Within the mountain pass, silence finally returned, if only for a moment.
Murphy sheathed his sword and stood, his breathing even.
He first strode over to the unconscious Sir Ernest, knelt to examine him, and then said in a low voice to the adjutant who had followed, "His injuries are severe, but he's still breathing. Bandage him and stop the bleeding immediately. Move him with care."
The adjutant quickly assented.
Only then did Murphy turn and walk toward the damaged Royal Family carriage.
The carriage door had been pushed open a crack from the inside. Princess Elizabeth's small face was as pale as paper, and the hand gripping her jewel-encrusted dagger was still trembling slightly.
But her dark eyes were fixed on the approaching Murphy, filled with utter shock and disbelief.
'It's him...'
'It's really him!'
