The Ruby Knight

son. ‘Return home, Jaken,’ he said coldly. ‘When you get there, pack up this covey of parasitic wastrels and send them away. I want them off the estate by sundown.’
    ‘But they’re my friends !’ his son wailed.
    ‘Well, they’re not mine. Get rid of them. You will also pack. Don’t bother to take fine clothing, because you’re going to a monastery. The brothers there are very strict, and they’ll see to your education – which I seem to have neglected.’
    ‘Mother won’t let you do that!’ his son exclaimed, his face going very pale.
    ‘She doesn’t have anything to say about it. Your mother has never been more to me than a minor inconvenience.’
    ‘But – ’ the young brat’s face seemed to disintegrate.
    ‘You sicken me, Jaken. You’re the worst excuse for a son a man has ever been cursed with. Pay close attention to the monks, Jaken. I have some nephews far more worthy than you. Your inheritance is not all that secure, and you could be a monk for the remainder of your life.’
    ‘You can’t do that.’
    ‘Yes, actually, I can.’
    ‘Mother will punish you.’
    The noble’s laugh was chilling. ‘Your mother has begun to tire me, Jaken,’ he said. ‘She’s self-indulgent, shrewish and more than a little stupid. She’s turned you into something I’d rather not look at. Besides, she’s not very attractive any more. I think I’ll send her to a nunnery for the rest of her life. The prayer and fasting may bring her closer to heaven, and the amendment of her spirit is my duty as a loving husband, wouldn’t you say?’
    The sneer had slid off Jaken’s face, and he began to shake violently as his world crashed down around his ears.
    ‘Now, my son,’ the noble continued disdainfully, ‘will you do as I tell you, or shall I unleash this Knight of the Church to administer the chastisement you so richly deserve?’
    Kurik took his cue from that and slowly drew Bevier’s sword. It made a singularly unpleasant sound as it slid from its sheath.
    The young man scrambled away on his hands and knees. ‘I have a dozen friends with me,’ he threatened shrilly.
    Kurik looked the pampered boys up and down, then he spat derisively. ‘So?’ he said, shifting his shield and flexing his sword arm. ‘Did you want to keep his head, My Lord?’ he asked the noble politely, ‘ – as a keepsake, naturally?’
    ‘You wouldn’t!’ Jaken was very nearly in a state of collapse now.
    Kurik moved his horse forward, his sword glinting ominously in the sunlight. ‘Try me,’ he said in a tone dreadful enough to make the very rocks shrink.
    The young man’s eyes bulged in horror, and he scrambled back into his saddle with his satin-dressed sycophants rushing along behind him.
    ‘Was that more or less what you had in mind, My Lord?’ Kurik asked the noble.
    ‘It was perfect, Sir Knight. I’ve wanted to do that myself for years.’ Then he sighed. ‘Mine was an arranged marriage, Sir Knight,’ he said by way of explanation. ‘My wife’s family had a noble title, but they were deeply in debt. My family had money and land, but our title was not impressive. Our parents felt that the arrangement was sound, but she and I scarcely speak to each other. I’ve avoided her whenever possible. I’ve solaced myself with other women, I’m ashamed to admit. There are many accommodating young ladies – if one has the price. My wife’s solaced herself with that abomination you just saw. She has few other enthusiasms – aside from making my life as miserable as she possibly can. I’ve neglected my duties, I’m afraid.’
    ‘I have sons myself, My Lord,’ Kurik told him as they all rode on. ‘Most of them are good boys, but one has been a great disappointment to me.’
    Talen rolled his eyes heavenward, but didn’t say anything.
    ‘Do you travel far, Sir Knight?’ the noble asked, obviously wanting to change the subject.
    ‘We go towards Venne,’ Kurik replied.
    ‘A journey of some distance. I have a summer house near the west end of my estate. Might I offer you its comfort? We should reach it by evening, and the servants there can see to your needs.’ He made a wry face. ‘I’d offer you the hospitality of the manor, but I’m afraid tonight may be a bit noisy there. My wife has a penetrating voice, and she’s not going to take kindly to certain decisions I’ve made this afternoon.’
    ‘You’re most kind, My Lord. We’ll be happy to accept your hospitality.’
    ‘It’s the least