"He reminds you that his title is Baghadur, which means Valiant. He says you insult him by asking him to hide in the cellar. Among his people nobody hides. Even the women and children fight."
Simon felt his assurance collapsing. What if the Tartars simply refused to seek safety? He could not put them in chains.
Earnestly he said, "Tell them it is their duty to their khan to stay alive and continue negotiations. Be as courteous as you have the power to be in their language."
"Oh, I am being very polite. One always is, with them."
After another exchange Friar Mathieu said, "They say Hulagu Khan would expect them to fight."
Simon had a sudden inspiration. "Tell them that if they were to fight and if anything happened to them, even the slightest injury, the King of France would cut my head off."
There was a particle of truth in that, Simon thought as Friar Mathieu translated. Kindly as King Louis was, decapitation would be preferable to facing his reproach if Simon's weakness caused the Tartars' death.
John shrugged and answered Friar Mathieu quietly. Simon held his breath, praying that this last effort would work.
Friar Mathieu said, "John says that you are a brave young warrior, and it would be a shame to have your head cut off when you have a lifetime of battles ahead of you. For your sake they will forgo the pleasure of this fight. But they insist on taking only two guards with them. They insist that the rest of their men fight beside yours."
Relief washed over Simon. He hoped he would be able to think as quickly in the coming battle as he had just then.