In this excerpt from Pawn in Frankincense, a tense exchange occurs between Lymond and a captain. Lymond questions the necessity of restrictions given the lady's condition, describing her violent fits where she struggles and screams, indicating her distress. The captain, concerned for the safety of his troops, initially hesitates but is finally persuaded to grant entry.

Later, they manage to enter the location despite the earlier concerns. The dialogue highlights the clash between authority and compassion, emphasizing the urgency and emotional intensity of the situation. And what form do these take? Lymond's skeptical remark underscores his doubt about the seriousness of the threats versus the lady's suffering, adding a layer of tension to the scene.