IN THE NEXT FEW HOURS, the town bustled with a purpose I had not seen before.

Bales of sharpened stakes were dragged to positions just inside the stone bridge and driven into the ground. Sacks filled with rocks were readied in the trees. Those who could shoot sharpened their arrows and stocked their quivers; those who could not sat with hoes and mallets in their hands.

By the time night fell, everyone was nervous but prepared.

The plan was for old folk and some of the women and young children to flee to the woods before the first sign of trouble. I told Emilie she had to go too. But when the time came, no one would leave.

I'm staying with you. Emilie shook her head. She had torn her dress at the hem and sleeves to move about more easily. I can stack arrows. I can distribute arms.

These men are killers, I said, trying to reason with her. They'll make no distinction between noble and common. This is not your fight.

You are wrong. The distinction between noble and common is clear here today, she replied with that same unbending resolve as when she rescued me at Bor俥. And it has become my fight.

I left her stacking rocks and ran to the first defenses at the bridge. Alphonse and Apples were tightening the rope.

How many will come? Alphonse asked.

I do not know, I said. Twelve, twenty, maybe more. Enough to do what it takes.

I took my station on the second floor of the tailor's house, near the entrance to town. From there I could oversee the defense. I had a sword, an old clunker sharpened to a tee.

My stomach was in knots. Now all that was left to do was wait.

Emilie met me toward evening. We sat against a wall, her head resting on my shoulder. I felt what I had always known about her. She gave me strength.

Whatever happens, she said, tightening against me, I am glad to be here with you. I don't know how to explain, but I feel you have a destiny in front of you.

When the Turk spared me, I thought it was just to make people laugh. I chuckled.

And you became a jester.

Yes. Thanks to you.

Not me. Emilie pulled away and looked at me. You. It is you who had the court at Bor俥 eating out of your hand. But now ............