The next morning, Marcus watched from the wall as a commotion milled at the western edge of the camps. Soon a file of riders approached the manor house, escorted by Paul. Their banners bore colors that Marcus knew well.

Another baron had arrived, but not one of those whom Hubert had called. It was Arundal, hearty, fat, and balding, accompanied by ten men.

Marcus and Addis met them outside the gate. Arundal cast his heavy-lidded gaze upon the camps and scowled. “Your man here stopped us as if we were the enemy. What in the saints’ names are you doing here, Marcus?”

“My duty, as our king charged me. What are you doing here?”

“Came to get my men. I was visiting my castle at Holt, and word came that you held them. I went to Anglesmore only to learn you had brought them here.” He smirked as he dismounted. “You brought a very big shovel just to root out a few thieves.”

“Roots grow long and deep in these mountains. Still, you are right. My men are young and eager, however, so I let them come.”

“And you, Addis? Were your men so eager too?”

“I was at my manor in Wiltshire, and decided to visit an old friend. The chance for some action was a tempting lure to stay.”

Arundal accepted without question that any man would welcome a chance fight. A less arrogant expression covered his face as he gestured Marcus aside.

“About that matter in the village. I will compensate you as is customary. When I heard you had taken my men, I was angry, I will admit it. Then learning they accompanied you here, well, I confess I was angrier yet. I realize, however, that you only sought to protect them from some revenge or whatnot in your absence.”

“That was my intention.”

“You can give them to me now. I will see that they are punished.”

“Fate has done the job for you. We were attacked on the way here, and your men were killed.”

Arundal’s eyes narrowed to slits. “Bold of these wild men. Also rare for them to invite such a skirmish. Perhaps it is good that you brought a big shovel. How many did you lose?”

“Just three.”

The implications sank in. Arundal’s face turned red. “Someone from the village must have been there, pointing them out. I’ll burn that place to the ground.”

“I remind you that it is my village.”

“Then you burn it.”

“I have bigger matters to take care of now. When I am finished with them, we will discuss this small one. However, to my mind, justice has been done, and a mercy too. Better a few quick arrows than hanging, which is what I would have demanded of you for their crime.”

Arundal puffed with outrage. He called gruffly to Addis. “You did not see to his education properly. Explain to this boy how it is.”