[But, as the oncomer drew nearer, the glimmer of hope died in the discontented gentleman's heart]
[As she bent, offering him the green goblet of wine, her heavy plait fell against his shoulder]
["Look, look, do you see? ... There are two men coming up the road with a pack-horse!"]
[Meanwhile, up in his chamber, the Burgrave sat in sodden brooding]
[Steven almost called aloud, as he heard their heavy plunge into the ambushed waters]
[Sidonia stood, shaking and pruning herself like a bird, her hair glinting in the light]
["Hurl down the Guard, and the field is ours! ... Hurl down the Guard, aha!"]