Текст книги "Enemy of My Enemy"

Автор книги: Carm Nicosi

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Enemy of My Enemy

By Carm Nicosi

Copyright © 2012 by Carm Nicosi

This work is a novel. Any similarity to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1

Avery cautiously moved toward the postern gate, grateful for the full moon to light the way. Yet, at the same time, he was concerned that the light increased the risk of being found out, by the lookouts. When he was within a few feet of the door, it opened to allow him entrance. The brazen Lady pulled him against her, as she used her body, to push the door closed. He tolerated the long, intimate kiss she gave him, before turning to pull her toward the living quarters, and her bedchamber.

Peggy was really, just a stupid slut, but she could be entertaining in bed. Unfortunately, he was not really interested in her charms anymore. Still, a few years past, she had no qualms about betraying Lord Eric, her estranged husband, to Avery.

Many years ago, Avery's sire had raided some of Lord Eric's properties, starting a half-hearted war between the families. Although, Lady Peggy had a daughter with Eric, the lady felt no genuine loyalty to her husband. At one and eight, Peggy had been half Eric's age, when they wed. She had slipped Avery into her husband's stronghold for a tryst, as well as telling him all she overheard of Eric's plans. Unfortunately, that came to an end, when Eric found out that Peg had been unfaithful. Eric was away for nearly six months. When he returned to discover Peggy with child, he knew the babe was not his. So Peggy was sent to one of her husband's remote Castles, until the child was born. After that, she was banished, with the babe, to her dower property.

The girl Hannah, was obviously Avery's child, though he would never claim her. He had enough bastards to deal with. Not long ago, Avery had paid a goodly sum, to a low born man, to marry a maid who claimed Avery, had sired her babe. Still, Hannah gave him an excuse to seek out her mother. Two years past, Lady Peggy had gained valuable information about Eric's plans, during a visit with her oldest daughter, Esme. That information had allowed Avery to ambush Lord Eric, and release him from his earthly existence.

Unfortunately, Esme's half-brother became Lord, then. That warmonger turned the series of skirmishes between the families, into an all out war. Lord Brant set about avenging his father's death, by attacking Shandley Keep. Avery's father was mortally wounded in the keep's defense, and died from his injuries, several days later. Although they did ultimately prevail at holding the fief, the vigorous defense took a huge toll on his family’s resources. The keep was a prime property. It was very important, as it consisted of several tenants paying money rents, as well as orchards that produced most of the fruits and wines, for all of Avery's holdings. There was also grazing for a large herd of cows that were needed to make dried meats for army rations, and hides for the tanner to produce belts, saddles, and the like. They had no choice but to defend it, at all costs, Avery thought.

Avery absently ran his hand over Peggy's stomach, and breasts, as she worked to untie the laces on his chausses. While at the same time, he recalled how he had petitioned for peace with Brant. The blackguard had demanded one of Avery's properties, as a good will gesture. Brant claimed that Avery's father had started the war, by stealing from Brant's family lands. His demands were unacceptable to Avery, as it would leave him with less than three quarters, of his father's original holdings. Brant had already taken enough of Avery's lands, he would not be getting more, without a fight.

Peggy had freed him from his chausses, so he pushed her down on to the bed. Twas important that the Lady was happy with him right now, to gain her cooperation. He let his mind wander to thoughts of Isabel, with her glorious chestnut hair falling loosely to her waist. He pictured her greenish-hazel eyes, flashing with fury, as she spit in the Duke's face. The image stirred his desire to barely controllable levels. Then, he did what he had to do, to keep Peggy happy so she would help him.

Afterward, Avery held her in his arms, and lied to her about how much he wished he could see her openly. He reminded her, that if Peggy's stepson knew about them, Brant would see that their relationship did not continue.

"You know he captured another one of my Castles, recently. Unfortunately, he has attacked with such a large force, that I am always on defense, so there has been no chance to kill the blackguard," Avery lamented.

"Twould be wonderful if he were dead, so we did not have to sneak around anymore," Peggy said.

"Mon cheri, I have a plan that would put me on offense, but it would require your help. Mayhap, you would object, as it involves your daughter," Avery said.

