Minuit whinnies his dismay.

Hooves thunder all around

and someone on horseback

grabs my arm—to throw me down

I think, but it is Ismidon.

Remove your helmet!

He shouts to be heard.

They will see your sex

and you’ll be spared!

They might be loath

to run me through with steel

but would not hesitate

to eviscerate me in other ways.

I shake him off

and follow my sister.