Blackstone kicked dirt over the fire. ‘We’ll take no censure about ben Josef. I’ve told the captains he is under my protection and that if any man falls wounded, then he will treat them. That or they can pray to the Almighty to save them and hope for a barber-surgeon. I know who I’d choose.’

Killbere settled the wineskin on his saddle’s pommel. ‘Well, I hope you know what you’re doing, Thomas, now that we have Spanish prisoners ready to fight the Bretons and French, and a Jewish surgeon honoured by de Grailly and ransomed by an Englishman. Our lads will be wary of Navarre’s men, and others will not enjoy having a Jew among us. There could be enough bad blood to start our own war.’

‘Then let’s give them a battle to fight against the Bretons and remind the new French King that his men face English and Welsh archers and men-at-arms determined to give Edward and the Prince the victory they crave.’ He hauled himself into the saddle. The bastard horse fought the reins but Blackstone controlled him. ‘Winning wars is what we do best.’

*

They travelled at a modest pace, stopping where they could at monasteries along the way, seeking comfort to aid Meulon’s recovery. Halif ben Josef was not permitted to enter such places and camped with John Jacob and the men outside the walls as Blackstone and Killbere stayed with their wounded friend. All of them ignored Ben Josef except John Jacob, but as word of the surgeon’s skill spread among them, some approached with ailments of their own. He offered advice and treatment, giving them herbs and potions that went beyond Will Longdon’s knowledge. After only a few days ben Josef’s religion was less important to the fighting men than his healing skills.

Blackstone had delayed their onward journey by staying longer at every camp and monastic shelter and, after many weeks, they reached Sir John Chandos north of the Breton town of Auray. By then Meulon could walk and ride, but followed Blackstone’s demand that he allow ben Josef to examine and dress the wound every day.

‘I’ve seen Moors and Jews living in the same city in Castile and Navarre,’ said Chandos. ‘The Prince would do well to consult men like him.’

‘He’s ill?’ said Blackstone. ‘I saw no sign of it.’

‘There are days he is weak, others when he is not. No one knows except those closest to him. It is a malady that comes and goes and is not understood by his physicians. No one else must know of it.’

‘I understand,’ said Blackstone. If the Prince was weakened by illness then his rule of Aquitaine was vulnerable. ‘I’m looking for one of my captains taken at Cocherel. He’s a Gascon who served with de Grailly.’