"I am for anything that would let us be together. I love you, and want to shout it to the world," Peggy assured him. "First, I was trapped wed to Eric, as he would not agree to set our marriage aside. Then, if Brant knew about us, he would never let me see my daughter. If either one of them found out about us, they might have sent me back to that dreadful castle, where I was sent to have our Hannah. That place is nothing more than a comfortable prison."

"You know Brant only allows you to see Esme a few weeks every year. Furthermore, she will only inherit about a fifth of her father's holdings. With him dead, you could see her all the time, and she would inherit all of her father's holdings," Avery reminded Peggy, to make his case.

"Aye, with him gone, I could live with my very rich daughter, all the time," Peggy agreed.

"Peggy, what I was thinking, is that I would be able to draw him out, without a large force, if he were trying to pay a ransom, for his sister. Tell me, if you do not like the idea. You see, if you have her come here for one of the few visits he allows, I could take the girl. You trust me, do you not? You know I would not let any harm come to your child, right? I would never want to see you hurt, mon cheri," Avery pleaded, reassuringly.

"Well, of course I trust you. I just wonder if you are sure you can finish him off. If he survived, and knew I helped you, I might never see Esme, again. If anything went wrong..." Peggy's voice trailed off.

"Nay, mon cheri, it would be set up, just like the ambush on their father. Forces he believes are on his side, will meet him en route to pay her ransom. When my group approaches, they will join me against him. The fact that he has been double-crossed, will be his last revelation. As soon as he is no more, I will return Esme to you. I assure you, at no time, will the girl be in any danger. If I thought there was any risk to your daughter, I would find another way," he said, as earnestly as he could.

All he really cared about, was getting rid of Brant. However, Avery knew it would be best, to try to keep the girl safe for a while, to allay suspicion.

"Aye, then I will help you," Peggy said. "I will beg for her to be allowed to visit, and let you know, as soon as I know, when she will arrive. You had better make sure nothing happens to her, and that Brant is dead, though."

To keep the Lady happy, and believing she was about to get everything she desired, he began to kiss her. Avery rained caresses over Peggy until he judged, she was once again ready. Then once more, he indulged himself in fantasizing about the Lady Isabel, whom he could not have. Even if their fathers had not been cousins, he would need the Lady for a strategic alliance, if he failed to kill his enemy by treachery.

Lady Isabel sat near the hearth in the hall, perusing the flickering flames. She would be ten and seven, in just slightly more than a fortnight. Isabel had spent a good portion of her life right here, in the residential structure of Kellanhym Castle, her father's stronghold. The main floor consisted of the large hall, a small sitting room, and her father's study. Several high back chairs and benches, allowed for seating in front of the large hearth, where there was almost always, a roaring fire going. Even in the warmer months, the hearth was used for some portion of the cooking.

The lower level of the building was partially below ground, and consisted of a kitchen, where many of the serfs ate, and storage, for food and grains. The second floor held the Lord’s private chambers, plus the bed chambers for other family, and guests, arranged along either side, of a central passageway. On the top floor, there were a few more bed chambers, as well as the weaving and sewing rooms. Those work rooms, were where most of the castle serfs slept on mats, on the floor, at night.

Tears sprang to her eyes, as her mind drifted over the past six months. How could she know, when her cousin Avery came to ask for her father's assistance, that her world was about to be turned upside down? Avery was in a war with the Lord of Rothstam Castle, which had already led to the deaths, of both their fathers. Her father, Lord Edmund, had refused to aid Avery. He said Avery's father got only what he deserved, for stealing from Eric's fiefs. He was not about to lend assistance, to protect Avery, from his father's thievery. Three months later, Edmund, and five of his vassals, who were riding with him, were murdered in a supposed robbery.

Within a sennight of Edmond’s death, Avery arrived to claim ward ship of Isabel, and her lands, as her closest male relative. She was her father's only living heir. He had then encouraged her mother, to go to one of her father's other properties. While Avery had made no direct threat, he implied that Isabel, and her mother, would be fine, as long as they did not, cause Avery any problems.

Lady Isabel was startled from her morose by Sir Richard, one of her father's oldest, and most trusted friends. He had insisted that Avery allow him to see to her safety, and fortunately, Avery had agreed, probably, just to allay suspicion.

"Three riders approach, My Lady,” Richard said. "Hopefully, they have word of your cousin."

