THE NEXT MORNING, I made my debut in front of the lady Anne's court.
I had only seen the great hall at Bor俥 from behind Norbert's back on my first visit, studying his skills, watching him perform. Now, with its buttressed arches rising thirty feet tall and jammed to its hilt with colorfully dressed knights and courtiers, the hall looked more enormous and imposing than I could ever have imagined.
My heart was pounding. Not only for the gigantic room and the simple fact that Treille was like a village compared to this; or for my new liege and the favor that must be won. But also because of whom I was replacing. Norbert was a jester of the highest rank. To fill in for him here, in front of the court, was an honor that touched me deeply.
The arrival of the court did nothing to abate my nerves. A blast of trumpets announced the lady Anne with her long silk train and a line of ladies, Emilie among them, bringing cushions and refreshments, attending her needs.
Pages in green-and-gold overtunics announced the business of the day. Advisers flitted around, vying for Anne's ear. Scores of knights did not languish in their casual tunics as in Treille, but sat at formal tables finely dressed in her colors of green and gold.
That day there was a minor dispute before the court, a bailiff and a poor miller arguing over the levy of his fief. As was the custom in towns everywhere, the bailiff felt the miller was holding out on him. I had seen this a hundred times in my village. And it was always the bailiff who won.
Anne listened distractedly but soon seemed to grow weary. In her husband's absence, she was forced to rule on such tiresome matters, and this was as mundane as business got.
Anne's gaze began to wander.
This bickering is the stuff of comedy, she said. Jester, this isyour domain. What say you? Come out and rule.
I stepped out from the crowd behind her chair. She seemed to regard me unexpectedly, as if surprised at the new face in the suit. You say it ismy rule, my lady? I bowed.
Unless you are as dull as they are, she replied. Mild laughter trickled through the room.
I will not be, I said, calling to mind all the times I saw my friends cheated, but I must answer with my own riddle. What is the boldest thing in all the world?
It is your stage, fool. Tell us, what is the boldest thing?
A bailiff's shirt, my lady. For it clasps a thief by the throat most every day.
A hush spread over the court, replacing the amused buzz. All eyes looked to the bailiff for his response.
Anne fixed on me. Norbert informed me he was taking a leave. But he didn't inform me he was leaving his duties to such a rash wit. Come forward. I know you, do I not?
I knelt in front of her and doffed my cap. I am Hugh, good lady. We met once before. On the road to Treille.
