"They're waiting for you below, so come down carefully."
Knight Commander Lothar offered advice. I thought it was important for a referee to stay neutral, but was this all right?
Anyway I landed on the railing of the third-floor balcony! At me dropping from above came:
"Uwah!"
"Kyaa!"
They were surprised, and they also seemed pleased. Having one of the parties to the fight appear right in front of them was apparently a joy. The balcony was packed so full there was no room to stand a needle. I worried it might collapse from the weight.
I took a breath and gathered myself to jump when some heartless person grabbed my ankle. I lost my balance and fell. I instinctively stretched out my left hand to grab the railing, but when I gripped it a sharp pain ran through my hand! I couldn't hold the railing.
"It huuurts—!!"
