The Stoneholding

said.

"Aye, so the rumour was true. They'd found it."

"What do you mean, sir? Who found what?"

"Nevermind. You'll learn in due course, once we nail his hide to the floor."

"Shall I call out the garrison, sir, now we see he's a fighting cock and armed?" Cuff looked askance at Frysan, as the Guardsman sliced the air expertly, measuring the heft and feel of his new weapon. The Queen, clutching her baby, who had begun to whimper, backed off towards the door of the King's sickroom.

"No, no. Are you daft, man? Spoil a perfect chance to be rid of the witch and her spawn. As for her husband, we'll speed him on his way too. The beauty of it all is that they're going to think it was done by this fop of a draper -- or Guardsman. And hell gnaw our bones, if the two of us can't carve him up and lay him in his grave."

Frysan leaped forward to the attack, slashing at Cuff's shoulder, forcing him to parry backhanded. He wheeled back, feeling the wind of Baldrick's great blade, which came crashing down on the spot he had just vacated, even as Cuff swung his sword around, regaining ...