"You shouldn't be here. Not unless you've learnt to fire a gun since last we talked." Cuthbert didn't sound angry or impatient. In fact, he sounded almost cheerful, which was in its own way a far stronger indication of his dark mood. "Al, we've got ten minutes, then I need you on the west flank."

"Bert, I love you as I ever have, but you're playing the fool now. Thomas has the west flank, and I have your lady asking for my attention." Alain sounded quite unlike himself, a hardness in his voice that was rare. When he turned to Kaine, though, it was with an apologetic smile and a little nod. "Aye, sai Kaine. Speak all you will." Beckoning her with him, he started away from Bert and Jamie, down to a less well-guarded section of the wall, and paused there before turning to her. "What is it?"