The Silver Sword by Angela Elwell Hunt Page A

before the magistrates and waited to hear the result of the council’s investigation of their complaint.
    The head magistrate glanced up at Anika and Petrov, then nodded grimly toward the bench where Lord Laco and his men sat. “We have spoken to this nobleman, his son, and his knights,” the chief magistrate said, eyeing Anika with a taut and derisive expression. “And their stories, told separately, agree in form and detail. According to them, their carriage was progressing through the streets when a shout from your father stopped the vehicle. When his lordship looked out and apologized for splashing mud on …”—he glanced down at his notes for a moment—“Ernan O’Connor, the copyist hurled curses and insults at Lord Laco. In an effort to further demonstrate his goodwill, the noble lord then offered employment to the daughter.” The magistrate looked up and studied Anika for a moment. “But this offer was proudly and scornfully refused. The lord and his party then departed, their business done, but the copyist and his companion savagely attacked two of the lord’s knights. A fight ensued, and the knights of Lidice defended themselves and their master’s honor.”
    The magistrate nodded toward the wounded knights with a taut jerk of his head. “You see the injuries before you. In the attack, Ernan O’Connor was struck and killed, and the knight called Petrov fled away through the city streets, as did the girl.”
    The magistrate and Lord Laco exchanged a subtle look of amusement. “Have I forgotten any detail, my lord?” the magistrate asked.
    â€œNo,” Laco answered in a tense, clipped voice that forbade any argument. “That is the entire truth.”
    The magistrate nodded. “Then the council finds you, Sir Petrov, guilty of criminal mischief and fined a week’s wages.” The magistrate’s voice was stern with no vestige of sympathy. “And you, Anika of Prague, since you lack parents and a fit guardian, are charged with finding gainful employment so you will not join the other beggars in the street. If you cannot find a suitable place by sunset one week from today, you must accept employment from Lord Laco, if that nobleman is still of a mind to offer it.”
    Anika’s gaze met Lord Laco’s for the first time. “I am still willing,” he said, his granite eyes locked on her. “As long as she pleases my son.” The smile in his eyes contained a sensuous flame. “As a chambermaid, of course.”
    The magistrate wagged his head. “We are agreed, then. If you find no other employer willing to take you, you will report to the steward of the lord’s estate at Lidice seven days hence, ready to begin service to your new master.”
    Anika muffled her tears as a flash of wild grief ripped through her. Turning to hide from her enemies, she buried her burning face against Petrov’s shoulder as the knight led her from the room. He shielded her as best he could, but as they passed through the vestibule, where a crowd of citizens stood silent and still, a tall man with dark hair and even darker eyes stopped them by slipping his hand under Anika’s chin.
    â€œI overheard your case,” he said, a strange, faintly eager look flashing in his eye as he turned from Anika to Petrov. “Is there anything I can do?”
    Anika’s eyes flooded with tears at this unexpected show of compassion. To her relief, Petrov answered for her. “Is there work for her in your house, my lord?”
    â€œI do not know,” the man answered, his voice rich with warmth and concern. “But my steward may be able to find something if you bring her to us.”
    â€œThank you, my lord,” Petrov answered. He nodded a farewell, then led Anika through the curious onlookers.
    â€œWho was that man?” she asked when she finally found her voice.
    â€œA noble and godly man, Lord John