I gave a hollow laugh. ‘How many Burgundian vessels did you leave unpaid at Mostyn, duke? I have no intention of asking the constable to risk one of his supply ships taking you into hostile territory. We were due to meet at Harlech and here we are. You ordered a retreat from Caernarfon and we retreated. Now you have abandoned your army and so I am no longer under your command, for which I thank Almighty God.’

I did not wait for his response but turned on my heel and left, making my way down to Dafydd’s hall and more congenial company. The constable confided that there was only one small ship in the harbour at the foot of the castle cliffs. ‘I fear it may have sustained some damage today, due to the rough seas,’ he said with a conspiratorial smile.

I clapped him on the back. ‘That is what we will tell Exeter. He won’t risk a leaking ship. Tomorrow I will take your “damaged” vessel down to Abermaw for repairs.’

Dafydd frowned. ‘Are you leaving Wales, my lord? That will disappoint my men. They see you as their only hope.’

‘I am not leaving for long,’ I assured him, ‘but I must meet with King Henry who is in Scotland. I need his written authority to negotiate with our European allies. My uncle Charles has recently died and the new king of France is my cousin Louis. I have never met either of them but whereas King Charles was pro York, I believe King Louis to be on our side, so I have high hopes of obtaining men and funds from him. That is why it is essential that you hold Harlech for us, Dafydd, so that we have a safe landfall for another campaign – next time I promise without the dubious assistance of my lord of Exeter!’ Unfortunately I had to raise my voice over the desperate shouts of the men at the gate.

‘Did I hear my name?’ The duke strode across the hall to the hearth where Dafydd and I were standing before a crackling fire. ‘Not plotting secretly I hope?’ His tone was light but his eyes were cold.

The constable bowed deeply and indicated a cloth-covered trestle, laid out ready for a meal. ‘Lord Jasper was just saying we should wait for your grace before eating. Will you take a seat, my lord?’

‘Jesu yes!’ Exeter advanced to the chair placed in the middle of the board. ‘My belly thinks my throat has been cut. And let there be wine. I could drain a cask!’

It was not until he had consumed several dishes and sunk a flagon of wine that he brought up the subject of a ship. ‘We have not been able to see this famous harbour of yours, Constable,’ he began, his voice slurring noticeably. ‘Are there any ships in it right now?’