household, at least until he was safely home. The vagabond clerkturned soldier, let him be unfrocked priest or what he might, was anexcellent copyist and a sound Latin scholar, and could put legaldocuments in their best and most presentable form, in good time forthe King’s court at Woodstock. And the Welsh man-at-arms, bluntand insubordinate as he was, was also experienced and accomplished inarms, a man of his word, once given, and utterly reliable in whateversituation on land or sea, for in both elements he had long practicebehind him. Roger was well aware that he was not greatly loved, andhad little faith in either the valour or the loyalty of his own men.But this Welshman from Gwynedd, by way of Antioch and Jerusalem andonly God knew where else, had imbibed the code of arms and wore it asa second nature. With or without love, such service as he pledged,that he would provide.

Roger put it to them both as his men were embarking at Barfleur, inthe middle of a deceptively placid November, and upon a calm sea.

“I would have you two accompany me to my manor of SuttonMauduit by Northampton, when we disembark, and stay in my pay until acertain lawsuit I have against the abbey of Shrewsbury is resolved.The King intends to come to Woodstock when he arrives in England, andwill be there to preside over my case on the twenty-third day of thismonth. Will you remain in my service until that day?”

The Welshman said that he would, until that day or until the case wasresolved. He said it indifferently, as one who has no business of anyimportance anywhere in the world to pull him in another direction. Aswell Northampton as anywhere else. As well Woodstock. And afterWoodstock? Why anywhere in particular? There was no identifiablelight beckoning him anywhere, along any road. The world was wide,fair and full of savour, but without signposts.

Alard, the tatterdemalion clerk, hesitated, scratched his thickthatch of grizzled red hair, and finally also said yes, but as ifsome vague regret drew him in another direction. It meant pay forsome days more, he could not afford to say no.



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