The fighting-top sways a little in the wind, and Susan makes sure to keep a grip on one of the lines, even as she steps fearlessly to the very side of it to look down at the deck below with great interest before she turns back to Drinian.

"He were a good king, I wot," she says, open and honest. "I'd not have ye think I'm casting around behind his back, but if ye'd speak, I'd listen. He'd not ever boast, ye ken, so some things I've only ever learned through Sir Reepicheep and others."