She said nothing for a while, but just looked at me with a slightly puzzled expression. ‘Has that ever happened to you, Lord Derfel?’ she asked at last. I hesitated. I knew the words my soul wanted to say and I knew the words my station should make me say, but then I told myself that a warrior did not thrive on timidity and I let my soul have government of my tongue. ‘It has never happened until this moment, Lady,’ I said. It took more bravery to make that declaration than I had ever needed to break a shield-wall.
