I found myself saddled and ready to ride back to Castle Black within the hour. Having spent moments to ponder what had just happened, I realised that I had no time to waste. It was obvious Veronica’s sudden appearance was no mistake. She was sent by Xavier, just as William had been sent before her. The very fact that she was there at all could only mean that William had failed in his mission. Veronica had been a contingency plan. One that I am sure would also have a plan C. Wolfridge was a hive on day-to-day activity. No one had even been aware of what was happening on the beach below. I was confident that Veronica was not working alone, how she arrived at the secluded beach without anyone noticing was a mystery to me. I could only assume that there were spies amongst us. Both here and

