“A messenger should be despatched to inform the Emperor.”
“But whom can we afford to send? Whom would you deprive of this night’s needed rest and send into danger?” said Conrad.
The knight made no reply.
“Send me, dear father,” implored Raymond. “I am not so weary that I cannot make the effort.”
“Do not send the boy! The errand is more dangerous than he imagines. If no one else will go, I will,” said the former speaker.
“Oh, no, no!” said Raymond. “I am no longer a boy. I can take care of myself. Spare your tired bones, for you are no longer the youngest, and my strength is sufficient.”
“I do not dispute that. Who could, after seeing the many deeds you have performed?”
“Then assign me to the duty.”
“It is all the more dangerous because of the strength required. Even if you had a giant’s strength it might be of no avail. You must remember that the enemy are swarming about us on all sides. They are hovering between us and the army, like birds of prey, seeking to swoop down upon their victims. Foresight and skill, cunning and shrewdness, alone can avail, and only one whose steed can equal the speed of their horses may hope to escape unharmed.”
“That I can do better than any of the rest of you,” said Raymond. “You are not aware that I have captured a Turkish horse, one of those incomparable coursers. Having lighter armor than the rest of you, I can surely go without danger.”