Back up on his feet, Maxwell felt a little better, a little sharper, and he gave his head just a gentle shake to clear it further.

"I agree, Bayard. And if the bells have already chased them out for tonight, we shouldn't have any many to worry about inside." He looked out toward the castle, dark shapes dotted against the sky like freckles - growing smaller as they fanned out across the arena.

Looking for tributes, hunting for fresh blood.

"I say we get a small pack together and head out now while they're busy. With any luck we can be back before the night's done."