Isabel left the hall to await the messengers, or in other words, her and Richard’s spies, on the stairs outside. Isabel had been carefully schooled by Edmund, that Avery and his father, though relatives, were not to be trusted. The messengers who were let inside the castle walls, also quickly confirmed the treachery, of Isabel's cousin.

Avery, even with some of Isabel's forces, had once again, been outmanned by his enemy. So, he had cooked up a scheme to kidnap the half-sister of his enemy, to demand a ransom. When the Lord was drawn out to pay the ransom, Avery intended to kill him in ambush. This Avery felt, would allow for the Lady Esme, who would be the sole remaining heir to Rothstam, at only one and four years old, to become the ward of someone friendly to him. It would also bring the property, and resources, of Avery's enemy, over to his side by deceit, thereby ending the war. While Avery had offered no details about how this kidnapping was to be accomplished, he had seemed confident of success. This information from the messenger, though vague, was sufficient to confirm to Richard, what Isabel had claimed she overheard. She had been present, when Avery was talking of the same general plan, with a very disgusting man that Avery claimed was a Duke.

Isabel was finding her cousins' murderous bend, rather appalling. Her father had been a good and honorable man. His properties and people had thrived under his control, and he had carefully instructed Isabel, in dealing honorably with people. Edmund's cousin, on the other hand, according to her father, had mismanaged his lands, and mistreated his people, reducing his wealth. This in turn, had lead to thievery, from Eric's more prosperous lands. Still, murder seemed a big leap, from incompetence and theft. She could not help but wonder, if this long standing animosity with Lord Eric, and now his son, had not driven Avery a little mad.

After the messengers left, Lady Isabel turned to Richard, and said, "Kidnapping sounds like a pretty good idea. Do you have some competent men available?"

"What do you have in mind?" Richard asked, eying her uncertainly.

Lady Isabel laid out her idea, explaining how it could prevent, a good deal of bloodshed. She watched as Richard's expression changed from mildly disapproving, to considering, and finally to resigned acceptance. He offered Isabel a weak smile, as he questioned her conviction. She assured him, if he could make it so, she saw her part as her last, best hope. Convinced of her resolve, Richard nodded in agreement, before turning to leave the hall, to make the arrangements.

Chapter 2

Brant rode east on his destry, with his long time friend, Sir Robert, and his squire, on either side of him. Robert's squire, and another vassal, rode behind them.

"We have traveled for nie on two hours, without one mention of the Lady Katherine, Robert. Does your love for the fair maiden wane?" Brant teased his friend.

Brant had only seen the Lady once, but she was quite lovely. Robert talked about her all the time, leaving no doubt, that he was hopelessly enamored with the maiden.

"Most certainly not," Robert retorted. "If anything, it grows stronger with each passing day."

Brant laughed at the other man's plight. Although he was from a wealthy family, as a younger son, Robert was a landless knight. Claiming inheritance, required paying the Crown for the privilege, so in most instances, the entire estate passed to the eldest son. Therefore, the Lady Katherine's father opposed a match between her and Robert. She would have a sizable dower property, so Robert was in no way, the Lady's equal. Katherine was approaching ten and eight, and would likely, soon be pressured to make a suitable marriage, though she purportedly desired to wed Sir Robert.

As the five riders rounded a curve, three men, approaching on horseback, came into view. Brant cautiously surveyed the tree line along the road, for any indication of others, who might lay in wait to ambush them in the waning twilight.

"Do you recognize the crest on the destry?" Brant asked Robert.

"I believe it to be Sir Richard's," Robert answered. "He also has issue with Avery. Or, so he claimed, when last we spoke."

"I do not recall ever meeting the knight, myself. You are sure, he is a friend?" Brant asked.

"Aye, he is a friend to me," Robert answered, as the three riders drew near.

"What brings you out here this evening, Richard, business, or pleasure?" Robert questioned the leader of the new arrivals.

"I fear it is business, Robert," Richard replied.

Brant, who's caution had begun to relax, suddenly felt his mount's reigns jerked from his hands, and his dagger pulled from its sheath. A similar fate had befallen his squire, who was struggling against two vassals, as they tied his hands behind him.

"Aye, Sir Richard is friend to me. You Brant, are someone whom I greatly admire, and respect. As such, I have no desire to see injury come to your person. To achieve this end, all you need do is cooperate, and tis likely, you will live, to see if you can someday forgive me, my friend," Robert said, smiling at him warmly, as if he viewed this turn of events, some great lark.

