She closed her eyes, and stood rigid.
“Strike and have done. I’ll utter no word.”
“You jade!”
“Strike, and have done.”
Wat’s eyes were on them. He turned his horse and cursed Merlin.
“Hold, fool!”
“The jade will not speak.”
“By God’s eyes, I like her for it. Put up that knife, curse you, and leave the bastard to me. I have a voice that will scare the kingliness out of him.”
He shouted to the mob behind him.
“Brothers, I go to win our kingdom. Stand fast till I brandish my sword. Then rush on them and slay all—all save the lad on the white horse.”