BALDWIN POUNDED his fist. We don'thave any fucking enemies in the... Then he fixed perfectly still. His eyes bulged like dark plums. Who said that? Who is that man? Come forward.

I stepped out from the crowd and let the military tunic fall off my shoulders. I stood in my checkerboard tunic and leggings. I removed my helmet. I watched his eyes home in on my face.

You donow.... I winked at him.

Baldwin's face drained of color. Then he stood and pointed at me, saying, It's him. The jester!

Soldiers went for their arms but were immediately intercepted by men in their own uniform,my men , pressing swords to their throats.

The chatelain made a move toward me, but Alois subdued him before he drew his sword.

Seize him. Do you hear? Baldwin ordered the guards behind his chair.

They moved toward me but in almost the same motion took hold of the duke. Odo was one of them. He placed a knife against Baldwin's throat; Alphonse dug his sword into the middle of Baldwin's back.

The duke's eyes grew wide with disbelief. He looked at his knights, many of whom had scrambled for their arms.

If they charge, you're a dead bastard, I said to him. It would give me much pleasure.

Baldwin looked about, his neck muscles twitching. Outrage smoldered in his eyes, All around, men loyal to the duke were held at knifepoint. Some knights drew their swords, looking to Baldwin for the word.