answer-the Measure. Derek had given Sturm an order. I-9e y had refused to obey. The Measure said this was inexcusable.

Arguments raged most of the afternoon. `

Then, near evening, a small silver bell rang.

"B rightblade;" said one of the knights.

Sturm raised )his head. "Is it time?" The knight nodded.

Sturm bowed hi=_ head for a moment asking Paladine for courage. Then the rose to his feet. He and )his guards waited for the other knights to reenter and be seated. He knew that they were learning the verdict as soon as they entered.

Finally, the two knights detailed as escort opened the door and motioned for Sturm to enter. He walked into the Hall, the knights following behind. Sturm's gaze went at once to the table before Lord Gunthar.

The sword of his father-a sword that legend said was passed down from Berthel Brightblade himself; a sword that would break only if its master brake-lay an the table. Sturm's eyes went to the sword. His head dropped to hide the burning :ears in his eyes.

Wreathed around the blade was the ancient symbol of guilt-black roses.

"Bring the man, Sturm Brightblade, forward," called Lord Gunthar.

The man, Sturm Brightblade, not the knight! thought Sturm in despair. Then he remembered Derek. His head came up swiftly, proudly, as he blinked away his tears. Just as he would have hidden his pain from his enemy an the field of battle, so he was determined to hide it now from Derek. Throwing back his head defiantly; his eyes an Lord Gunthar and an no one else, the disgraced squire walked for-ward to stand before the three officers of the Order to await his fate.

"Sturm Brightblade, we have found you guilty. We are prepared to render judgment. Are you prepared to receive it?"

"Yes, my lord:' Sturm said tightly.

Gunthar tugged his moustaches a sign that the men who had served with him recognized. Lord Gunthar always tugged his mcustaches just before riding into battle.

"Sturm Brightblade, it is our j-a.dgment that you henceforth cease wearing any of the trappings or accoutrements of a Knight of Solamnia-'

"Yes, my lord;" Sturm said softly, swallowing.

"And; henceforth, you will not draw pay from the ccffers of the Knights, nor obtain any property or amp;It from them… :"

The knights in the hall shifted restlessly. This was ridiculous! No one had drawn pay in the service of the Order since the Cataclysm. Something was up. They smelled thunder before the storm.

"Finally-" Lord Gunthar paused. He leaned forward,. his hands toying with the black roses that graced the antique

sword. His shrewd eyes swept the Assembly, gathering up his audience, allowing the tension to build. By the time he spoke, even the fire behind him had ceased to crackle.

"Sturm Brightblade. Assembled Knights. Never before has a case such as this come before the Council. And that, perhaps, is not as add as it may seem, for these are dark and unusual days. We have a young squire-and I remind you that Sturm Brightblade is young by all standards of the Order-a young squire noted for his skill and valor in battle. Even his accuser admits that. A young squire charged with disobeying orders and cowardice in the face of the enemy. The young squire does not deny this charge, but states that he has been misrepresented.

"Now, by the Measure, we are bound to accept the word of a tried and tested knight such as Derek Crownguard over the . ward of a man who has not yet wan his shield. But the Measure also states that this man shall be able to call witnesses in his own behalf. Due to the unusual circumstances occasioned by these dark times, Sturm Brightblade is not able to call witnesses. Nor, for that matter, was Derek Crownguard able to produce witnesses to support his own cause. Therefore, we have agreed on the following, slightly irregular, procedure:"

Sturm stood before Gunthar, confused and troubled. What was happening? He glanced at the other two knights. Lard Alfred was not bothering to conceal his anger. It was obvious, t therefore, that this "agreement" of Gunther's had been hard won.. '

"It is the judgment of this Council;" Lord Gunthar continued, . "that the young man, Sturm Brightblade, be accepted into the' lowest order of the knights.-'the Order of the Crown-on my Honour. . :'

There was a universal gasp of astonishment.

"And that, furthermore, he be placed as third in command of the army that is due to set sail shortly for Palanthas. As prescribed by the Measure, the High Command must have a representative from each of the Orders. Therefore, Derek Crownguard will be High Commander, representing the Order of the Rose. Lord Alfred MarKenin will represent the Order al` the 'Sword, and Sturm Brightblade will act-on my honer-a commander for the Order of the Crown:'

Amid the stunned silence, Sturm felt tears course down his cheeks, but now he need hide them no longer. Behind him, he heard the sound of someone rising, of a sword rattling in anger. Derek stalked furiously out of the Hall, the other knights of his faction following him. There were scattered cheers, too. Sturm saw through his tears that about half the knights in the roomparticularly the younger knights, the knights he would command- were applauding. Sturm felt swift pain well deep from inside his soul. Though he had won his victory, he was appalled by what the knighthood had become-divided into factions by power-hungry men. It was nothing more than a corrupt shell of a once-honored brotherhood.

"Congratulations, Brightblade;' Lord Alfred said stiffly. "I hope you realize what Lord Gunthar has done for you."

"I do, my lard;' Sturm said, bowing, "and I swear by my father's sword"-he laid his hand upon it-"that I will be worthy of his trust:"

"See to it, young man;' Lord Alfred replied and left. The younger lard, Michael, accompanied him without a word to Sturm.

But the other young knights came forward then, offering their enthusiastic congratulations. They pledged his health in wine and would have stayed for an all-out chinking bout if Gunthar had not sent them on their way.

When the two of them were alone in the Hall, Lord Gunthar smiled expansively at Sturm and shook his hand. The young knight returned the handshake warmly, if nor. the smile. The pain was too fresh.

Then, slowly arid carefully, Sturm took the black roses from his sword. Laying them an the table, he slid the blade back in the scabbard at his side. He started to brush the roses aside, but paused, then picked up one .and thrust it into his belt.

"I must thank you, my lord," Sturm began, his woke quivering.

"You have nothing to thank one for, son;' Lord Gunthar said. Glancing around the room, he shivered. "Let's, get out -of this place and go somewhere warm. Mulled wine?"

The two knights walked damn the stone corridors of Gurnthar's ancient castle; the sounds of the young knights leaning drifting up from below -horses's hooves clattering err the cobblestone, voices shouting, some even raising in a military song. "I must thank you, my lord;' Sturm said firmly. "The risk you take is very great. I hope I will prove worthy-"

"Risk! Nonsense, my boy:" Rubbing his hands to restore the circulation, Gunthar led Sturm into a small room decorated for the approaching Yule celebration-red winter roses, grown indoors, kingfisher feathers, and tiny, delicate golden crowns. A fire blazed brightly. At Gunthar's command, servants brought in two mugs of steaming liquid that gave off a warm, spicy odor. "'Many were the times your father threw his shield in front of me and stood aver me, protecting me when I was down."

"And you did the same for him;' Sturm said. "You awe hire nothing. Pledging your honor for me means that, if I fail, you will suffer. You will be stripped of your rank, your title, your lands. Derek would see to that," he added gloomily.