His squire’s mount was moved, to where Brant could see a dagger was being held against the youth’s throat.

"Will you cooperate, and place your hands behind your back?" Richard queried.

Brant, seeing greater danger in resisting at this point, complied. Placing his hands behind his back, he felt his wrists being bound, with a strong strip of leather, leaving little hope of him breaking free.

"You are truly a wise man, Brant," Robert said, as he bound his friend's wrists.

Moving around to face him, Robert patted Brant's cheek, giving him another broad grin. Brant in turn, drew his head away, giving Robert a frosty glare.

"And is an explanation for your current course of action, forthcoming, or am I to be kept guessing?" Brant questioned in irritation, at Robert's apparent amusement over what was for him, a distressing situation.

The group of riders moved up the road a short distance, leading the two bound captives, before leaving the road on a path, that took them to a clearing in the woods. A wagon waited there, with what appeared to be a couple of peasants.

Here, Brant and his squire, were assisted off their mounts, and forced into a sitting position, in the wagon. As the captives feet were bound, Brant observed that Robert still wore an ear to ear grin, as though this were some great lark.

He glared at the knave, and gritted out, "I believe I will have to kill you for this, Robert."

Robert replied, still smiling, "Aye, my friend, when you fully understand, the situation you now find yourself in, you are likely to desire my demise. Yet, I do hope in time, you will realize that the situation is quite dire. And that this course of action, seems to be warranted."

As he finished speaking, he grasped Brant's head, tipping it back firmly, against the top of the wagon. The peasant woman took a wine skin, and poured a small amount of bitter tasting wine into his mouth, as his "friend" forced him to swallow most of it. To his side, he noted that his squire was enduring a similar fate. Brant's rage at his friend's seeming betrayal, exploded into a string of vile aspersions, that were silenced by a gag, placed between his lips.

"Rest well this night, my friend," Robert said, as he pushed Brant to lay down in the wagon.

He could see that his squire was quickly losing consciousness. He closed his eyes, as a similar drowsiness engulfed him. Yet, before he was full asleep, Brant was sure he heard someone say, "Let's get moving. The Lady awaits her groom."

Brant's head hurt as he struggled to wake up. He wondered if he had over indulged in drink, last night. Slowly, his memory returned. His mind drifted through the details of being kidnapped, bound, and drugged. Several times, he recalled being jostled about in a wagon, as he fought for consciousness, only to have some vile tasting liquid, poured down his throat. How long had he been kept drugged?

Although he was no longer bound, he resisted moving, or giving indication of waking. Cautious now, he opened one eye slightly, to assess his surroundings. While the bed he lay on was comfortable, the wall that faced him, had the look of a dungeon. He listened intently, to discern if someone might be nearby, watching for him to wake. A scuffling sound indicated that that was probably the case.

Brant remained still, feigning sleep for several more minutes, to let all feeling of drowsiness pass. He wanted to have his wits about him, if he was about to face his captors. Feeling himself fully awake, he opened his eyes, to better assess his accommodations.

The cell around him had three stone walls, one of which had a large barred window, high up on it, through which bright sunlight streamed in. The fourth wall was wooden, with the outline of a solid door, and several small, eye level, closed peepholes in it. Brant rose, and moved to the foot of the bed. There, he discovered an open barred door into an adjoining cell. That cell contained a small table with two chairs, and a bath tub. Here, a barred door had been built into the wooden wall, with a solid wood door, that was now closed, on the outside. A narrow slot in the wall, allowed for a tray to be passed into the cell, and placed onto a shelf near the table.

Obviously, a person could be held here indefinitely, with little chance of escape. As Brant eyed the bath tub, he began to suspect, his captors were prepared to hold him for some time. He tamped down a sudden feeling of apprehension, and sat down in one of the chairs. Willing himself to remain calm, he waited to find out what the kidnapper's intensions were. Whatever they wanted, Brant was sure if he survived, someone was going to pay dearly, for this.

Robert sat with Sir Richard in the hall, as they relieved their thirst, with tankards of ale, just past midday. Richard was mulling the best approach, to the business he must soon undertake, when Justin entered the hall.

As he drew near, Justin said, "Our guest has roused from his slumber."

The three men exchanged uncomfortable looks.

