Shermadin cried out in denial when he heard what was planned, begging his friend to consider a different course of action.
“Why must you face the dangers of our frontier without aid? I will accompany you, and we will ride away from the Kingdom together. Do you not think I would prefer the earth to cradle me beside instead of knowing you were alone when you needed my help most?”
Seeing Shermadin’s anguish, Avtandil tried to calm him. Yet he could not, and they argued back and forth. One intent on accompanying the brother he loved, and the other set to leave in the morning. Eventually he spoke again.
“Listen to me, for I speak a truth free of any falsehood. When a lover would roam the fields, he must wander by himself. Pearls do not fall to those unwilling to buy and bargain for them. You know this as well as I do, for these truths are part of the lance which pierces the evil and treacherous. It is the way of Knights.”
“Fine. Clearly, your mind is set, so it is beyond me to stop you, but no one will believe this lie. How can I imitate you or resemble you as lord, and who among our men will not see through the deception? Why do you need to appoint me in your stead anyway?”
“You know there is no other I can share my secret with. More, who could act as well as you in my absence? You are the only one I trust to fortify the borders and keep our enemies from breaching the walls. The whole of our Kingdom is in your hands. If God does not make me wholly lost, I will return, but what I ask of you is a duty between us. As for how people should believe you, this is simple. I will give you a letter. Whoever is my courtier must obey your word as mine, but you must not forsake me in this.”
“And if I do this, what of us? How will I find any measure of peace when I know my brother faces the world alone? Who will help you if you fall or become ill?”
“We are both aware that hazard kills all men equally. It does not matter if it is one or a hundred things. If Heaven protects me, nothing will deter me, and if not, it is in God’s hands. I am sorry, but this is the way it must be.”
Though he was not pleased with the idea, Shermadin saw the truth of Avtandil’s words. He could think of no other solution, and his friend would not be swayed. So, they agreed one would defend the Kingdom and the other search for the Knight in the panther skin.
They clasped hands and made their vows to one another. Afterwards, they spent the evening together, remembering the years of their adventures and life. The words between them were like spring flowers on a cherry tree. Each was as different and unique as a sun setting into the sea, yet all brought to the same end. Avtandil would not change his mind, and all blossoms eventually fall.
Shermadin took joy in their shared memories, though it was tinged with the bittersweet sorrow of soon parting. He would carry this burden. For it was the duty of Knights and brothers to aid one another.