"But for one thing, Maurice, I had as lief let it be thought that Redward Revyngton was no longer in this world. It is Raymond of whom I think, for I know that to-morrow's battle will count me amongst the slain. How think ye, Maurice? Is there hope that the King will set aside the outlawry, and free my son from its curse?"
The knight shook his head sorrowfully. "Sir Reginald Scarsdale is ever with the King, and his wrath against his brother's slayer dies not."
"And to make matters worse Raymond, ignorant of my past, seeks his daughter's hand in marriage."
Sir Maurice smiled grimly.
"I'll do my best, even if it be to beg a favour of Scarsdale himself! But sit down, Redward, and let us talk at ease, for the hours of darkness fly quickly, and there is much to be said."
It was after midnight before the brothers bade each other farewell, and Redward and Raymond returned to their tents.
On gaining the lines of the Hampshire companies, father and son parted, the former to compose his mind for his anticipated death, the latter to ponder over the astounding revelations he had just heard. Sleep was banished from Raymond's eyes, and long he tossed uneasily on his hard pallet, till the dawn grew ruddy in the east and the trumpets heralded the advent of the eventful day.
[CHAPTER XIX]
CRÉCY
FOR a short space after the trumpets had sounded all was bustle, men running hither and thither, each with a fixed purpose. Directly Raymond had donned his armour he emerged from his tent to find all the Hampshire companies busily engaged in breaking their fast, as were most of the troops, the King having ordered that every man should make a hearty meal, so as to be sustained throughout the day.
This over, the men formed into their accustomed ranks, and instantly there was a long procession of camp-followers and lackeys leading the horses to the enclosure behind the camp, for the order had gone forth that all combatants were to fight afoot.