A burly fisherman collapsed gurgling with an arrowhead sticking out of his mouth. A little boy perched on his father’s left shoulder slewed sideway... and fell with an arrow through his back, his neck snapping audibly as he hit the ground head-first. Two men, both cousins, fell with cries of pain, each pierced by several arrows in their backs and shoulders. A tall warrioress twitched grotesquely then collapsed as an arrow shattered her spine below the base of her neck.For a moment, the fallen. “No, Higher Adept, I believe this to be a most formidable enemy who are playing us like puppets, they are beyond competent.”“Explain.”“As soon as Hortcha went into the field, all their attacks focussed on him, not, as he believed, because he was close to their ... base, but, because he presented himself as an easy target. He also presumed that their intelligence gathering ceased because of his proximity. My belief is that they didn’t, they simply used their attacks on him to cover their. "I was taught that you always ask a lady's permission before sitting with her, to avoid forcing unwanted attentions on her." You think of me as a lady?" I was also taught," he laughed, "that you assume any woman is a lady until you have proof otherwise."Shawna considered that for a moment, sipping at her tea."So I ask again, you think of me as a lady?" I'm trying to give you the benefit of the doubt." But it's a struggle, isn't it?" Yes," he admitted, staring at his hands for a moment. "It's. They would have an hour or so together in the early evening, known as ‘early doors’, before going home for their evening meals.The composition of the group varied, but there were always one or two to chew the fat with. It happened that there were only three there that night, and they were deep in conversation when Aidan felt a hand on his shoulder.“Aidan, can you spare a minute?” It was Kevin.Aidan made his excuses, bought Kevin a pint and they went and sat at another table.“Kevin,” Aidan.