A dozen lanterns lit up the forecourt, and there was a tramping of many horses.

A shouting, too, as if a king were on the move.

She hurriedly dried her eyes and arranged her dress, tossing the reliquary and its broken chain on the table.

Some new guests; and the inn was none too large.

She would have the landlord flayed if he dared to intrude on the privacy which she had commanded.
Nay, she would summon her people that instant and set off for home, for her company was strong enough to give security in the midnight forests.
She was about to blow a little silver whistle to call her steward when a step at the door halted her.