Book excerpt: Secrets are revealed and dark bargains offered in the twelfth and penultimate installment of Season 1 of Tremontaine, the episodic online serial set in Ellen Kushner's Swordpoint universe. Kaab seeks out the services of a good forger before paying a visit to the Duchess Tremontaine. Diane, meanwhile, pays a visit to Highcombe House, the Tremontaine country estate. And at long last, Kaab and Diane face off in a drawing room duel where the weapon of choice is words. This climactic episode is brought to you by Malinda Lo, who has been waiting eagerly all season to write it!