The boy drew his attention away, uncertain why the woman’s image had made his heart jump a beat. He stepped into the cathedral’s cool interior. He heard the undulating voices of hundreds of people in the nave but he and Beyard, with the Gascons, were in the transept’s side entrance some distance from the clamouring pilgrims. Beyard held Lázaro back as the great censer was about to be swung in front of them.

‘Lázaro, look, boy.’

All four stood transfixed by the censer’s ever-increasing speed. Ropes creaked as it gained momentum, spewing clouds of burning incense. Lázaro gaped as it soared high, then flinched as it swooped so low it seemed it would strike the congregation.

‘Come, we mustn’t be late,’ said Beyard, and ushered the boy along to where they would meet the Archbishop.

Aicart and Loys were almost at the antesacristía’s door when they heard voices raised in anger and then cries of pain.

Beyard pulled Lázaro behind him as Aicart drew his sword and eased the half-open door. Loys stood to one side, sword already in hand. The door swung fully open but there was no one in sight. The room was too gloomy for those outside to see what was happening within. But then a woman’s voice said clearly, ‘It is done.’

Lázaro clutched Beyard’s arm. Fear struck him dumb. He mouthed something. Beyard, caught between the sinister cries that had emanated from the chapel and the boy’s terror, turned his attention to Lázaro.

‘What?’ he hissed, shaking the boy. Lázaro stared at the man who protected him.

He found his voice. ‘The assassin. The assassin,’ he repeated. ‘I heard those words when they killed the Queen. I remember now. It’s what the killer said. I remember. It is her voice.’

No sooner had Lázaro spoken than Velasquita came out of the room followed by Ranulph de Hayle, bloodied sword in hand, four of his men behind him. The routiers stopped in their tracks as they saw Beyard and the two armed Gascons. Lázaro was pointing at Velasquita. She glared, caught unawares.

‘It’s her, my lord. She killed my Queen.’

Velasquita, face to face with the witness to the murder, did not hesitate. She pointed at the boy. ‘Kill him.’

Ranulph de Hayle attacked. Lázaro encumbered Beyard by clinging to him. The Gascon captain pushed Lázaro behind him and struck at de Hayle as Aicart and Loys fought the men who accompanied him. Beyard blocked and parried, drew his knife with his free hand and slashed de Hayle’s arm, forcing the mercenary back as Beyard took the fight to him.