The week-long patrol soon came to an end. They didn't encounter any danger, and the days passed uneventfully.
Lawson, who Murphy felt was trouble, did nothing out of the ordinary besides giving him dirty looks all day.
The journey back to the castle was just as smooth.
This was to be expected, in Murphy's view. After all, there were still twenty-one days left until the five-year deadline of Option Two. Based on past experience, the real crisis had yet to arrive.
Back at the main stable of the Baron's Castle, Arthur handed the reins to Murphy and, as usual, gave instructions for the warhorse's care.
Murphy skillfully unfastened the saddle, preparing to listen to the instructions as he always did.
However, Arthur's tone suddenly shifted. His voice rang out clearly in the stable, "Murphy, speaking of which, what kind of girl do you like?"
This unexpected question made Allen, who was whispering with Old John just outside the stable, fall silent mid-sentence.
