On July 14 one of his scouts brought home the news that Galors had concentrated on Hauterive, while keeping close watch along Wan. He himself was no one knew where, scouring the country for traces of the girl Isoult la Desirous, who had escaped from High March. Meantime a detached force under the Golden Knight had surprised Goltres, and put the inhabitants to the sword. They held that stronghold, and were said still to be there.
Prosper sent for his horse, and rode down to the council house to see the High Bailiff.
"Bailiff," he said, "Galors will not be here yet awhile. If he comes you will know what to do. But I do not think he will come just yet."
"Ah, Messire, will you desert us?" cried the good soul.
"If you put it so, yes."
"You are tired of warfare, Messire?"
"Warfare, pardieu! I am tired of no warfare. I am going to make some for default of it."
"And leave us all here?"
"And leave you all here."
"Would you have us assume the offensive, sir?"