‘We feel we should have had our priest spend more time at your bedside while you recovered. A psalter read before retiring calms a man’s mind. The psalms are words of comfort and wisdom. And your life is spent in the valley of the shadow of death, Thomas.’ Edward smiled, knowing the seriousness of his suggestion would not sit well with the Master of War. ‘Perhaps the Goddess of the Silver Wheel has more sway over you than we appreciate.’

Blackstone unconsciously touched the archer’s talisman at his throat. Arianrhod. The Celtic goddess who protected in this life and carried the fallen across to the next.

‘I’ll take my comfort where I can find it, lord.’

‘And your son, Henry?’

Blackstone felt the pang of separation at mention of his son. ‘My Prince, as you know, after his own injuries were attended to, he was granted a scholarship at Oxford by our gracious lord King.’

The Prince nodded ‘He has our father’s protection. England would seem to be the safest place for Thomas Blackstone’s son. We trust you are content with him using his mother’s maiden name? Father Torellini advised it would be wise.’

‘I am unable to give you enough thanks for his well-being, highness.’

‘Thomas, you have saved the King’s son’s life twice. It is a gesture of gratitude from our King. We hope he is a good student.’

‘He’s a stranger to England. He was born here and what education he has had was in Florence and Avignon. He has seen bloodshed enough for a boy his age, so I pray he settles and realizes his good fortune.’

‘We are certain he will do well. And you, Sir Gilbert, are you as anxious as ever to confront our enemies?’

‘I seek only to serve my Prince and my King and kill those who come between us.’

Edward beckoned them to the table. ‘Turmoil awaits us at every turn. Our plans for alliances can crumble at any moment.’

‘And the King of Navarre is part of that turmoil?’ said Blackstone.

The Prince nodded.

Blackstone’s life had been as tainted as others by the King of Navarre. ‘He’s a traitor. As far back as ’46, when I was a boy, he drew the de Harcourt family into rebellion against the French royal family. They executed my friend and mentor. Years later we helped him against the Jacquerie. He is a snake, highness. He will twist and turn and inflict his venom.’

‘Thomas, you are talking of a King. His father-in-law was the King of France and his mother a daughter of the fleurs-de-lys. He has royal blood. You are disrespectful.’

‘My disrespect is well founded, my lord. He will turn on you. The day will come when he will strike a deal with the French. His kingdom is at our backs. He controls the passes over the Pyrenees. Do not trust him.’