About this story
That night a grim stranger at Niel Blane's tavern throws a royal dragoon in a wrestling match, and a proclamation names him wanted for the archbishop's murder. You ride with him past hunting patrols toward Milnwood, learning he is Balfour of Burley, tied to a debt your father left unpaid, and night ends with him hidden in an outbuilding.
How it opens
Lady Margaret Bellenden's county muster ended with a painted bird raised high above the crowded field.
You attended for miserly Milnwood, carrying a green coat and a family history divided by civil war.
The contest is called harmless, though everyone appears to have chosen a side.
Lord EvandaleA clean shot may settle what twenty compliments have failed to decide.
Cuddie HeadriggI hit it too; Jenny Dennison makes missing in public impossible.
Choose
Let Cuddie fire before me; his claim is equal.
Ask Evandale whether horseback shots should count.