DANIEL GUI BOLTED into the planning room.

My lord, your jester's army has been sighted. It lies half a day from the city, at the edge of the forest.

You mean the rabble. Baldwin sniffed. His advisers, the bailiff and chamberlain, seemed delighted with the news.

You must attack, then, the bailiff wheezed. I know these peasants. Their courage will crumble at the first sign of a fight. Their resolve is only as strong as their last ale.

It appears their resolve has stiffened, Daniel observed. This jester has given them hope. They outnumber us three to one.

But we have horses and crossbows, Baldwin said. They have only tools and wooden shields.

If we go after them in the woods, Daniel said, all our horses and crossbows would be reduced to nothing. Your men would be slaughtered just like Stephen's. The jester has this lance. It emboldens them.

The chatelain is right, my lord, said the chamberlain. Even if you won, you would turn each carcass into a hero's grave. You must hear their demands. Consider them, even disingenuously. Promise them the slightest gain if they return to their fields.

You are wise, chamberlain. Baldwin grinned. These peasants have no means for a long siege. They will grow bored and tired as soon as their bellies start to ache.

The bailiff and the chamberlain puffed back their agreement.

Do not forget, my lord, Daniel cut in, the jester has this lance. They believe it makes them right.

This lance will rest in Tre............