Patton's aggressive negotiations

  The centaurs halted in front of Patton. "Greetings, Patton Burgess," Broadhoof said, dipping his head.

  "I understand you intend to seek satisfaction against a youngster," Patton said.

  "His impudence was flagrant," Broadhoof replied. "We covenanted to resolve the matter tomorrow at dawn. "

  "The boy filled in the particulars," Patton said. "I can imagine how your reluctance to assist with their diversion would have appeared an act of cowardice to such youthful eyes. "

  "With respect, you have no cause to intervene here," Broadhoof said.

  "I am asking you to pardon the boy," Patton said. "He may have been mistaken about your motives, perceiving indifference as cowardice, but his intentions were laudable. I fail to see what shedding his blood will resolve. "

  "We helped with the charade as requested in tribute to his courageous intentions," Cloudwing replied. "In so doing, we fulfilled our portion of the compact. The injuries to Broadhoof must not go unavenged. "

  "Injuries?" Patton asked Broadhoof. "Is your self-worth so fragile? Was the humiliation public?"

  "I was present," Cloudwing said, "as was the sister. "

"We have a binding arrangement," Broadhoof declared with finality.

  "Then I suppose we will require an arrangement of our own," Patton said. "From where I stand, Broadhoof, your willingness to engage a child in a duel, whatever the provocation, is a sure mark of cowardice. So now a grown man is calling you a coward in front of your friend, a boy, a girl, and a satyr. Furthermore, I perceive your indifference as a greater fault than your cowardice, and condemn your entire race as a tragic waste of potential. " Patton folded his arms.

  "Recant your words," Broadhoof warned grimly. "My quarrel is not with you. "

  "Wrong. Your quarrel is with me. Not tomorrow, or the day after, but now. I personally assume whatever blame you assigned to this boy, I support and restate every insult he uttered, and I offer the following terms. We duel. Now. If you kill me, the matter of the boy is settled. If I best you, the matter of the boy is settled. Either way, all debts end up paid. And you get the opportunity to resolve this with a man instead of through a senseless mockery. "

  "A mockery?" Seth asked, sounding offended.

  "Not now," Patton muttered out of the side of his mouth.

  "Very well," Broadhoof said. "Without forgetting the good you have done for my kind, I acknowledge your challenge, Patton Burgess. Slaying you will bring me no joy, but I will consider all debts to my honor paid."

Chapter 19