Count Calli stole upon
them without warning and insulted the maiden. My young friend knocked
down the ruffian, and, in the conflict that ensued, broke Calli's arm.
Your Grace may have seen him carrying it in a sling until within the
last forty-eight hours.
"For this deserved chastisement Count Calli seeks the young man's life
by bearing false witness against him; and with it that of my old friend,
Sir Karl de Pitti. It is Burgundy's shame, my lord, that these
treacherous mercenaries should be allowed to murder strangers and to
outrage Your Grace's loyal subjects in the name of Your Lordship's
justice. Sir Maximilian du Guelph has demanded the combat against this
Count Calli. Sir Maximilian is a spurred and belted knight, and under
the laws of chivalry even Your Grace may not gainsay him."
"My lord, I do not fight assassins and spies," said Calli, addressing
the duke.
"I do," cried Max, "when they put injuries upon me as this false coward
has done. I will prove upon his body, my Lord Duke, who is the assassin
and the spy. My Lord d'Hymbercourt will vouch that my rank entitles me
to fight in knightly combat with any man in this presence. My wrists are
manacled, my lord, and I have no gage to throw before this false knight;
but, my Lord of Burgundy, I again demand the combat. One brave as Your
Grace is must also be just. We shall leave Count Calli no excuse to
avoid this combat, even if I must tell Your Grace my true rank
and station.
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