‘De Montfort insists on being in the front line,’ said Chandos. ‘Hugh Calveley has the bit between his teeth; he wants to be in the front ranks too but I have him in reserve. All these men want the glory but we must control the fight. And between us we must protect de Montfort. Winning the battle against Charles of Blois is worthless if Montfort is killed in the fray.’

‘No man can wet-nurse another in a fight. You know that,’ said Killbere.

Chandos nodded. ‘What I do know is that if Calveley breaks ranks it might jeopardize the outcome. His brigands want booty. If he ignores his orders, his men will run amok.’

‘Then you deal with him and I’ll shadow de Montfort,’ said Blackstone. ‘I’ll put my archers on the flanks and my men-at-arms at his shoulder. Have you asked him for money? We can buy more men or bribe others. There are still others like Hugh Calveley who can be commissioned to fight.’

‘I asked but he hoards what money he has. I suspect he sleeps with it under his bed. His future, he tells me, depends on having gold to hand for favours that can be bought when he needs them.’

‘For pity’s sake, he’s about to be given the damned duchy. How much more does he want? That money could help us turn the tide of battle.’

Chandos shook his head. ‘Leave it be, Thomas. It’s a lost argument. We just have to give him the benefit of our experience.’ Chandos lowered his voice as they got closer to de Montfort. ‘He needs it, I promise you.’

No sooner had they joined the young lord than de Montfort’s impatience spilled over. ‘Sir John, I ask again why we did not destroy Auray. If a message is to be sent to my enemy, then it should be bold and unhesitating.’

‘What we have done serves its purpose,’ said Chandos. ‘We have blockaded the town and the route upriver. Charles de Blois’s castle is under siege. We do not need to slaughter innocents. He will come.’ The King’s chief negotiator during the peace treaty had soothed many antagonistic lords and de Montfort’s youth and inexperience posed little challenge.

‘If I am to inherit Brittany, then its people must know that I will not tolerate disloyalty,’ de Montfort said.

‘They are loyal,’ said Blackstone. ‘But to Charles of Blois. The dead cannot bend a knee to you. You have granted them their lives today. That will be remembered. You have not set your Bretons among them to rape and murder. That will be remembered. If you had done otherwise that would never be forgotten.’

John de Montfort turned away from Blackstone and faced the routier captains. Hugh Calveley was a brawny man. It was said he ate for two men and fought like six.