The blond man faced the girl. "I needno woman."

      She dropped her eyes, disappointed, butflicked them up immediately to cover the sworder. He responded after anappropriate pause. "Will you try the night with me, then, damsel? Ipromise no more."

      The girl flushed with pleasure. "Iwill try the night with you, sword, expecting no more."

      He grinned and clapped his right hand tothe bracelet, twisting it off. "I am Sol the sword, of philosophic bent.Can you cook?" She nodded, and he handed the bracelet to her. "Youwill, cater to my friend also, for the evening meal, and clean his uniform."

      The other man interrupted his smile."Did I mishear your name, sir? I am Sol."

      The larger warrior turned slowly,frowning. "I regret you did not. I have held this name since I took up myblade this spring. But perhaps you employ another weapon? There is no need forus to differ."

      The girl's eyes went back and forthbetween them. "Surely your arm is the staff, warrior," she saidanxiously, gesturing at the barrow.

      "I am Sol," the man said firmly,"of the staff-and the sword. No one else may bear my name."

      The sworder looked disgruntled. "Doyou quarrel with me, then? I would have it otherwise."

      "I quarrel only with your name. Takeanother, and there is no strife between us."

      "I have earned this name by thisblade. I can not give it up."

      "Then I must deprive you of it in thecircle, sir."

      "Please," the girl protested."Wait until morning. There is a television inside, and a bath, and I willfix a fine repast."

      "Would you borrow the bracelet of aman whose name has been questioned?" the sworder inquired gently. "Itmust be now, pretty plaything. You may serve the winner."

      She bit her red lip, chastened, and handedback the bracelet. "Then, will you permit me to stand witness?"