‘Probably – they’re close. A couple of miles beyond the ridge. I’ll take John and two others. If we can get a prisoner, we might learn more about the boy and why he is so important. Secure the camp. Let the fires burn down. Keep an eye on the breeze; it might veer. They’re upwind of us now but if the wind changes they’ll soon know we’re here.’ Blackstone unsheathed Wolf Sword and cast aside the scabbard. ‘John, pick two of the men. Make sure they have no wounds that will slow us down or put us at a disadvantage in a fight.’

John Jacob turned on his heel to do Blackstone’s bidding.

‘Gilbert, have the camp ready for an assault. If the men Will saw are a scouting party then de Hayle’s men won’t be too far behind and we won’t know how close they are until we capture one of them. Saddle the horses and be ready to ride at first light, because that’s when they’ll come if we’re not back by then.’

‘We’ll defend the place should they come before then,’ said Killbere.

‘They outnumber us; we still have wounded. Send pickets out on night watch. De Hayle won’t come through the forest. That’s your way out. He’ll come up that hill on horseback hard and fast.’

‘And you? Where do we meet up if you’re not back by dawn and de Hayle attacks?’

‘I’ll find you.’ Blackstone grinned. ‘But I’ll be back before dawn.’

‘Aye, and if you’re not then likely you’re dead.’ He put a finger against each nostril and cleared the snot from his nose. ‘Leaving me the damned job of getting everyone back to the Prince. He’ll be pissing blood if the King’s Master of War dies in a skirmish. A damned useless fight to get a prisoner.’

‘I apologize now should my death cause you any inconvenience.’

‘Then make damned sure you don’t get yourself killed. Sweet merciful Mother of God, the Prince will never let me hear the end of it. He’ll blame me. My life on earth will be hell even if you’re sleeping with the angels, though I doubt they’ll put up with you as long as I have.’

John Jacob returned with two men-at-arms. Blackstone led the way to where Will Longdon and his archers waited.

Killbere called after him. ‘And if they have meat, bring it!’ He watched as Blackstone raised a hand in acknowledgement. ‘A man shouldn’t have to fight on an empty stomach,’ he muttered to himself.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE