The man nudged forward as the archers’ spokesman pointed at Will Longdon’s feet. ‘You wear Kynith’s boots. He cared more for them than he did a belly full of food and wine.’

‘Kynith and me, we had a pact,’ said Longdon. ‘If I died first he would take my bow, if he died first I would take his boots.’

‘They are a good fit,’ said the archer.

‘They are. Why else would I want them?’

‘If you are in his boots then you can lead us. We will follow you.’

‘I am a centenar. I command a hundred men. You need your own leader.’

‘It’s you or no one. We have decided.’

Stalemate. Longdon would have Kynith’s archers at his shoulder while Jack Halfpenny commanded his own bowmen. He glared at the grim-looking men. Odds were they might desert if he did not agree and Blackstone could ill afford to lose them.

‘I will brook no disobedience. And I swear by the Silver Wheel Goddess I wear at my throat I will put an arrow in the back of any man who turns and runs in battle. It is understood?’

The men nodded their assent.

‘Then you’ve made a pact with the devil. You will stand with me in the front rank. The French like nothing more than killing Sir Thomas’s archers.’

*

Renfred and his scouts brought news of Charles de Blois and his army drawing closer to relieve Auray. Blackstone hoped that de Hayle had joined him but suspected the killer knew when to run clear of a battle. Killing villagers and securing patis from towns was more to his liking.

‘They’ll be here in two days, Sir Thomas,’ said Renfred. ‘Bertrand du Guesclin has joined forces with him. I saw de Mauny’s flags as well.’

‘They were chasing the remnants of Navarre’s army.’

‘And Beaumanoir’s blazon. The Breton lords have rallied to his cause,’ said Renfred.

‘You and your men get food and rest,’ said Blackstone but then stepped closer and held his captain’s reins. ‘Then come to me. I have another task for you.’

Renfred dipped his head in acknowledgement and joined his men.

Two hours later Chandos looked to the horizon. ‘The Breton lords are thinking of making a treaty. An agreement not to fight.’

‘The Bretons here?’ said Blackstone. ‘In this camp?’

Chandos nodded. ‘They are losing their stomach for a battle. There’s talk that Brittany can be divided and if they convince de Montfort and are prepared to parley then we have already lost. Both sides want an agreement. Charles of Blois is a belligerent, stiff-necked man and although his Breton lords have rallied to his flag there are those among them who think agreement can be reached. I think de Montfort’s followers here have been sending messengers.’

‘You’ve spoken to de Montfort?’

‘He’s wavering. They have his ear.’