The life and death of Nicolae Roman

Chapter 13: The Duel

After parting from Elizabeth, Nicolae walked to his flat deep in thought. He could not back out of the duel with Ludwig. That would tarnish his reputation as a gentleman forever. In his anger, he told Ludwig he already had someone to act as his second. Unfortunately, Nicolae only had his servant Ion with him. And his valet was probably not a suitable choice in such a grave matter between gentlemen.

Suddenly, he had an idea. Instead of going upstairs to his own apartment, Nicolae knocked on his downstairs neighbor's door.

Viktor's maid, Ana opened the door. She looked a bit startled to see Nicolae. It was already eleven o'clock at night - a bit late for an unannounced visit.

"Count Roman," she greeted him raising her eyebrows. "Whatever brings you by?"

"Sorry to disturb you, Ana," Nicolae answered gravely. "It's a rather urgent matter. Is your master home?"

"I believe so... but he might be sleeping," Ana whispered. "Let me go and check."

"I can wait out here," Nicolae answered.  He remained standing in the hallway.

Within a few minutes, Viktor emerged from his bedroom. He was dressed in a burgundy brocade robe and had matching slippers on. Other than the casual clothes, Viktor did not appear to have just woken up from a deep slumber. His hair was perfectly combed and his green eyes were as bright as always.

"Nicolae," Viktor extended his hand. "Please... do come in." Viktor gestured with his arm. "Whatever is the matter? You look... unsettled."

Nicolae followed Viktor to the parlor and plopped down into a chair. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed.

"I'm afraid I got myself in a bit of a mess," he looked Viktor in the eyes.

"Go on," his host prompted him.

"I had a rather nasty argument with a certain Ludwig Eberwald." Nicolae paused. "For several reasons, which I won't bore you with, he ended up challenging me to a duel."

Viktor raised his eyebrows almost imperceptibly. "Really? I thought that particular practice was considered illegal these days."

Nicolae sighed. "Yes... and no..." He shifted in his seat. "My honor demands that I accept his challenge... which I did."

"I see," Viktor nodded. "And you are here because?"

"I'm afraid I spoke rather quickly when Ludwig asked if I had a gentleman to attend me as second. In reality, Ion is my only choice... unless..." Nicolae looked inquisitively at Viktor.

"You would like me to act as your second," Viktor said dryly.

"Yes... you would be doing me an exceptional favor. I would forever be in your debt," Nicolae said pleadingly.

Viktor regarded him in silence for a while, tapping his mouth with his index finger. Nicolae began to feel rather foolish.

"Actually... it was a stupid idea," Nicolae began to get up. "I'm sorry I disturbed you at such a late hour."

But he suddenly felt Viktor's hand on his arm. "Wait a minute. I didn't decline your proposition."

It was Nicolae's turn to look surprised. "You mean... you'll do it?"

"When is this duel suppose to take place?" Viktor asked.

"In two days, at six in the morning... in Russell Square, by the university."

"Yes... I know the place," Viktor remarked. He appeared lost in thought for a bit, but, at last, he said: "I accept to be your second, Count Roman."