Before leaving, Kaseran ordered me to be presented with a badge of royal power, which, it was said, would strike any one who saw it as if the queen herself had been present. The badge gave me certain rights, but it also brought me unknown dangers. I had quietly concealed the badge in my dress, as a last resort, not thinking that I should easily show it to people.

                The guard which was to escort me was that appointed by Catheran, and the whole party consisted of only four men, led by a black knight named Galen. Like the other knights, he covered his face with a shield, leaving only...