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“So, if we're not going to use the courts, what method are we going to use?” asked Robert.
“An old and ancient method, which will involve gambling on my part, and skill on yours.”
“And what might that be?”
“A duel.”
CHAPTER 11
“You look like a man who knows how to fight,” said Lord Farnham to Robert. “Indeed, you are wearing pistols and a broadsword.”
Robert nodded.
“I have trained with a number of weapons since I was a boy. My father taught me how to use them, and specifically, how to use them well.”
“I am glad to hear that.”
“What will the terms of this duel be?” asked Robert.
“I will propose a wager to Lord MacNally, based on the outcome of the fight. You will be my champion, and you will fight a champion of Lord MacNally's choosing. I will wager all of my lands on you winning – and in return, Lord MacNally will have to wager an equal portion of his lands – and included in that portion will be your lands, which he is soon to take over. If you win the fight, I win those lands from MacNally. This fight will occur in the presence of a council of all the nobles of the area, who will enforce the outcome of the duel.”
Robert nodded grimly.
“Who will I have to fight?”
“It is very likely that Lord MacNally will choose as his champion... Seamas McSwiggan.”
Susan's eyes widened and she gasped with shock.
“Robert, no! You can't do this! Seamas is the most skilled swordsman I've ever seen! He'll most certainly kill you!”
“That's why I will propose, at the last minute, different weapons for the duel – not swords. It is my right as challenger,” said Lord Farnham.
“And what weapons might those be?” asked Robert.
“Muskets,” replied Lord Farnham.
Robert swallowed slowly.
“Very well. I'm in.”
Three days later, they had all journeyed up to Lord Farnham's estate in the hills. Lord Farnham had invited a number of noblemen around for the occasion, and had proposed the terms of his wager to Lord MacNally, who had gladly accepted – and, as predicted, had called on Seamas to be his champion. Everyone was sitting outside, on deck chairs on the perfectly-manicured lawns amongst the rose gardens and sculpted hedges and shrubs outside Lord Farnham's estate. Susan sat next to Lord Farnham, and she was a wreck of fear and anxiety as Robert and Seamas stood in front of the crowd, on a long and flat area of grass. Seamas stared with bitter hatred in his eyes at Susan; he knew now why she had come to him that day. He mouthed the words, “I'll kill you, you whore,” at her, while shooting a murderous glance in her direction. She glared back at him with defiance; now she no longer felt a single thing anymore for this monster of a man. She hoped that Robert would kill him, and put an end to his evil once and for all.
On the lawn, Robert remained stoic and quiet, his face a mask of emotionless calm. Seamas turned and grinned arrogantly at him.
“I'm going to enjoy poking you full of holes, highlander,” he said with a condescending sneer.
Robert said nothing in reply, but merely stared straight ahead.
An old nobleman with a thick grey beard and round glasses perched on his crooked nose was serving as the judge.
“Gentlemen, you both understand the rules of this duel, do you not?”
Each nodded; Robert quietly and solemnly, Seamas with a mocking grin.
“There will be no mercy; no quarter asked, nor given. This duel is to the death,” croaked the old man. “Still I, as judge, expect you two to conduct yourselves with honor. No back-stabbing if your opponent requests a break, no throwing dirt in the eyes, no throwing of your swords. Is this understood?”
Each man nodded.
“In that case, let the duel be-”
“Wait!”
Lord Farnham stood up. The judge looked at him with an expression of surprise writ across his wrinkled face.
“Yes Lord Farnham? Why are you interrupting this fight?”
“As the challenger, I wish to exercise my right to change the choice of weapons.”
A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd.
“Are you sure?!” asked the judge. “This is a very unusual request, especially now, right before the duel is supposed to start.”
