Blackstone moved his men several miles away from the town. Despite their fatigue they rode alert for any counter-attack but none came. Then a warning arrived from Renfred’s scouts. A large body of men appeared on the distant hilltop. Blackstone drew up the men and placed the prisoners in front so they would be the first to die in any attack.

The riders advanced in extended line and then slowed, one man riding ahead of the others. Blackstone kneed the bastard horse forward. ‘It’s Hugh Calveley,’ he told Killbere. ‘Keep the men ready. He fights for the highest bidder.’

Blackstone reached the centre ground. The Cheshire knight grinned. ‘Thomas, you find trouble even on your return to the Prince. Those are de Hayle’s men you have.’

‘Some of them. He’s elsewhere.’

‘And their fate?’

‘Hanging. I’ll execute them on the road so that every traveller from Paris and Rouen going towards Poitiers will know that I kill routiers who commit atrocities. Do you ride to Bordeaux with us?’

‘No, I have a contract with the new French King. He pays well now his father is dead, and he has what’s left of the ransom money they collected to pay Edward for his release. We ride south. I thought you might join us. The fighting’s done with up here; we’ve played our part, now we need to earn money. What do you say?’

‘I cannot, I’m sworn.’

‘Aye, well, a man’s word might be his honour but facing a pauper’s future should make him reconsider.’ He grinned. ‘I had thought of seizing Charles of Blois’s body when they took it for burial at the Franciscan monastery at Guingcamp. His widow is wealthy enough.’

‘But you decided against it because if there was a delay in payment you’d have a rotting corpse on your hands,’ said Blackstone.

Calveley laughed. ‘That’s the measure of it, Thomas. Come with us. There’s even more money to be made than the ransoms you took at Auray and what the King pays you.’

‘My men and I are paid fairly and we have money banked in Florence. We take booty from fights like Auray, and there’ll be others.’

Hugh Calveley admitted defeat. ‘I thought you’d turn me down, but it was worth asking because I can use you. I’m short of a hundred men or more and I need bowmen, and you’ve some of the best. Can I not tempt you? I’ll make it more than worth your while.’

‘I’m wanted back in Bordeaux by the Prince. He’ll be vexed enough as it is given my slow return.’

Calveley gathered the reins. ‘Fair enough, but if he gets so damned vexed that he disowns you again then you come and find me. I sell my sword, Thomas, you know that. I hope we do not find ourselves on opposite sides.’