“I know every village thereabouts, noble sir. Alas! they are nearly all ruined.”
“Yes! God and the saints pity them. But, further, do you know the Bishop of Beauvais?”
“Certainly I know him. It is his diocese.”
“That is fortunate. I have a message for the bishop, but no messenger who is acquainted with that region, or cunning enough to evade the English. I can trust you for both?”
“I am ready, noble sir, provided you do not wish me to act as a spy.”
“Do you suppose, my young friend, that I would choose you if I needed a spy? No, the mission you are to undertake has nothing to do with the war. However, I cannot conceal from you the danger involved in the undertaking. The Bishop of Beauvais has the reputation of loving money and leaning to both sides. Do you understand me?”
“Perfectly, noble sir. He is devoted, now to the Burgundians, now to the Lotharingians, now to the English, and now to the Duke of Orleans.”
“Listen. The English might easily regard a messenger to him as a spy, which, by Our Lady, would grieve me. But then again, even if they should hold you as a prisoner it would be uncomfortable, for money is so scarce in our treasury that you might have to wait a long time for your release.”
“I do not think, noble sir, that the English will catch me.”
“Then you will undertake the mission?”