‘Zalatambor. A defence against Castile from the old wars. It serves to protect pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostela. The King stays there when he visits.’ Ben Josef smiled. ‘Especially when he wants to borrow money from us.’ He nodded towards gentle sloping land in the distance. ‘My vineyard is this side of the river. It is away from town and faces south so my vines do not fall under the mountain’s shadow. If your guide is an honest one then I’ll keep Andrés with me for a few days. He’s strong and willing.’ He gestured to where the young Spaniard and Lázaro were helping each other carry pails of water from a stream. ‘Young boys need the company of those their own age. Andrés is the older but it looks as though they might form a friendship. Hard work and freedom are medicine I can recommend.’

‘I’m tempted to leave him with you: his safety is my responsibility. My son endured violence and is now studying under his mother’s name because of who he is. Lázaro has a similar cross to bear.’

‘And your Lord Jesus bore his to his death.’

Blackstone placed a hand on the old man’s shoulder. ‘But I will take its weight for the lad.’

‘My Lord Thomas?’

Blackstone turned on hearing his name called. Santos the guide approached him, cap in hand, shoulders bent in supplication. ‘I beg leave to ride forward before darkness falls. There were heavy rains a week ago, up there.’ He twisted a shoulder by way of pointing to the mountains that lay beyond. ‘Roads were washed away and there’s a danger it has damaged an ancient bridge. If that is the case then I must find a shallow ford.’

‘How many days to Burgos?’

‘At this pace, three, my lord.’

Blackstone looked for confirmation to ben Josef, who nodded.

‘Wait until morning,’ Blackstone told him.

The tavern brawler winced. ‘My lord, if I do that and the rains have indeed washed away the road, then we will lose valuable time.’

Ben Josef nodded his agreement. ‘Sir Thomas, if time is not a constraint you can find another route if the bridges are down.’

Blackstone thought for a moment. ‘I want the most direct route if the road is open. I’ll send someone with you.’

‘The boy could go,’ said ben Josef.

‘No, if the way is clear then he stays with you.’ Blackstone said. He stood. ‘I’ll send one of the men with you,’ he told Santos.

The guide grimaced. ‘Not the Navarrese, lord. They despise me.’

‘Then they are the perfect escort.’ Blackstone raised an arm and beckoned Halfpenny. ‘Jack, send Ariz and Saustin to me.’

Halfpenny strode through the camp calling the men’s names. Blackstone watched as the ventenar pointed the two men towards where he waited.

‘You’ll ride in darkness?’ he asked Santos.