Chapters 16-18 Summary

Richard waits outside Michael Godwin's house to challenge him. When Richard sees that Michael has a good sword, he is curious, and so he follows Michael to the sword training academy. Applethorpe begins the day's lesson, saying that Michael might be ready to fight in a year or two of study. Richard enters, and challenges Michael formally. To Michael's surprise, his teacher, Applethorpe, steps forward to claim the challenge, since Michael is not nearly experienced enough. He and St. Vier begin dueling, and for the first time, Michael can see real skill and talent in swordplay. Richard enjoys the fight, for the one-armed teacher is his first opponent in many years to give him a real challenge. In the end, Richard lands a killing stroke, mainly because Applethorpe is unable to use his arm for balance. Richard thanks him for his...