(Written for Claudia's birthday.)

 Fealty

I sit by the door, smoking, listening to their soft breathing. There will be danger tonight, but I think we shall be safe. Why did I do it? What impulse moved my heart? I could have aided them without an oath. I know my destiny-- if I succeed, I will owe fealty to no one. Yet I offered it to one with no rank, feckless, careless, ignorant of the world. "If by life or death I can save you, I will." Now I am bound to him by oath. Yet I do not regret it. It was meant to be.