“For the first time in her life Rosamund was judge and executioner and she liked it not. Maybe if she showed clemency, then one day these boys might as well.
"I would let them go."
Ben's eyes widened. Jed began to raise his head.
"Are you sure, madam?" asked the man, glowering at the two rogues, who quickly looked away.
Rosamund nodded. "I would let them go so they might leave this place and never return, for if ever I see them again I will make certain justice is served."
Lowering his sword, the man stared at her as if, like a mythic maiden, she'd been transformed from alabaster into flesh.”