John could see Sir Baldwin talking to the three who stood by the cart, but from here it was impossible to discover what they were saying. Lord Thomas de Berkeley gave a command to Sir John Maltravers, he saw, and Sir John rode forward at a fast trot, four of his own guards riding with him – which left only a handful of men-at-arms guarding Sir Edward of Caernarfon.
Almost without thinking, he kicked his horse into motion and rode towards Sir Edward. Gilbert was ahead of him. The man was turning in his saddle: he looked as though he was going to say something, but then, as he came closer, John saw that there were only a couple of men between him and Edward.
There was a rushing in his ears. It would be the work of a moment to trot forward, right alongside the prisoner, draw a knife and cut his throat. And then – no more fighting, no more strife. No more deaths like Paul’s.
‘In God’s name,’ he prayed to himself, and would have spurred his beast, but then he felt a hand at his knee, stilling him.
‘Not now, my friend.’ It was William. ‘You could not grab the King and ride three-score paces with him before someone would bring you down. Look about you, at all the men here. There are plans already to rescue him. Do not risk yourself.’
‘I wanted to-’
‘I understand,’ William hissed. ‘I do, truly. But there will be better moments, believe me. For now it is better by far that we wait. Trust me, John. If not, all is lost! He
John nodded, but as he drew the reins, about to return to the rear guard, he cast a final look at Sir Edward.
He had not meant to rescue him.
‘Hah! This is more like it, Sir Baldwin, eh? A good castle with beef to eat and strong ale to drink – I swear I shall rest well tonight, no matter that the French King’s host should come knocking on the door!’
Baldwin smiled thinly. It was ever the same when a large household arrived at a stop-over, whether it was a large inn or a castle: first there would be the dawdling about while the senior people were escorted to their rooms and made comfortable, their beasts taken aside to the better stabling and cared for, their baggage all taken up to their chambers ready for them, while maids and servants darted hither and thither with trenchers and platters and mugs and drinking horns. By the time all their needs were catered for, the last poor devils were allowed in to take up any spare room for their horses, and then finally try to locate any space where they themselves might collapse and sleep.
‘Perhaps, Sir Richard,’ he nodded. ‘However, it may be troublesome to find space for so many people tonight, including ourselves, do you not think?’
‘Don’t see why, sir! No, we shall soon be accommodated, I’m sure. First,
At that moment, a young maid went scurrying past. She had thick, curly black hair under her coif, and her grey eyes were panicky.
Sir Richard put on a kindly smile. ‘Maid! MAID!’
She almost fell to the ground before his bellow. ‘Sir-’
‘My dear, you are busy, I appreciate that, but I have need of ale, food and a spot for me bed. Now, where can I find all these?’
‘Sir, I am sorry, I have been ordered to take these to . . .’
Sir Richard was already gazing down at the tray she bore with every sign of satisfaction. ‘That looks perfect.’
‘It is for the guard with Sir Edward.’
‘Good. We
‘But, Sir Knight, you can’t just take it,’ she pleaded.
‘Is there more where this came from?’ he asked.
‘Yes, but-’
‘You tell them that Sir Richard de Welles forced you to give it up – that he was most brutal and demanding, and you feared for your life. Because you would, wouldn’t you, if I was to threaten you?’
She looked at his kindly eyes set in that round face with the thick beard. A smile broke out on her face. ‘No.’
‘You don’t think me terrifying?’
‘Not really. So, sir, I will take these to the men who ordered them.’ She slipped around him, and then paused. ‘But if you were to wait over there, by the stable, I may not be able to get round you again,’ she said with a little smile, before disappearing on her errand.
Baldwin scowled. ‘How do you manage that?’ he wondered. ‘You’re old enough to be her grandfather, and yet you have her simpering like a maid with her swain.’
‘Don’t know what you mean,’ Sir Richard said innocently. ‘Only asked her for some help, that’s all.’
‘Yes,’ Baldwin said, and glanced at Simon, who burst out laughing. The two followed after the knight as he made his way to the place she had pointed out.
