The three men stood when Blackstone reached them. Halif ben Josef introduced his companions. ‘Sir Thomas, these are good and trusted friends, Elias Navarette and Salamon Bonisac. I have told them how you rescued me.’

Blackstone nodded to the two distinguished-looking men. ‘Master ben Josef saved my friend’s life. It pleased me and my men that he chose to ride with us.’

Ben Josef gestured for the men to sit so Blackstone could face them. ‘Elias is a silversmith, Salamon a weaver. They travel far and wide, including in Italy, France and the Holy Roman Empire, to secure the materials they need. Both have returned these past few days. Elias across the eastern borders, Salamon further south.’ He nodded to the older of the two men. ‘Salamon, tell Sir Thomas what you told me.’

The weaver unconsciously ran a smoothing hand across the silk sash holding his robes. ‘A large army approaches. Men of war, paid to fight. They have broached the south-eastern border of Castile and laid waste to town and village. They are led by English and French captains. They were riding south for Granada but they have turned north towards Santa Elena and Cordoba. Seville will be threatened.’

Blackstone saw the importance of the attack. As did Halif ben Josef. ‘They are blockading Granada, denying Don Pedro any reinforcements and any chance of escape to a friendly country. Yes?’

‘Yes,’ said Blackstone.

‘There is more. Elias, tell my friend what you saw in the east.’

‘I came close to being attacked by mercenaries. Fortunately, we knew the route and evaded them. They seized two of our Navarrese escorts. They butchered one; the other escaped and rejoined us. He learnt they were riding towards Burgos where Don Pedro has what few men he commands.’

Halif ben Josef scissored two fingers open and closed. ‘They cut him off.’

‘Yes,’ Blackstone agreed, feeling time closing in on him.

Ben Josef turned to the silversmith. ‘What name did you hear spoken?’

‘Le Bête.’

Blackstone looked from one to the other. Ben Josef nodded. ‘Could there be any mistake, Elias?’

‘No. They spoke it in fear.’

‘I am grateful for the information,’ said Blackstone. The elderly physician got to his feet; Blackstone followed his lead. Ben Josef extended his hand to the silversmith and the weaver as they took their leave. Blackstone did the same. ‘Thank you again. Do you know who le Bête rode with? Was it the Englishmen Hugh Calveley or Latimer?’

‘I do not know,’ said Elias Navarette.

Each merchant respectfully dipped his head. ‘We are happy to see our friend again and if what we have told him is of use, then we are pleased to be of service. Ben Josef is a prince among men. There are five hundred Jews in Pamplona and all know him for his skill. We will be sorry to lose him again.’