THE MOOR'S ARROW streaked across the square, striking one of the gatekeepers in the back. He slumped to his knees.

Ox threw off his pails and jammed a rod in the pulley, bringing the heavy portcullis to a stop. He ran his knife into the back of the other gatekeeper, who was struggling to bring the gate down.

A swarm of my men, Alphonse in the lead, rushed inside. They overwhelmed the soldiers at the gate as arrows rained down on them. Soon they were battling Stephen's men hand-to-hand.

Stephen leaped down from the walls and ran toward the scaffold and Emilie. Where is your fool? he asked her. He lets you die? He does not come for you?

He gave the nod to his hangman. Then Odo pushed his way past two guards. He plunged his knife into the hangman's gut, hurling him off the scaffold. He went to Emilie.

Hedoes come, Stephen, I called. I held up the lance. Our eyes locked in a hateful exchange. I am here............