With a smile he reassured her.
"Not so, De Lacy," he said kindly. "We do not risk our faithful subjects in combat with a confessed traitor. There are those appointed who care for such as he… Nay, sir, urge me not—it is altogether useless." And he motioned Aymer back to his place.
Then he faced Lord Darby, who met him with a careless smile.
"Out of your own mouth have you condemned yourself," he said. "And there is now no need for verdict by your Peers. It remains but to pass upon you the judgment due your crimes. And first: for your foul wrong to the Countess of Clare and through her, to all womankind, here, in her presence and before all the Court, you shall be degraded."
Darby's face flushed and he took a quick step backward, like one stricken by a sudden blow. But he made no reply, save from his angry eyes.
"What say you, Flat-Nose; will you execute the office?" the King asked.
"And it please you, Sire, I cannot do such shame upon my former master," Gorges answered bluntly.
"It does please me well, sirrah; though truly your face belies your heart… What, ho! the guard! … Let the under-officer come forward."
In a moment the tall form of Raynor Royk stalked out from the throng, and halting in the open he raised his halberd in salute.
"Hew me off the spurs from yonder fellow," the King ordered, with a move of his hand toward the condemned.