‘Beyard is de Grailly’s captain. He has to go. He has no choice and neither do we.’

Killbere grunted. He knew full well there was nothing either of them could do, but it was worth trying.

‘William!’ Blackstone called.

William Ashford stood with his men in the yard. Striding briskly across to Blackstone and Killbere, he dipped his head respectfully. ‘Sir Thomas, it’s a pleasure to see you again. You’ve recovered, I see.’

Blackstone extended his hand to the man who had served the King, the Prince and then Blackstone. ‘Too long lying on my back nursed like a mewling child by the Prince’s physicians. After three months we wintered in a monastery until now when we are summoned by the Prince.’

‘And we are but one faltering step away from becoming celibate, tonsured recluses ourselves,’ said Killbere in greeting. ‘A brothel and a raucous tavern are what a man needs after hibernation.’

‘Not here, Sir Gilbert,’ said Ashford. ‘The Prince is a pious man. When he visits a town the brothels close and the taverns water down their wine. No mayor or council wants trouble with drunken soldiers when he’s around.’

‘And you’ve fared well?’ said Blackstone.

‘The Prince did me the honour of allowing me to serve as his bodyguard.’

‘Then I hope it will not disappoint you that I requested you and your men join me, and he has agreed.’

‘I know, Sir Thomas. The Prince said you would ask for me.’

Killbere grunted. ‘Damn, he played us like simpletons. He wanted us to be grateful and in his debt for the favour. Thomas, don’t ever play cards with Edward of Woodstock. He will have every silver and gold coin we have saved.’

‘That’s why he’s a prince of the realm,’ said Blackstone. ‘And we fight and die.’

Killbere grinned. ‘Treaties aren’t worth the parchment they’re written on. Another war for the balance of power. We should thank God that we live a more honourable life than those duplicitous vermin scurrying along the corridors of power.’ He shrugged with a sheepish grin. ‘Not counting our blessed King and Prince of course.’

‘But we won’t fight if Navarre gets there first and wins,’ Blackstone said.

‘And I saw a unicorn in the forest on our way here and a fairy farting so loud it scared the crows,’ Killbere said.

‘Stranger things have happened,’ said Blackstone.

‘You’re right; I almost married that nun. Did I ever tell you about that?’

‘Not more than a thousand times over the years.’ Blackstone turned away.

‘Where are you going?’ said Killbere.

‘To speak to Beyard and give my blessings to him and his men.’

‘Ah, then I’ll tell William about her. He hasn’t heard the story.’

CHAPTER FOUR