Lady Jane wore a puzzled look as she opened the door.
"Your Grace? This is an unexpected surprise." Her welcoming smile froze on her face as she noticed his look of displeasure, then her gaze beheld the note clutched firmly in his hand. Tears sprang to her eyes, and she knew, at that moment, her life was forfeit.
"Please," she pleaded. "Let me explain?"
"By all means," said the marshal. "Do tell me why you compiled a list of all our warriors."
"I had no choice."
He glanced around the room. "I see no one here forcing you to do anything. Quite the opposite, in fact. Since your arrival, we"ve shown you nothing but courtesy and respect. And you reward us with this?" He brandished the note.
She tried to compose herself, but her nerves got the better of her. Instead of answering, she slump
