I WAS HURLED, hands bound, into a dark, empty cell on the castle's first floor. There I nervously passed the night.

I knew my fate was sealed. Lady Estella would play the offended role, just as she had played me last night. Norcross, the vindicated hero. It would be my word against that of nobles. All the laughter in the world couldn't save me now.

I was jolted by a loud rattling at the door. A sliver of light appeared beneath it. It was day. Three brawny guards in Baldwin's uniform came into the room. The captain yanked me up. If you know any good jokes, carrot-top, now would be the time....

I was pushed roughly into the great hall. The court was buzzing with knights and courtiers just as it had been the day I arrived. A messenger was informing the court about some renowned knight who had been slaughtered by outlaws in a neighboring duchy.

Baldwin slouched in his elevated chair, chin in hand, and beckoned the man forward. The vaunted Adh俶ar... killed in his own home?

Not just killed, my lord.... The messenger was clearly uncomfortable, forced to deliver such news.... Impaled to the wall of his chapel by his own limbs, his wife next to him. The lord was crucified.

Crucified , Baldwin rose slowly. You say he was roused from his own bed by bandits?

Marauders was more like it. They rode in armed and dressed for battle, their faces hidden behind their headpieces. They bore no markings on their armor except for one, a black cross.

A black cross? Baldwin widened his eyes. I could not tell if his shock was sincere or pretended. Norcross, do you know of such a band?

From the crowd, Norcross stepped forward. He had on a long red surcoat and his war sword hung in his belt. I do not, my liege.

Poor Adh俶ar. Baldwin swallowed. Tell me, messenger, what treasure did these cowards seek?

I know not. The messenger shook his head. Adh俶ar had just returned from the Holy Land, where he had been wounded. He was said to have come back bearing valuable spoils. I had heard the very ashes of Saint Matthew.

The ashes of Matthew, Baldwin said. Such a prize would be worth the price of a kingdom itself.

Only one relic is holier, Norcross said.

The lance of Longinus. Baldwin's eyes flashed. Whose blade was dipped in the Savior's own blood.

Hidden riders,burning and slaughtering. I did not doubt Norcross was behind these murders too. How I wanted to cut his throat.

Lord, Norcross continued, Adh俶ar's fate is sealed, but there is other business to be done.

Ah, yes, the fate of our little fool. Baldwin waved the messenger away, then sat back down and with his finger motioned me forward.

I am told, fool, your little dick was wagging itself around where it does not belong. You se............