The hinged cover of the wristband snapped open, and the collapsed shield slipped inside, the cover closing over the shield with a barely audible click. With another word from him, his sword telescoped down to little more than the size of a small pen-knife, which he slipped into a small scabbard on his right thigh.

"Come on lad", said greybeard, "I'll stand you an ale". He held out his hand, and helped the youngster up. "Gods above, Ulf", said Haraldsson, spitting out a glob of congealed blood, "I reckon you've knocked two teeth out and loosened another".

"Aye", replied Ulf. "I dare say though that two nice shiny gold teeth'll impress the ladies no end, not to mention remind a young buck that just because some old shit has grey hair and a creaky back it doesn't always follow that he's lost his battle-wits".

"Fair point", replied Haraldsson. They trudged over the now muddy field, to Haraldsson's waiting vehicle. Haraldsson identified himself, and on recognising his voice, the vehicle opened it's doors to them.

"Destination Sir?" whispered the vehicle's disembodied voice.

"His Majesty's Residence, Ness Wing" said Haraldsson. "Is His Majesty in residence, I wish to speak with him".

"Regretfully no, sire", came the reply. "He was called away on an urgent matter of state".

"Danmark?", replied Haraldsson.

"I am afraid that information has been given a class 01 clearance, Highness", came the ghostly answer. "Do you still wish to be taken to the Royal residence, or some other destination?"

"No, no", replied the young man. "It can wait. Take me to my chambers in the Ekholm district. Right now I have a need to wash this bloody taste out of my mouth. Ale. Ale, and lots of it. Oh, and a nice, pleasantly curved young girl or two".

"Will Earl Leifsson be dining with you sire? Will his Lordship also require the companionship of a lady?"

"Aye, his Lordship will be requiring the full and undivided attention of all of my staff", Haraldsson laughed.

"The Noble Prince is too kind", replied Leifsson, with a polite nod of the head, a wink and a broad grin.

"I cannot help but notice that your Majesty is in need of the attention of his tooth-doctor", the robot observed. "Shall I summon him to Ekholm this evening, or will his Majesty receive him tomorrow?"

"Gods, not that arse poking around in my cake-hole again", said Haraldsson under his breath and then louder "Yes, yes, let's get it over with tonight. Tell him to bring gold replacement teeth, they impress the ladies no end!"

"Indeed sir", came the answer, and as the two men howled with laughter, the vehicle edged it's way into traffic, and headed for Ekholm.