The Prince made the sign of the cross. ‘The boy’s story can be challenged, Thomas. These past years King Pedro of Castile has denied any involvement in Blanche de Bourbon’s death. The Pope brushed aside the notion that such a devout woman would take her own life. Pedro laid the blame on others.’

‘But the lad is a witness. We have coached him to give a false name if he is questioned by strangers but his life remains in jeopardy.’

The Prince nodded. ‘And in your care until we can find a means of using his testimony.’ He handed the crucifix back to Blackstone. ‘Return it to the boy. It was gifted with affection by a grateful queen. We pray it gives the lad comfort.’

‘There is one problem we cannot solve, highness. She gave the boy a ring. The Queen told him to sell it to a moneylender, but where was a cabin boy going to find one of those outside a city? Besides, he was terrified he would be accused of theft – something the Queen would never have anticipated. What would a queen know of a servant’s life? De Hayle took it from him when he was captured. The last I heard he was riding for Paris. And if the ring is recognized and the story of the witness is believed, then we are drawn into a war in Spain because the French King will strike at Pedro in revenge.’

The Prince stood, his height matching Blackstone’s, the spark of the fighting man reignited. ‘Years ago when you were still recovering from your wounds after Crécy and then gaining your fighting skills our sister Joan travelled to fulfil her betrothal to Don Pedro. He was to be our brother-in-law. Our father needed Castile at his back even then. When she died in the plague he lost his alliance − until this recent treaty. History binds us, as it does you and me, Thomas.’ He paused in thought and then realized that everything Blackstone had told him now fell neatly into place. ‘The French King has already betrayed his hand. The Pope sent emissaries to me. He proposed a crusade.’

‘Against the Turks?’

‘No, against the Kingdom of Granada. The French have always wished to rid themselves of the brigands that flood the Rhône Valley and Charles has sided with the King of Aragon. They have raised two hundred thousand gold florins to pay them. The Pope has committed a hundred thousand more from the Church’s purse. They intend to rid Spain of the Moors. The Pope thought we would take the cross and join a crusade against them. Perhaps he did not look beyond the desire to seize a Muslim kingdom. The Pope has unwittingly showed us Charles’s plan.’