How the devil was she fooled into firing in the first place? Don't tell me that wasn't your fault,' said Lord Culter, a familiar wariness displacing the warmth of reunion.'All right, I won't,' said Lymond. 'Jerott, did you get shot also? No. Then kindly muster the lady in your monkish arms and ride with her to the castle. Yours is the only reputation that will stand it. And don't say I don't endow you with princely rewards for sitting on your bloody arse doing precisely nothing.'Which was the manner of Lymond's homecoming from Malta.
Lord Culter questions how the woman was tricked into firing, implying it was not her fault and expressing concern about the blame laid on her. He suggests that Jerott, who was not injured, should escort the lady back to the castle, emphasizing that his reputation depends on taking responsibility, even humorously noting rewards for his inaction.
The dialogue reveals the characters' camaraderie and the tense atmosphere of their return from Malta. Lymond's humorous remark about rewards for idleness highlights his witty nature amidst the underlying seriousness of their situation.
