"If we are to have such a fight as will remain in the
memories of men, you will bring no archers and we no crossbows.
Let it be steel upon steel. How say you then?"
"Surely we can bring ten men-at-arms to make up the thirty that
you desire, Robert. It is agreed then that we fight on no quarrel
of England and France, but over this matter of the ladies in which
you and Squire Loring have fallen out. And now the time?"
"At once."
"Surely at once, or perchance a second messenger may come and this
also be forbidden. We will be ready with to-morrow's sunrise."
"Nay, a day later," cried the Breton Squire. "Bethink you, my
lord, that the three lances of Radenac would take time to come
over."
"They are not of our garrison, and they shall not have a place."
"But, fair sir, of all the lances of Brittany--"
"Nay, William, I will not have it an hour later. To-morrow it
shall be, Richard."
"And where?"
"I marked a fitting place even as I rode here this evening. If
you cross the river and take the bridle-path through the fields
which leads to Josselin you come midway upon a mighty oak standing
at the corner of a fair and level meadow. There let us meet at
midday to-morrow."
"Agreed!" cried Bambro'. "But I pray you not to rise, Robert!
The night is still young and the spices and hippocras will soon be
served. Bide with us, I pray you, for if you would fain hear the
latest songs from England, these gentlemen have doubtless brought
them.
Pages:
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420