‘In which case then, I suggest we join our forces at . . .’Arthur leaned over the map and saw that it was depressingly lacking in detail. The Tagus was marked, together with the road that ran beside it, and a few topographical features. ‘There. At Oropesa, ten days from now. Can his excellency move his army there by the appointed date?’

‘Of course. The Spanish army marches as swiftly as any.’

‘Delighted to hear it.’ Arthur eased himself back in his chair. ‘Now then, I have been told by the junta at Cadiz that his excellency has been instructed to arrange for my army to be provisioned.’

Cuesta frowned as Arthur’s words were translated.

‘His excellency is not obliged to act on the instructions of the junta.’ said O’Donoju. ‘Nevertheless he will provide your soldiers with whatever is necessary.’

‘I am grateful to him. Could you let me know where and when we will receive the supplies?’

Cuesta raised his hands and shrugged as he responded to O’Donoju.

‘His excellency says that his staff officers will deal with the matter. As soon as the supplies are ready a message will be sent to you.’

Arthur puffed his cheeks.‘It would greatly aid the close co-operation of our armies if I could be given the precise date and time now.’

‘That is not possible. But his excellency says that you need not fear going hungry. He gives his word that your needs will be satisfied.’

Arthur looked levelly at Cuesta for a moment. There was little enough gold in the British army’s war chest. In a matter of days he would be obliged to order a cut in rations. A week on from that there would be nothing to eat. He was depending on Cuesta. If the man had given his word, then that would have to be good enough. After all, what could the Spanish gain from starving their ally?

‘Very well. I will advance to Oropesa and meet his excellency there. Meanwhile I will await instructions concerning the supplies you have promised. If that is agreed, then I am afraid I must now depart to re-join my army. We will need to waste no time getting on the road to Oropesa, and victory thereafter.’

Cuesta nodded, then clicked his fingers.

‘His excellency will provide a guide to lead you and your escort back to the main road.’

Arthur raised a hand. ‘I offer him my thanks, but I am sure we can find our own way.’

‘As you wish.’

Arthur rose from his chair and bowed to Cuesta, who responded with a brief bob of his head, and then turned to leave the room and make his way back outside to the waiting escort. As he strode down the steps Arthur glanced at the Spanish officers and the soldiers lining the courtyard. His heart filled with foreboding at the prospect of cooperating with his allies in the coming campaign to find and crush Marshal Victor.