Lady Isabel interjected from nearby, "Do you think you can convince him, of the grave risks, of his war with Avery? Even fast asleep, the hulking lout has an arrogant look about him."

Richard and Robert gave her a questioning look.

Justin asked, "Are you having second thoughts, My Lady?"

"Do you kind gentlemen have a better course, to ease my desperate plight?" Isabel countered. When all shook their heads in the negative, she continued, "Then I trust you can make our guest see the logic, in shifting power, without so much bloodshed, as current conditions make likely. Particularly, his and my, conditions. For we cannot see to the welfare of our people, are we murdered by Avery, as our sires were. Know you Robert, I rely on your council, as to the decent, trustworthy, nature of your friend."

"He would not beat, or kill a woman. Certainly not to increase his own power," Robert assured her.

He did not say that his friend was near as arrogant as the King, and had a temper close to rivaling Lucifer. He knew the Lady was likely to suffer the brunt of that temper, and he doubted how a small, seemingly gentle young girl, would fair. In fact, Robert had no idea, what his friend might do. He was not aware of any female, who had ever tried to cross the knight.

Robert could not recall Brant, ever showing an interest in any female, that would be considered suitable, as a wife. To his knowledge, Lord Eric, Brant's sire, had resisted pushing the idea of a betrothal, for some unknown reason. However, Robert did not want Isabel's resolve to waiver, when he himself, was so close, to acquiring what he most desired.

“There is of course, the less desirable alternative plan that you wed me, My Lady. However, with your holdings triple mine, I would then become a gold-digger,” Justin said, with a chuckle. “That would put you at odds with both Brant, and Avery, with no guarantee of stopping their war. You know, if Brant can be brought to comply with this, he is your best option.”

"Well, My Lady, do I go to our guest, and inform him of the terms of his release, from our hospitality?" Richard asked. "Know you, once it is done, there will be no turning back."

The Lady closed her eyes, and apprehensively massaged a finely arched brow, before replying with a simple, resigned, "Aye, My Lord."

Brant sat on one of the two chairs, eyeing the closed door into his cell, as he seethed over his friend's betrayal. He had thought about voicing his ire, that anyone would dare treat a great Lord, with vast holdings such as himself, so. However, having no idea why, he had been brought here, or who was involved, he could not be certain to what extent, they had earned his wrath. It would not do, for anyone involved in this plot, to escape his vengeance. He was certain, that if they believed he was at their mercy, all parties would be revealed to him. Then, he could formulate an appropriate revenge.

Until he had been taken hostage, Brant had believed that Avery was his only enemy. Clearly, that murderous blackguard, could not be involved in this. Avery would have seen that Brant did not awake, this day. Yet, he was certain, that Robert and Richard, would not tempt his rage, without the backing of someone much more powerful. Brant was one of the largest land holders in the area, giving him resources to raise an army large enough, to annihilate most of the nearby landed Lords.

Brant was startled from his thoughts, by the sound of men approaching the dungeon. He sat, willing himself to appear calm, as the wooden door was opened, to reveal Robert and Richard, through the barred door. As they positioned themselves within view, he glared coldly at them, waiting for one of them to speak.

When Richard faced the prisoner squarely, and prepared to set down his terms, he was suddenly assailed with apprehension. The man before him, sat completely still. Yet, the cold blue eyes, tightly clamped jaw, and clenched fists, gave him the look of a wild animal, poised and ready to strike, with deadly accuracy. Richard had known Lord Eric, Brant's sire, well. He had at most times, been a fair and reasonable individual. However, Richard had seen first hand, the cold-blooded precision with which Eric had attacked his enemies, when raiders had plagued the area, many years back. The younger Lord definitely possessed a similar black temperament. He prayed Brant also inherited a similar practical nature.

Richard took a deep breath, exhaling slowly to relieve the tension he was feeling. Then he began to lay out his case.

“This damn war between you, and Avery, has already resulted in the demise of both of your sires. Then, because you had him severely out manned, Avery pursued assistance from his father’s cousin. Lord Edmund had no love of his cousin’s family, and refused him assistance. A few months past, Lord Edmund was murdered, in a supposed robbery. More likely, twas Avery, or his villains. Shortly after Lord Edmund's death, Avery arrived to claim the Lady Isabel, as his ward, Avery being her closest male relative. Since then, he has availed himself of her people, and resources, to fight you. What is more, due to treaties with Isabel’s father, Avery is demanding that Justin and I, lend forces to his defense. We have only a few months, before we will be required to provide our forces, to aid him. At that point, his army will be nearly as large as yours. That means that you, Isabel, Justin, and I, are all likely to lose a lot of vassals. People that we need, to care for our properties, crops, and livestock, to make our lands prosperous,” Richard paused, looking at Brant pointedly.

