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suffer from my own carelessness. Only twice in my life have I raised my sword for earnest combat, and each time I have ended near death. I do not listen to warnings. I always think that men will fight fairly. I have learned the lesson at great expense.”
    â€œI understand you recently recovered from a head wound. The Saracens?”
    â€œYes. I and three others were after a fleeing band. They turned to fight when we caught up, and my horse crumbled, throwing me. The next thing I knew, I was in a fishing village, with a headache I would wish on no man, and told I had been unconscious for a week. I came to Arles as soon as I was well. I have had no luck in finding my vassals. I had thought to find one or two at that alehouse, but I saw none of them.”
    â€œBut fortunate for me you were there.”
    â€œI could do no less than fight when I saw that knight creeping up behind you,” the wounded man declared.
    â€œWell, you have saved the life of Rowland of Montville. What can I do in return?”
    â€œPray for my quick recovery.”
    Rowland laughed, for the man kept his humor despite his condition.
    â€œI will indeed pray for you. And your name? I must have it if I am to entreat the saints.”
    â€œQuintin de Louroux.”
    â€œA Frank?”
    â€œYes, of Berry.”
    â€œYour family is there?”
    â€œMy parents are both dead. I have only my sister left and—” He paused. “And there is one thing you could do for me.”
    â€œYou have only to name it.”
    â€œMy vassals, the three I brought with me. If you could find them for me, I will be grateful. I would send one home to tell my sister that I am alive but that I shall not be home for some weeks yet.”
    â€œYour sister believes you dead?”
    Quintin nodded weakly. “I think she must. I had thought it would be only a matter of a few days to round up my men and leave for Berry. Now the physician tells me that I must keep to this bed for three weeks. I cannot bear to think of my sister grieving over me.”
    Such concern for a woman was beyond Rowland. “She must be very dear to you.”
    â€œWe are very close.”
    â€œThen rest easy, my friend. I will find your knights and send them to you. But you ask too little of me. I would consider it an honor if you would let me bring the news to your sister. Putting your mind at ease would be small payment on the debt I owe you.”
    â€œI cannot ask that of you,” Quintin protested.
    â€œYou offend me if you do not ask it. I must travel north at any rate, for my father has called me home to Montville. I delayed only to see how you were faring. And have you not heard of the destriers of Montville? My mount would put your knight’s horse to shame, and the good news would reach your sister all the sooner.”
    Quintin’s eyes brightened. “You will find my home easily. You need only ask once you near Berry, and you will be directed to Louroux.”
    â€œI will find it,” Rowland assured him. “You must rest and regain your strength.”
    â€œI can rest now,” Quintin sighed. “You have my thanks, Sir Rowland.”
    Rowland stood up to leave. “It’s little enough for you, and nothing at all compared to saving my life.”
    Quintin protested, “Your debt is paid. Do not tell my sister I have been wounded once again, for Iwould cause her no more anguish. Tell her only that I cannot leave the Duke’s service as yet, but will return to her soon.”
    It was only after Rowland had left Arles that he realized he did not know the name of Quintin de Louroux’s sister. But no matter—he would find her.

Chapter Four
    D ruoda of Gascony lounged on a long green couch in her new chambers, eating dried grapes and drinking their nectar in sweet wine. It was late afternoon, and, although the winter had been mild thus far, Druoda was used to the warmer climate of southern France, and she