"
The Prince ground his teeth and his piercing eyes blazed upon the
youth. "By my father's soul! I can scarce forbear to strike you
to the earth! But this I promise you, that if you show that sign
of the Red Griffin in the field and if you be taken alive in
to-morrow's battle, your head shall most assuredly be shorn from
your shoulders."
"Fair son, indeed you speak wildly," cried the Cardinal. "I
pledge you my word that neither my nephew Robert nor any of my
train will take part in the battle. And now I leave you, sire,
and may God assoil your soul, for indeed in all this world no men
stand in greater peril than you and those who are around you, and
I rede you that you spend the night in such ghostly exercises as
may best prepare you for that which may befall." So saying the
Cardinal bowed, and with his household walking behind him set off
for the spot where they had left their' horses, whence they rode
to the neighboring Abbey.
The angry Prince turned upon his heel and entered his tent once
more, whilst Chandos, glancing round, held out a warm welcoming
hand to Nigel.
"I have heard much of your noble deeds," said he. "Already your
name rises as a squire errant. I stood no higher, nor so high, at
your age."
Nigel flushed with pride and pleasure. "Indeed, my dear lord, it
is very little that I have done. But now that I am back at your
side I hope that in truth I shall learn to bear myself in worthy
fashion, for where else should I win honor if it be not under your
banner.
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