"As the lady declares," said Robena, "so shall it be."

Then, without once putting Constance back on the ground, Robena steps into her stirrup and with the trained skill of a knight who knows how to leap into the saddle while carrying sword and shield both. She lifts Constance up alongside with her into the saddle in a heroic motion and, still cradling the lady in her arms, touches her heels to Apricot's flanks. "Haste!" she cried. "A cat awaits!"

And they gallop away towards the sunset.