Still wondering at this unlooked-for sight, the Englishmen spurred on till they drew rein outside the twin towers that guarded the gate of Hennebon. A hoarse voice challenged them, and torches flickered on the battlements as the garrison stood to their arms.
"Open! We would see the Countess!" roared Redward, standing in his stirrups.
"Who are ye, and whence come ye?" was the reply.
"Messengers from the King of England."
Cries of delight greeted this announcement, the drawbridge fell with a ponderous clang, the great gates were thrown wide open, and, conscious that a great duty had been well carried out, Raymond, followed by his father, entered the town of Hennebon.
[CHAPTER XIII]
THE RELIEF OF HENNEBON
"THY name and style, fair sir?"
"My name is Raymond Buckland, squire to Sir John Hacket, Constable of the King's Castle of Portchester and Governor of the town of Portsmouth. Lead me, I pray, to her grace the Countess of Montfort, for I have a letter which I have to give her by my own hand."
"Nay," was the reply, "that cannot be—at least not at this moment. The Countess led a sortie yesterday at noon, and, alas, hath not yet returned. I, Henri Barbenoire, seigneur of the castle of Ploeac and Seneschal, in the absence of the Countess of this town will receive thy message."
"That cannot be," replied Raymond courteously, "for to the Countess alone must I hand this letter."