"WHAT?"
Lucy surprised even herself with her shout of alarm.
Alfador sighed. "I just learned of it this very moment. My wards on the castle gate caught him with it. The blackguard showed a Ducal writ of admission... He must have stolen it from the King."
"He stole it from... How?"
"Most likely, the King left the key in his chambers when he went to make that speech..." Alfador said, "We must make haste and recover that key!"
"You will help?" Lucy asked.
"Of course. I must repay you for your service to Norte."
"Right," Lucy said. "Then..."
