There's quite a lot we can attribute to this one:

1. Running dosbox at max cycles. Discussion with other Sierra runners suggests they prefer that over the previous 10000 I was running at.
2. Using the heart to cross the lake. Way faster than the rose.
3. Having most of the solutions pulled up on the other screen to cut time on that.
4. Quite a good Saracen fight.
5. No saves.