title: The Ruffians
author: Grove, J.R.
description: Life has taken a sudden turn for the worse for ten year old Sir Nicholas. He is standing on the executioner's stand while his father is beheaded. Expecting to soon follow his father in losing his head, Sir Nick has lost all hope. As Nick stands staring at the still twitching body of his now dead father, the queen whispers a plea of clemency into the king's ear. Acknowledging the queen, the king stands and approaches Sir Nick. Offering him his life in return for a pledge of fealty, the king pardons the young Lord. Not knowing what to do next, or what life of servitude he has just condemned himself to, Nick stands there, not knowing what to do next.