‘There is no reason for you to jeopardize the truce with France,’ Blackstone said. ‘You need to secure Navarre’s seaward ports and have him as an ally because there is a civil war going on in Spain between Castile and Aragon. The treaty England signed years ago with Castile means that if they are invaded you must go to their aide, and if the Kingdom of Navarre is not an ally, then as an enemy he can strike you from the rear. You secure territory for the future because the way into Castile is across the Pyrenean passes and they lie in his territory.’ He looked at Killbere and saw that the veteran knight also understood.

‘So, your highness, you want us to draw the French away from his flank,’ said Killbere. ‘To make sure he can march without hindrance. We’re to be a distraction. Bait.’

‘And that does not implicate the Crown and will not affect the truce between you and the King of France,’ said Blackstone. He faltered. Thought again and faced the Prince. ‘But there’s more.’

The Prince nodded. ‘Agreements are being made and others put aside. Sooner or later you will be asked to fight the French again. Our father must secure Brittany. Charles of Blois threatens us with his claim to rule. Men are already being prepared in the north.’

‘By Sir John Chandos?’ said Killbere. ‘Sir John directs routiers to your cause, thereby denying them to the French?’

‘Yes. Using you to shield de Grailly’s flanks is a means of sending you closer to our father’s choice, John de Montfort, and his bid for victory, without alerting the French to our father’s intentions.’

‘Chandos subdues the routiers so that the French cannot recruit them against Navarre,’ said Blackstone. ‘And by doing that he secures the northern border so that when de Montfort goes into battle against Charles of Blois then it’s the English against the French.’

‘Brittany must be under English rule. A proxy war for the balance of power, Thomas. How else is England to secure territory in France now that we are at peace?’ said the Prince.

‘Does Navarre know of your plans?’

‘He is assured that you will ride at his flank. That is all. The less our Spanish King knows about our intentions the better chance of our success.’

‘But we won’t fight if Navarre gets there first and wins,’ Blackstone said. ‘Why does he strike now? King John was dishonoured when his second son broke parole but the King returned into custody in England months ago to reclaim his honour. He still rules France. Even if Navarre defeats the army and rides into Paris, he cannot defeat King John. Highness, this makes no sense.’

The Prince stood and gave an almost imperceptible gesture. A servant came forward and poured wine.

‘Thomas, Navarre strikes against the Dauphin before his coronation. The King of France is dead.’

CHAPTER THREE