‘We lost three men but we gave a good account of ourselves.’ Meulon flashed a grin from behind his thick black beard. ‘I didn’t know you were worth so much. Being de Grailly’s captain must carry a ransom worth risking a fight for.’

The Gascon shook his head. ‘Not me. They wanted the boy.’

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

They were dragging the bodies away as Blackstone strode into camp. A breathless Killbere was not far behind. It didn’t take long for Meulon to recount the fight.

‘The boy? Why did they want him?’

‘I don’t know, Sir Thomas,’ said Meulon. ‘Beyard? You’re sure about this?’

The weakened Gascon leaned his weight against a wagon. ‘When they breached the defences they saw the lad. I thought it was me they wanted but when they came at me they reached for the boy. “Come on you little bastard,” one of them said. Definitely the boy, Sir Thomas.’

‘Where is he now?’ said Killbere.

Meulon gestured to where ben Josef tended to the wounded. ‘Helping him. Whatever’s happened to the lad he’s scared for his life and I thought the old man might help soothe him by speaking his own language.’

‘All right,’ said Blackstone. ‘I’ll have him watched and talk to ben Josef. I don’t want the boy running off. We need to find out more.’

‘He won’t run,’ said Beyard. ‘He sticks to me like shit to a blanket. He was in that cell with me long enough to watch the others die. I was the only one who helped him. He’ll stay with me and I’ll feed him.’

Blackstone looked across the battlefield. ‘Ranulph de Hayle took no part in the battle. He must have a reason for snatching him. He’s playing both sides and as the boy has nothing to do with us then he must be of value to the French. Beyard, you’re stronger?’

‘The potions strengthen me every hour.’

‘Then you will stay as the boy’s guardian until we find out more.’

Blackstone looked to where the baggage attendants were heaping dirt on the burning tar barrel until they extinguished it. ‘De Hayle hadn’t expected to have a fight on his hands. I thank God you’re healing, Meulon.’

Meulon looked at ben Josef again. ‘He has a touch and a skill I have not seen before, Sir Thomas. I’m glad of it.’

‘We need wine and food. Fighting sucks a man’s vitals,’ said Killbere. ‘Thomas, let’s rid ourselves of mail and plate and wash the stench of the fight from us. I’ll get the attendants to fetch water.’

Killbere placed a hand on Meulon’s arm as he passed. ‘Well done, my friend.’

Will Longdon followed. ‘This was a quiet camp when we left you in charge. Now we have to share it with the dead. I hope my loot was not in that wagon.’

‘I fed the flames with it,’ said Meulon.

Longdon grinned. ‘I would expect nothing less.’

Blackstone pulled fingers through his wet hair. ‘Has Renfred returned?’