I UNLATCHED AND PUSHED OPEN the heavy door to Norcross's room. It was dimly lit. A mound of clothes lay on the floor. Norcross's... and a lady's...

There was the sound of heavy panting and grunts.

On the heavy-posted bed, I saw a partially clad woman bracing her arms against the headboard with her legs akimbo. Norcross, wearing only his undertunic, hammered her from behind.

It took me a moment to recognize the lady Estella. Her and Norcross's ardor was so great, I wasn't spotted until I was well into the room.

The knight turned first. Whogoes ?

I stepped forward into the light and winked at Estella. My lady. I bowed. It seems you are once again offended. As often as possible, it appears.

You... Norcross said. His eyes lit up as if he were staring at a roasted side of beef.

Me, I replied, a smile on my lips.

Norcross pulled himself off Estella, who covered herself with bedsheets. He stood up, his prick still quivering, and crudely wiped himself with his own shirt. However you got yourself free, you have great balls to come here.

Good. Then at least one of us does, I said, glancing down.

Norcross curled a smile. In no hurry, he reached for his sword. I might as well take your head tonight. Then I can sleep late tomorrow.

Estella grabbed her garments and ran, half naked, toward the door.

Do not go, Estella, Norcross said. Nothing perks my prick like spilling a man's guts in front of him. I'll be back inside you before you're dry.

Norcross chuckled. He seemed in no great hurry as he circled away from the bed, flexing his chest muscles, looking at me contemptuously, as if I were a bug he was about to squash. Here, fool, have your justice. Then he let out a fierce cry and swung his sword at my neck in a mighty arc.

I stood my ground and his sword clashed against mine with a loud clang. At the impact, I swung underneath, but Norcross parried as if his sword had no weight.

He was a skilled fighter. I could see that from the first blows. I had learned well in the Crusade-I was certainly frightened of no one-but it flashed through my head that he was far more experienced than I... a knight! And a killer of women and children.

Norcross grunted and swung his sword fiercely, as if to cut me in two. I leaped backward, the blade slicing by with a loudwhoosh.

Norcross swung the weapon in a continuous motion and charged at me again. I breached my sword to take the blow and forced his to the floor. We stood there, eye to eye, our swords pinned. You fight like a woman. He grinned.

Then he butted me in the forehead and sent me reeling.

I caught myself on the bed, Estella scampering out of my way. He charged again, this time hammering his sword twice at my shoulders. Somehow I blocked both blows.

Sparks flew from the c............