"Ay, fair lady, of the Lord of Malevereux, otherwise known as the Tyrant of Valadour, who sends this letter by my hand."
Drawing from his pouch a sealed packet, the squire knelt and presented it to the châtelaine.
"From Yves, Baron of Malevereux, Lord of the High, the Middle, and the Low, to the Lady Bertha, Châtelaine of the Castle of Warblington, greeting:—
"Whereas, by the grace of the blessed Saint Hilary, Sir Oliver Lysle, thy husband, hath fallen into my hands, be it known that this is my will and pleasure: Him will I have and hold until a ransom of ten thousand crowns be paid for the release of the said Sir Oliver. It is my request that this sum be paid on or before the eve of the Feast of the blessed Saint Silvester, failing which Sir Oliver must suffer death."
Twice the châtelaine read the missive, then, turning to the squire, she asked—
"Knowest aught of this letter?"
"Nay, fair lady, though I wot 'tis of cold comfort."
"How came Sir Oliver to be taken?"
"By stealth, madame. They of Malevereux seized him as he lay abed in a hostel on the road 'twixt Rouen and Taillemartel. Me they also took, but the Tyrant set me free in order that I might bear tidings to Warblington."
"And did Sir Oliver charge thee by word of mouth?"