d infidels, secretly in league with the Saracens. We
declare Manfred von Hohenstaufen anathema and outlaw. Blessed be the
hand that strikes him down._

If it was Manfred who had turned Sophia into a tool of the infidels,
then how right that Simon's hand be the one to strike Manfred down.

Now, bowing, the Tartars were carefully backing down from the royal
presence. Friar Mathieu turned and teetered precariously at the top of
the steps. Charles, seeming not to understand the Franciscan's
infirmity, stared at him without moving from his seat. The equerry who
had helped him climb made a move toward him, but Simon was already up
the steps and gripping the old Franciscan's arm.

"Thank you, Simon." Friar Mathieu turned to Charles. "Sire, I hope you
will forgive the sight of this old man's back. I am afraid my legs lack
the power to climb downstairs backward."

"To be sure, Father, to be sure." Charles waved a hand in dismissal.

If King Louis were on that throne, Simon thought, he would probably have
lifted Friar Mathieu in his own arms and carried him down. Simon so
wished it were Louis, rather than Charles, he was serving. But perhaps
by serving Charles he was serving Louis.

Perhaps.

Simon and Friar Mathieu descended a step at a time. Friar Mathieu was
leaning on Simon, but he seemed to weigh nothing.

"Count Simon," Charles called when Simon reached the bottom. "I would
speak with you next."

When Simon mounted the dais, Charles ordered his herald in red and black
to call for silence.

"All honor to Simon, Count de Gobignon!" Charles called from the throne
when he had the attention of the assembly. "For nearly two years he has
guarded the ambassadors from Tartary. He has risked his very life in
battle for them. His sagacity and bravery have brought new glory to his
ancient name."

Simon felt dizzy with exaltation. He had not expected this, from the
newly crowned king. His face burned. At a gesture from Charles, he
turned to face the crowd. The gathering in the great hall of the Lateran
was a multicolored, murmuring blur. The dais on which he stood seemed
suddenly turned into a mountaintop.

"Now," Charles went on, "Count Simon and his vassals join us as allies
in battle against the godless Manfred. May the deeds he has yet to do
bring even more renown to the house of Gobignon. I guarantee you,
Messeigneurs, the day will come when Simon de Gobignon will be known as
one of Christendom's greatest knights."