Angus watched me make my choice. ‘Wouldn’t a pocket knife be more useful?’ he inquired.

A wet sponge would probably be more useful, I thought. I smiled though, aware that Bob would be listening. After the lack of glory yesterday, he could probably do with some ego stroking. ‘Oh, this scimitar is more useful than you think,’ I said airily.

Angus’s eyebrows shot up. ‘Scimitar?’

I coughed. ‘Yes. What are you taking?’

He pointed. ‘Rope. My grandfather used to say that there was nothing more useful. There’s a lot that can be done with it.’

It was a sensible choice. ‘I’m sure it’ll serve you well,’ I said sincerely. I glanced round, trying to see what the others were bringing along. There was a worrying number of weapons. I made a note to avoid anyone who was carrying anything of that ilk and began to stretch.

Angus seemed amused. ‘Getting ready for a sprint? The Adventure challenge is more of a marathon.’

‘I want to make a quick start,’ I told him. It was true. In discussion with Taylor the previous day, we decided it was the only way. Go too slowly and others would follow me; go slowly and I’d end up caught up in their tracks and mistakes. To be successful, I had to pull away from the herd. If necessary, I’d choose a circuitous route even if it was longer. The Hunt was going to be difficult enough because we were being sent out in staggered groups. Also, I was used to relying on a team so doing this alone would be tough. But it was not insurmountable; this kind of challenge was far more suited to my skills than music.

Angus nodded. ‘Interesting. You don’t want to team up with me and work together? We’ll both be in the last group, after all.’

I grinned. ‘Thanks but I’m probably going to draw considerable fire. You’ll do better on your own.’ Plus, he’d slow me down.

‘Fair enough.’

We fell silent as the first group – the Moncrieffes, Scrymgeours and Kincaids – stepped up. A Carnegie tied black masks around each person’s head. Byron turned to me just before the mask hid his eyes and I caught a flash of emerald before they were covered up and he was led away with the others to a waiting vehicle.

‘There go the winners,’ Angus said, without a trace of rancour. ‘I’m surprised they didn’t change the order after your showing in Artistry.’

I shrugged. ‘I’m surprised you’re not more bothered about your place. You got a decent score too.’

‘Not decent enough. No one expects me to win and I know I’m not going to.’

‘So why take part?’

‘You know the answer to that already.’ He raised his voice. ‘Honour, darling. It’s all about honour.’

I was really starting to hate that word.

Enjoyable as Angus’s company was, it wasn’t easy waiting around before we were called to go. With twenty minutes between each group setting off, I regretted not staying behind in the cabin so I could snooze. The fact that everyone was called up in groups of three also worried me. When the MacQuarries were called along with Angus, and I was the only person left standing, those worries were confirmed: the Carnegies were making up for their failure to keep me at the bottom of the league table the day before. Whether I wanted to team up with others or not, they were making the choice for me. I tried to keep my expression blank; I wouldn’t let them see how much their decision to separate me from everyone else rankled.