"The King's orders are that the troops assemble on the Feast of St. Christopher, the twenty-sixth day of the present month. That is but four days off, and it would ill-become the retainers of Sir Oliver were they not the foremost of the fore, since the men of Hampshire are ever amongst the first to obey the call to arms. Therefore, by the day after to-morrow thou must bid me farewell."
It was at this juncture that Oswald Steyning came to Warblington with the words, "Welcome, Geoffrey. I bring thee good tidings."
"Ay, Oswald, I have already heard the news. I am to serve my lord the King in the field."
"Then thou hast but heard a moiety. Sir Thomas Carberry sends greeting to the Lady Bertha, and expresses his regard for the courtesy of the Châtelaine of Warblington in entrusting her contingent to his care. Moreover, he offers thee, Geoffrey, the post of second squire to attend upon his person."
"Good news! Good news indeed!" exclaimed Geoffrey. "Thou and I, then, are to be fellow squires as well as companions in arms."
"Save that I am a masterless squire," added Oswald. "I would that Sir Oliver displayed his banner side by side with the crescent and star of Sir Thomas Carberry."
"And Richard Ratclyffe—what of him?"
"He is first squire to Sir Thomas, and will, of a surety, attend on him. But I saw him not, since he hath already journeyed to Southampton to see to the ordering of the Portchester company's camp."
During the remainder of the day, and the day following as well, activity reigned within the walls of Warblington. Though every man had been well equipped, much had to be done ere the little band set out to throw in its lot with the men of Portchester. Horses had to be re-shod, swords, bills, and spearheads required grinding and sharpening, bows had to be overhauled, spare cords waxed, and barrels of arrows prepared. With the men-at-arms and archers twelve sumpter horses with their attendants were to bear the baggage as far as the camp of Southampton, while, by express orders from the King, smiths were at work day and night preparing iron tips for the stakes that were to play so important a part in the forthcoming campaign.
At length the time of departure drew near. Having bade farewell to his mother, the châtelaine, Geoffrey, now accoutred cap-à-pied in bascinet, globular breastplate, steel gorget, greaves and sollerets, took his place at the head of the column, with Oswald, similarly attired, at his right hand.