Sir Percy and Sir Raymond sat at a table nearer the fire as their seconds took their place at another. The innkeeper and his wife shuttled respectfully from the kitchen bringing out boiled beef, roast duck, bread, cheese, and beer in large bright pewter tankards.
“No man would march without one’s portion of beef and beer,” Sir Percy said.
“Indeed, sir, indeed,” Sir Raymond approved.
The aborted duel, by, it seemed, act of divine providence behind them, the two honorable gentlemen were coming quite to terms.
“I would have little qualms about shooting you, sir, but since we were both spared the trouble by this act of Heavens, let us observe a contract of cooperation,” Sir Raymond continued.
The seconds, busy with a platter of duck and thick slices of white bread, nodded approvingly.
“As a matter of fact,” Sir Raymond went on, “I was in search of a strong partner for the next exploit I plan and you appear quite the candidate. May I then propose your enlistment, details to follow?”
Sir Percy extended his hand.