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She had golden hair. The colour of the sun before sunset, unlike the people here.” True enough, Vidal acknowledged. Other than those who’d turned grey, everyone else had dark hair.
    The man stepped back, his hands behind him, when Vidal tried to offer him money. “Phillipe does not tell us all, but whatever he decides we support him.”
    â€œThen why talk to me?”
    â€œBecause if the French return and find Phillipe gone, they will not rest until he is found. If this girl is your affair you need to find her and let Phillipe come home.”
    He offered his hand to his informant and shook it. “Thank you. I will endeavour to see Phillipe returns safely.”
    Taking his time to stroll further round the collection of buildings, Vidal made his way back to where Juan waited. “Did they tell you where Phillipe has gone?”
    â€œYou have to understand,” Juan began, “with the turmoil in our country, and Joseph Bonaparte on our throne, there are those who support him and his brother, while others, like us—“ he indicated the men he’d spoken with who were still watching them “—who fight to restore our rightful monarch, communication is difficult. Trust is broken. Links are gone. We rely on our own and pray we do not fall into the enemy’s trap when we connect with those who claim to champion our cause. Phillipe told them little and they are offended with his lack of faith, even though they accept he acted for their protection. Few of them believed Phillipe’s assertion the newcomer was his cousin, so although they’re not sure, they think he’s gone to warn them how close the enemy is getting.”
    â€œIf he can’t trust your team of agents, do you suppose Phillipe will try to take the woman across Spain himself?”
    Juan shook his head. “To do so would risk his neck, not that it would stop him, but if he was uncovered it would bring retribution to his family and the rest of this community. They are afraid.”
    â€œPlease thank them for talking with us and that I fully understand and will go at once.”
    Juan passed on Vidal’s message and returned, a basket in his hand. “If we are going, we must do so immediately while we have enough light. They have given us food and water.”
    â€œWe?”
    â€œI am coming with you. Surely you don’t think I’d leave you on your own. A lone traveller would draw attention.”
    â€œHow so?”
    â€œMost would assume you to be a deserter and attack you for it.”
    â€œWhat about your family?”
    Juan’s eyes hardened, his lips thinned, and he thrust his fists into his pockets. “I have no family. They were taken.”
    With a nod and a quick touch on Juan’s shoulder Vidal strode to the waiting mules. “Then I’ll be pleased for your company.”
    With a bow to the congregated men, Vidal mounted and followed Juan out of the village. He didn’t need more words to fill in what Juan was telling him.
    â€œWhile you were with the elders, I spoke to someone who thinks Phillipe was headed for a hut they often use as a meeting point that is just over a day’s ride away,” Vidal said after the small community disappeared from view.
    * * * *
    â€œThe French, they have searched our village. If this lord fails to arrive you must go on with Tom and Harry.” The sight of Consuela standing in the doorway of the hut silenced Phillipe.
    â€œWhat is this?” He gestured to the newcomer. “Where did she come from?”
    Before either Tom or Harry could speak, Honor informed Phillipe of the events leading up to Consuela’s inclusion in their party.
    â€œIt is not good. Not good at all,” he muttered, but loud enough, Honor was sure, for Consuela to hear. He stroked his chin, his eyes focussing on each of them in turn. “Perhaps not. Two women and two men… Come here.”
    In answer to the imperious