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You swallow as Malodoro reaches for her own crossbow and His Grace loads a shaft, turning back to the railing. "The wagon train will leave an hour past dawn," says Malodoro. "Have you any questions?"

I certainly do, you think.

"How can I ever thank you enough for this opportunity?"

"I'll ask you kindly not to try. Now away with thee," says the Chief Steward, shooing you away with a wave of her ring-encrusted hand.

"Pull!" shouts His Grace.

The thudding sound of shafts entering squash echoes in your ears as you follow the herald, in a daze, back to the courtyard.

Making All Ready