"Perhaps he was," comes Caspian's voice from the door. He'd arrived mid-way through Reepichee's story and chosen to wait outside, listening, until now. He steps through the door, taking in the bowl of water, the cloths, Reepicheep working through Susan's tangled hair. "Rhoop, that is. But the truth of it was that his years on the Dark Island had hollowed him out into only a shell of a man. I'm not sure there was enough left of him to be able to feel gratitude."

He comes across the room and kneels at Susan's feet, then takes a cloth and gently lifts her hand from the water so he can begin cleaning her cuts. "Well, Su, you've heard how Reep has shamed me, in the past. Sir Reepicheep, do you say sai Delgado has acted without courage?"

"Never, sire!" the Mouse replies, aghast. "If I did, may I throw myself from this window in disgrace."