Crap. I was doing so good — but then patching a hole and putting on a conclusion spiked my wordcount to 4292, when 4100 is about the most I can fit in the time limit without talking too fast.

Well, that’s what revision is for, and more ruthless reduction. Alas, Jarlaxle may end up on the cutting-room floor. (Along with other things, since I didn’t spend two hundred words on him.)

But I think I may leave that for tomorrow. I’ll have more perspective then, which is critically important when cutting stuff. And besides, I’ve worked hard the last two days; I want to read a book for a while before I go to sleep.