<strong>Lady Kat</strong>, Library of Avonleigh [Sylria the Elf, Lillian Montague, Marie Archambaul t, Lady Marie, Dee]<br/><br/><em>Well</em>, she thought to herself,<em>at least that's some of my questions answered</em>.<br/><br/>Kat knew she was silly to be annoyed, but it had irked her that her questions about the origins and numbers of the 'soldiers' had been cavalierly ignored earlier. And focusing on that was far better than worrying about the dangers being revealed. At least a dozen, probably more - that was bad, given the number of those present fit to fight. And running would be awkward at best, particularly given the number of people still out of the house on the hunt...<br/><br/>"My dear lady," Kat commented smoothly, hiding her fear behind a little dig at the newcomer. "I would expect they would show a care for some of our names, at least in as much as<em>some</em>of us are valuable for ransoms. I have no desire to put my theory to the test, however, and no intention of being taken by these brutes!"<br/><br/>She turned to Lady Lillian, deferring to the hostess. "This is your family's house and lands, my dear friend - what do you say? Is it our duty to withdraw swiftly, and protect ourselves for our families' sakes - or to try to defend these lands and ourselves here, though we are not soldiers to fight these invaders? I confess I do not know what course to council."