<strong>Angelique of Rone.</strong><br/><br/>The rear step of the wagon lay in the shade provided by the cover over the wagon, the back full of sacks of oats, many of them honeyed offering a lovely scent. The rest of the trip to the gate was short and pleasant and Angelique saw a crowd of people descending in chaos upon the crowd of coins, the glint of gold having attracted even more than had originally gathered about her. They scrabbled in the dirt, some wrestling with others to get at a glinting golden coin shining on the ground.<br/><br/>Although many people sought to get in, the gates were so wide and well manned that there were no queues, each new arrival simply going to an open patch with an available official. The gatesman, stopping the wagon to claim the tax saw Angelique descending from the back of the wagon and asked, "Is she with you?"<br/><br/>The young man driving turned about and spotted her for the first time. He had the broad tan of a countryman and a thick farmer's accent to his common. His hair looked like straw, both in it's unkempt appearance and colour but he had a warm smile. "I wish" he commented, "But still, allow me please." and offered some extra silver to his total to cover her gate fee.