Brant continued to sit unmoving, displaying no outward reaction, though the news of his enemies increased resources, was troubling. Even more bothersome, was the fact that the knight, had still not revealed, who the power behind his kidnapping was, or why he had been taken prisoner.

After several seconds, Richard continued, “Though Isabel’s mother still lives, her and her daughter, dare not attempt to oppose Avery's orders, with her people. The Lady is nearly ten and seven, and desires to live much longer. Her cousin’s desperation, leaves that in doubt.”

Richard paused again, looking for any reaction from the prisoner.

Though he gave no outward sign, Brant was getting really annoyed. He still had not been informed who, besides the men in front of him, he should be plotting to skewer with his sword. Nor, had Richard disclosed any reason, for his capture, yet.

“The Lady Isabel has requested the protection of the Crown, and we have been given leave, to see to her protection. Isabel has convinced me, that the only practical means to protect us all, from this disastrous situation, is for the two of you to wed. And I assure you Brant, that you will reside here, until the deed is done,” Richard stated firmly, finally getting to the point.

Brant was dumbfounded. He sat completely speechless, glaring at Richard for several seconds. Then he shifted his glance to Robert, who was wearing the same big grin on his face, that he had worn throughout Brant’s kidnapping.

Finally, Brant found his voice, and asked, “This has got to be an elaborate jest, right?”

Anger flashed in Richard’s expression, as he retorted, “The men who accosted your forces near Lasham, were from Isabel’s lands. Fifteen were killed, many more injured. How many did you lose? I assure you, this is no jest. I will give you some time to consider, how long you wish to endure your current accommodations.”

Finishing his angry retort, Richard turned, and walked out.

"Richard is quite serious, Brant. What is more, marrying the girl, will move her forces to your side, peacefully. And as your oldest friend, I intend to be here, to witness the nuptials,” Robert said, speaking for the first time. Then, he too turned, and walked out, laughing. Brant was left to stare at the door they had just exited through, still not sure if he should take them seriously, or not.

A short while later, a serf entered the jail with a tray, that was quickly pushed through the slot, onto the shelf inside. After the serf left, Brant tried a few bites of the morning fare, but found he had little appetite. He rose, and returned to the adjoining cell, to lay down on the bed, while he mulled over Richard's words.

If what Brant had just been told, was not some elaborate jest, he had been kidnapped by these knights, at the behest of a woman. He certainly could not avenge himself, by killing a woman. He recalled Richard saying she was, 'nearly ten and seven.' Woman? At ten and six, she was a child. How did you get revenge against a child? Spank her? For a few moments, he laughed at that thought, but his surroundings put a quick end, to any mirth.

Richard claimed they intended to keep him a prisoner here, until he agreed to wed the child. He remembered all the times his father had approached him, about various Ladies, trying to get Brant to consider a betrothal. They all seemed to be simple minded wenches, with coy little ploys, that encouraged him to head the other way. His father had known Lord Edmund, yet Brant did not recall him ever mentioning a daughter, had he? He may have. Brant knew he only half listened, when his sire was talking about him finding a wife. He would need an heir one day, but so far, he had found it preferable, to indulge his physical pleasures with the company of serfs, and harlots.

Brant still could not believe this was serious. Then, he recalled laying in the wagon after being drugged. He had heard someone say, ‘let's get moving. The Lady awaits her groom’, after they thought he was unconscious. Very possibly they were serious. What was more, Richard said the Lady had the protection of the Crown. If that was true, then he likely had no choice, about complying with them. Those who opposed the king, could meet with accidents, or just disappear. Brant glanced around his accommodations again, realizing that this was a more than adequate place to make him disappear, indefinitely. Still, a forced strategic marriage seemed a bit of a leap, particularly when it should be easy for the King, to reign in Avery. There had to be more going on here, than just his war with that reprobate, Brant thought. They still had not disclosed all, to him, he was sure.