’s lies.  But I saw immediately that if Sir Harholm divined the truth, that Fina and Ivar are lovers, then he must also admit that no crime was committed.

“Ivar is free?” I said, and hope widened my eyes.