“The city is up in arms. We haven’t a second to spare.”
“And Otaballo––my general?”
He clenched his fists at the memory.
“Dead. They killed him and a handful of men at his side.”
“Dead––my general dead?”
“Like the brave general he was.”
She put her hands to her face. He drew her to his shoulder where he let her weep a moment, his own throat big.
“Oh, but they shall answer for it!” he cried. “Hush, dear. I’m coming back with a thousand men and make ’em sweat for that.”
His quick senses caught a sound without.
“Come,” he commanded, “we shall be cut off here.” He took her arm and hurried her along. They scurried down the stairs and across the palace grounds to a small gate in the rear. Here a carriage was waiting for them. Danbury helped her in and stooped to kiss her lips before he jumped up beside the driver.