FATHER! Did I hear right? My body slammed to a halt. I know that my jaw hung wide.

The King's eyes were drawn to Emilie. I could not tell if he was pleased or stern. Has your absence from the court made you forget, child, who it is you address?

No, my lord, Emilie replied. She knelt and averted her eyes. Then she lifted them, twinkling with amusement. Father... She exhaled and smiled.

So. The King signaled for us to rise. Show me the misguided fool who I am told is responsible for this unrest.

Emilie shot forward, clasping my arm. You are mistaken, Father. It is not Hugh who is responsible but-

Quiet, the King interrupted, his voice raised. I was referring toStephen , the supposed duke, not your damned jester, he said.

Emilie, her eyes moist, broke into a blushing smile. She took my hand.

The duke is dead, my lord. Anne came forward. He died, realizing his shame, by his own hand.

By his own hand... The King glanced at the archbishop and snorted. Then it ishe , after all is done, who is withheld from God's grace. As for the rest of you heretics... He turned and faced my men. Consider yourselves restored. I speak for Archbishop Velloux when I give you back your souls.

A joyous cheer rose up. The. men hugged one another and threw their fists in the air.

Now, as foryou , jester... The King turned back to me. You have made demands that if granted would throw half the country into disarray.

No demands. I bowed my head. Only the hope to return to our homes in peace, and some manner of law to redress ills perpetrated on us.

The King sucked in a breath. For a moment I thought he would go into a rage. Then he relaxed. My daughter has been talking about this very thing for years.... Perhaps it is time.

The courtyard exploded in cheers, but he immediately put up his hand to stop them. The fact remains, you have risen up against your lords. Against those you were pledged to. The law of liege and serf is not at issue here. Some justice must be meted out.

Emilie pushed me down. I knelt.

You must be educated in the manner of the nobles, said the King.

My lord. I was a jongleur and an innkeeper. I am as far from highborn as one can be.

Yet you willhave to be educated. The King cocked his eye. If you intend to marry my daughter.

I slowly raised my head. I looked about, a smile spreading on my face.

Father! Emilie gasped and pulled me to my feet. Then she ran to the King and without so much as a curtsy, threw her arms around him.

I know, I know. Fools are everywhere, even those who wear the royal robe. But first, I need a word with your boy.

He came to me, evaluating me. Then he placed an arm around my shoulder and ushered me away. I felt some rebuke about to come.

Not to seem ungrateful, son, for I know Emilie is in your debt... but in your letter you mentioned a lance.

I took a breath, then spoke.

It was destroyed, Your Highness. Hurled into flames in the fighting here. I'm afraid there is nothing left.

The King sighed deeply. It was the lance that pierced our Savior's side? Such a relic was more valuable than my own crown. You are sure of it, lad?

Only sure that it has produced the most miraculous of outcomes. Look around you, Sire.

He looked-at the ebullient men, at ............