“Arian would never accept a human.’ a voice spat at Isobel, who stood clearing the used trenchers and wine goblet in the kitchen.

　　Isobel ignored the jab and was soon done with the chores.

　　She found Gamma Ursa in her quarters, setting her bowers to right when she returned to it.

　　She was in a raging mood, Isobel noticed, if her glowering expression and the way she twisted the fur coverlet on her bed was anything to go by.

　　“Good morn, ...