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Have the men fan along the ravine, I said. I hoped to make a show of strength. This threat had come upon us so suddenly. Lances to the front in case they charge. Keep the horses in reserve, Daniel said. If these bastards come at us, they'll do so on foot. To a Languedocian, it's a sign of cowardice not to. Everyone rushed into formation. Then we stood there, hearts tense, holding our shields. The field was silent. Seems a good enough day to meet my maker. Odo strapped on his mallet. If you're stilllistening , God. All of a sudden, there was movement in the Languedocian camp.Get ready. I gripped my lance. Then two riders rode out from the pack and galloped toward us. They wish to talk, Daniel said. I'll go, I said. Here. I turned to Odo. Hold the lance. I'll go with you, Daniel said. Daniel and I rode out between the armies. The two Languedocians sat there indifferently, eyeing us as we came up to them. One was large and stout, built like an ox. The other was leaner but just as mean looking. For a moment, no one spoke. We just regarded one another, circling. Finally, the ox grunted a few words in a French I could barely make out. You are the jesterHugh? The one with the lance? I am, I replied. You'rethe little fart who has led the peasants and bondmen against their lords? the other growled. We've risen up in the face of murder and oppression, I replied.