‘He took part, but he fell when he was dismounted. Rumours were a piece of a lance had pierced him. But word is that he didn’t seem to be hurt.’

‘There’ll be a reason,’ said Blackstone. ‘But it won’t be a fall from a horse. He’s fought in tourneys before and the lances would have been crowned. No, it’s something else that keeps us from him.’

‘As long as he doesn’t think we pissed in his wine barrels. Thomas, the wait is too long. We’ll have trouble with the men, mark my words. Keeping us confined here is too frustrating. There’s a city waiting to be enjoyed.’

‘I know. It worries me as well. And there are no walls to build to keep the men busy and no forays into the hills looking for brigands.’ Blackstone’s own frustration was obvious.

‘Perhaps if we had brought some of those you ransomed at Auray, Sir Thomas, they’d have let us further into the city,’ said John Jacob. ‘There’s a thriving business in Bordeaux of selling and exchanging prisoners and armour. The Prince has no issue with it; in fact from what I’ve heard he encourages it.’

‘He’s a soldier’s soldier; he likes the world we live in. He let Navarre cross through Gascony without hindrance and he has little love for him – I think it was partly because his heart went with him to fight the French. He’ll rejoice in our victory when the feasting starts again. Our success is his glory. Where’s Lázaro?’

‘With Beyard. He’s teaching him how to serve a man-at- arms. He bought the lad new clothes and boots today. He found a Jewish stallholder who brought clothes back to the quarter.’

‘Well, we’re wasting time. Gilbert, you and John have the captains check on the men. I want no trouble here. If there are arguments over women, then pay them. I’ll not give the arse-clenching officials any excuse.’ He swallowed the last of the wine and pushed the heavy table away from him.

‘Where are you going?’ said Killbere, saving his wine from spilling.

‘To insist on seeing the Prince.’

Killbere groaned. ‘Thomas, in God’s name say nothing untoward.’

‘I want a commission, Gilbert. We’re not garrison soldiers. If I don’t get these men into a fight soon, then half of them will end up with ropes around their necks. And if it came to that my own would be in a noose.’

Killbere nodded. ‘Like I said, Thomas, watch what you say. He’s as hot-tempered as you. We might all be hearing the creak of the rope’s song.’

*