-Interlude V-
Bodden
Summer 960 MC
“Weren’t you afraid?” asked Anna. “The Bandit King might have attacked you.”“The thought did cross my mind,” explained Beverly, “but I was confident I could take him in a fight, even with just a dagger. As it turned out, however, half the men came with us; the rest took the wagon.”
“That was very brave of you, my dear,” said Fitz. “Interesting how you used your mother's name.”
“Well, I could hardly use my real name. A red-haired woman named Beverly would have brought instant recognition, especially after the duel I fought.”
“Duel?” asked Anna. “What duel?”
“Shortly after I arrived in Shrewesdale,” clarified Beverly, “I was challenged to a duel by one of the knights.”
“I bet that didn’t end well for him,” offered Gerald. “I’ve seen you fight.”
“Yo
