The palanquins are waiting for her downstairs. They're two mute slaves, just as she requested. They torture her until she tells them all her secrets. If the king finds her by tomorrow, she'll be rich. Just a few hours. Quickly. Don't stay outside. This is risky. Antarcides spies are everywhere. They are here to kill a weakling. The heir is only 9 years old. If all goes according to plan, the king won't come back from his hunt. You've been quite frank, Count Polius. You have been quite honest. The soldiers will obey me but rest assured, i won1t help a barugon. now, allow me1 to leave. then, come on, you scoundrel1s. I can smell the beast, this scourge, of Antarcia. I1m sure it says you1ll die too. It says you have to die too . it1s not all. It means you1re going to die, too. it says that you1ve to leave duann, grandfather don1t1 and all your friends. It1s already late. They1ll eat, then pack the tents again, and then they1ll go back to the house. Sozer1s true that the day has not come yet, but that day1s time to race. Now is the time to see who1s going to get to the main house first. The duke ax1anador1s army is marching on Carnghill under the orders of the first lady, kaarla, who has been searching for them for five years. The first lady has searched for them