“Your lives are nothing of consequence!”

The noble’s angry words were laced with fear, as his blood-spattered coat. My sons glanced repeatedly toward me.

“Hold steady,” I reassured them, and they raised their blades. Addressing the nobles, I said “Let me tell you of consequences.

“You invade my home, demand that we kill our best cow for you to feast upon, trade our beds for the floor to give you a place to sleep, humiliate me before my sons and plot to take my wife for your pleasure, all in the course of personal whim.

“To lose the cow would threaten our livelihood. Entering this house without my leave, you are a trespasser. Drawing your blades against us in your arrogance is an insult I will not overlook. Menace my family and you have lost any opportunity to redeem yourselves.

“My sons would follow any order I give them. They are more loyal to me than any king’s pet such as you. When you leave, you will tell how Kedric the farmer will not tolerate this treatment again.

“We meet again, you die.”