The Robber Knight's Love (The Robber Knight Saga #2)(172)
“Apology accepted, Sir Tomasso,” said the Emperor wryly.
“Most gracious of you, Your Imperial Majesty.”
“Not at all. How could I not forgive the victors of the day?”
Reuben looked around and saw that it was true. The Teutonic Knight had surrendered his sword and was kneeling on the ground, d’Altavilla’s blade at his throat. Around them, the people of Palermo were on their feet, cheering, and the herald gestured wildly at his pursuivants to bring the trophies.
~~*~~*
Thus it was that when, later that day, Reuben knelt in front of the Emperor, receiving golden laurels and a glittering bejeweled sword, Lord d’Altavilla hadn’t gotten a chance to fulfill his dearest wish and smash the young knight’s head in. As a member of the winning team, Lord d’Altavilla received his own laurels and his own sword and tried to think as little as possible about the fact that they were the same as Reuben’s. Instead, he only had eyes for the dark, veiled beauty sitting beside the Emperor, whose name he knew all too well. As soon as he could, he left the celebration and the castle, accompanied by the emperor’s lady guest, firmly resolved that he would never again waste another thought on the young, upstart jousting champion, Sir Reuben von Limburg.
But fate had other ideas.
The Robber Knight
“Oh, Sir Reuben! You are so wonderful!”
Reuben gazed down at the Sicilian beauty draped onto the divan very, very close to him. “Yes,” he admitted with a charming smile. “I am.”
Then he remembered that, maybe, this was one of those occasions when a knight was supposed to be humble.
“Although,” he added, “I’m sure there are at least a few of God’s angels who are more wonderful than I.”
The lady giggled. Apparently, she considered that possibility just as remote as Reuben did.
“Why don’t you show me how wonderful you are?” she whispered, leaning closer and gazing up at him out of big, brown doe eyes.
Reuben’s smile widened. “With pleasure. Come here, and—“
“Ehem. Sir Reuben?”
Reuben’s hand stopped on his way into the lady’s clothes, and he turned. A servant stood there, demonstratively admiring the ceiling.
“Yes?”
“The Emperor desires your presence, Sir Reuben. A problem has arisen he wishes to entrust you with.”
Reuben’s hand jerked out of the lady’s clothes, and she yelped in indigantion. Reuben didn’t pay her any attention, though. He had more important matters on his mind.
“A quest? The Emperor has a quest for me?”
“I believe so, Sir Reuben, yes.”
Reuben jumped to his feet. “Lead me to His Majesty instantly!” Glancing over his shoulder, he added, “Forgive me, my fair Lady, but I must depart! Duty calls. We can continue our conversation after my glorious return from danger!”
He strode away. What he heard from behind his back didn’t sound like loving good-byes and well-wishes, though, if the bits of Sicilian he had picked up since his arrival didn’t mislead him.
Minutes later, the doors to the throne room opened, and Reuben stepped in front of the Emperor, bending his knee.
“Your Imperial Majesty. I’m at your command.”
“How convenient.” The Emperor smiled. “Since I am in need of a knight to command. Rise, Sir Reuben.”
Reuben got to his feet.
“Tell me, Sir Reuben, are you ready to depart at a moment’s notice?”
“Simply give the word, Your Majesty, and I shall ride out and destroy an entire army of your enemies with my bare hands!”
“Well, you need not go as far as that. It’s only one enemy that needs destroying. And you are perfectly at liberty to use your sword, dagger, or battle-ax, if you are so inclined.”
“Who is it that has displeased you, Your Imperial Majesty?”
“A certain individual who keeps robbing and killing my subjects. I find such behavior intensely displeasing.”
“Give me his name, and I shall give you his head!”
“His name is Sir Franco d’Onofrio, and you can keep his head, as long as you sever it from his body.”
“A knight?” Reuben’s eyes went wide. “A nobleman has dared to raise his hand against the innocent and rebel against you?”
“Yes.” The Emperor stroked his red-golden beard thoughtfully. “And, on second thoughts, you had better refrain from severing his head from his body until you bring him back here. People like to have a trial and judgement in such occasions—don’t ask me why.”
“I shall of course bring him to justice, your Imperial Majesty, but…a knight? How could this be? How can you be betrayed by someone who has sworn by good to serve you and the ream? By a knight?”
“A robber knight,” the Emperor corrected. “A knight who has forsaken his vows and begun to prey on the weak and helpless for earthly gain.”
Reuben felt his face darken. “I can hardly believe that such an abomination is allowed to exist on God’s good earth! Your wish is my command, Sire! I will ride out this very day, no, this very hour, catch this blaggard, and drag him back to Palermo by his throat!”
“An admirable sentiment.” The emperor nodded. “My scouts have spotted Sir Franco in a village not five miles from here. He was rather hard to miss, considering that he is currently busy screaming his head off and smashing the inside of a tavern to bits. If you hurry, you might still find him there, indulging in drink.”