Simon cursed himself for letting Sordello wound the young man.
Alain said Sordello dropped a dagger. Why did I not think to look for it?
He felt himself growing hot and cold as he realized this incident might wreck everything—for Christendom, for Louis, and for the honor of the House of Gobignon.
Now Friar Mathieu fell to his knees beside the young Armenian, whose white tunic was splashed deep scarlet with blood. He spoke comforting words to him and then turned an agonized face to Simon.
"This is Prince Hethum," said the friar. "The Tartars will be furious when they learn what has happened. This may destroy any chance of an alliance. At the very least, they will demand satisfaction."
I am to protect these emissaries, and one of my own men has stabbed a prince of Armenia.
Despair was an ache in Simon's chest.
"What sort of satisfaction?"
"I fear they will require that man's life," said Friar Mathieu sadly.
"By God's beard, I have done no wrong!" Sordello rasped. His voice was a croak.