In silence, I prostrated myself before him, lowering my forehead to the dirt. I stayed there, and thought, if this black knight is going to kill me, let him respect me and do so now. With speed. No delay. But let him see that I will neither whimper, nor beg for mercy.
For I was proud too.
I could hear his horse, cantering, coming up towards us. My heart approached bursting. I looked up and saw the rider take his shining sword from its scabbard, and lift it up towards me. He could do it now. A wordless murder . . . my knees shook. I tried to control myself.
Then, without a word, he brought me to my feet and gravely handed me the sword.
It was heavy. Pure steel, of the type the Franks used.
I felt weak, but grabbed it by its grip and then stood with him in front of me, as he took me int
