Ep. 21: Duel between Schafhausen and Herxheimer agents interrupted by Imperial Guards

21

The duel between agents of the Schafhausen and Herxheimer families commences. Reinhard von Müsel, suspecting malice, follows Siegfried Kircheis's advice to dodge sideways after the first shot, causing both to miss. In the second exchange, Reinhard strikes the opponent's right shoulder while being hit in the left arm, realizing his arm saved his life. As the referee prepares to declare Reinhard the winner, the Herxheimer agent demands a sword fight. Despite his injury, he gains the upper hand until Imperial Guards ordered by Kaiser Friedrich IV arrive. They suspend the duel and mandate that the mining rights dispute be resolved by splitting the proceeds equally between the two families. The Schafhausen family accepts this outcome happily, while Count Herxheimer agrees reluctantly.