Kate had never been able to stand injustice. She clenched her fist and squeezed Anne's hand. "Anne didn't come because she was afeared, ser. She did nowt wrong! Yer bein' a bully, that's what's goin' on!" She said in a firm voice and she looked at her mother for support in the matter.

Anne looked mortified. "Kate, please..." she whispered. She pulled her hand out of her friends and made the last few steps down.