‘That would make you the same as the noblemen we have now,’ said Meulon. ‘And we would need another revolt to rid ourselves of you.’

Killbere shouted, ‘I will send you all to the nearest leper house if your bickering does not cease. I prefer birdsong and horse farts for conversation.’

Killbere’s chastisement quietened the instigators. The low murmur from Will Longdon’s lips was barely audible. ‘I would have knights stand their watch on the wall until their balls hardened like frozen walnuts.’

It was loud enough for Blackstone’s keen hearing. ‘Then you would live with eunuchs and be the only man left to fight. The battle is lost before it starts, Will. Accept what we are. Fine doublets and silk sheets do not become an archer. Better if such a man takes his pleasure in killing knights.’ He turned to Killbere. ‘Preferably theirs.’

The slow-moving army eventually passed east of Poitiers and drew up close to the Breton border.

‘My Lord de Grailly. I can go no further. I follow my Prince’s orders.’

Jean de Grailly watched his men ride past him. ‘I begged that you fight with us, Thomas, but the treaty forbids it.’

‘I would furl my colours and disguise my blazon and join you but the Dauphin would soon know we stood together and then my fate and that of my men would mean banishment again. I have other orders. My lord, I beg a favour.’

‘If it’s in my power, Sir Thomas.’

‘Whichever way the battle turns, send Beyard to me with news. I ride north to join Sir John Chandos. I will travel slowly. I’ll wait three days in the forest at Alençon and then ride on. Beyard knows our strongholds and where we take shelter. If it goes badly for you, send word. We will turn and cover your retreat.’

‘And face the Prince’s wrath,’ said de Grailly.

‘Bands of routiers remain on the Breton march. I will smother my blazon with mud and no Frenchman will know the difference. It’s all I can offer if the tide turns.’

‘I accept. But we won’t need you. More men join us at Évreux and then once we cross the bridge over the Seine at Vernon we strike the Dauphin’s underbelly. Paris and France will be ours.’ His grin reflected his confidence. ‘It will be a fight you will regret not being part of. The Prince should have thrown in with Navarre. When he’s crowned he will be generous to those who gave their support.’

‘My Prince gave you free passage. Seven thousand Frenchmen waited for you to break out through Languedoc. You would not have made a dozen leagues, my lord, and I suspect you know that.’