HE WISHES TO TALK, Daniel said. He hides behind the priests as a flag of truce.

He wishes to trap you, more like it, Odo said. You'd be a fool.

I couldn't wait to put my vengeful eyes on the bastard. Don't forget. I put on my cap. Iam a fool.

I rushed to the front, found my horse, and called for Father Leo. Come, here's your chance to be an equal to the highest priests in Bord. We fetched him a horse. And Daniel? I slapped him. Want a chance to see a duke piss in his pants?

We mounted our horses and rode halfway out into the rutted no-man's-land separating our camp from Bord.

Stephen waited for us to reach a spot. Then, gauging his distance from our archers, he trotted his own entourage to meet me. My blood was racing just to see this reptile. His look sent chills through me. He wore no helmet; his jet-black hair hung long and greasy. His elaborate chain mail had his dragon crest displayed on the chest. His hands were covered in studded gauntlets, and a heavy sword, befitting a Crusader, was strapped to his side.

As he reached us, he did not stay his horse. He circled us, his glance darting from my face to the lance.

Then Stephen drew his mount to a halt. He smiled quite amiably. So, you are the deserting coward who rouses men against their lords in the name of heresy.

And you are the prick, I said, unheeding, who killed my wife and child. With all respect. I bowed to the priests.

What a shame, then, Stephen said, if a similar fate befell another whom you prize.

Fury tightened in my chest. If any harm comes to her, it will take more than a delegation of priests to save you. Lady Emilie returned here of her own will, out of loyalty and concern for her mistress. She has no conflict with you.

And doyou? Jester, rebel, heretic... How is it I should address you?

Hugh, I said, fixing on his cold, superior eyes. I am Hugh De Luc. My wife was Sophie. My son, who never saw his second year, was Phillipe.

I'm sure all of us are delighted to hear your family tree, but what is it you want here, Hugh?

What do I want? Part of me wanted to pull him off his mount right there and end this thing, just he and I. I directed my horse one step closer to him. I want your admission of the wrongs you have done. I want restitution paid for each man, woman, and child killed in pursuit of this. I put forward the lance. I want the lady Emilie sent to me at once.

The duke looked to his underlings, as if he were restraining a laugh. I heard he was entertaining. And now I think no less myself. You want a lord to be a mule-keep. You parade behind a purported relic of the Church and yet you put the souls of a thousand followers at risk.

These men are here of their own mind, I said. I doubt they would go............