Just as they reached the upper landing the door of the great council chamber opened and Gloucester came out, followed by Buckingham.
"Ha, De Bury! what brings you in such haste?" Richard demanded. "What is amiss in the North?"
"It may be much and it may be little, so please you," said Sir John, removing his bonnet and bowing slightly.
"Follow me," said the Duke, and descending to the second floor they entered the small room next the chapel, leaving De Lacy on guard without.
Slowly the minutes passed. Once Aymer heard Buckingham's voice raised as though in sharp argument. Then it ceased abruptly, and he knew that Richard had silenced him. A little later Stafford laughed, and this time was joined by De Bury. At length, the door opened and Gloucester called him:
"Summon twenty of the guard," he said. "Lead them hither yourself."
At the outer door De Lacy came upon Raynor Royk.
"Twenty of the guard instantly," he ordered.
From across the courtyard De Wilton had seen Aymer, and he was already sauntering toward him. De Lacy motioned for him to make haste. "It has come," he said, as De Wilton joined him.
"Oh, has it! Well, it took you long enough to find it, surely. And may I ask, what has come?"