"Might I not be permitted to go to France?" asked Geoffrey, speaking for the first time during the conversation. "I would desire to have some small chance of advancement 'gainst this villainous baron."
"Thou'rt but a lad, Geoffrey," replied his mother. "I commend thy courage and determination; they do thee honour, but the task is beyond thee."
"I am almost of the same age as that most puissant knight, Edward the Black Prince, when he fought at Crécy, and as old as our new King when he crossed swords with Lord Percy at Otterburn," asserted Sir Oliver's son. "Oswald hath followed my father Francewards these two years. Therefore, saving your presence, I ought to be up and doing."
"'Tis a matter that demands careful consideration, Geoffrey, though I do perceive that thou art not like a girl that hath to stay at home. Even as a young hawk hath to leave the nest, a knight's son must, sooner or later, quit the shelter of his parents' roof. But of that more anon. It is in my mind that the good knight, Sir Thomas Carberry, who holds the Castle of Portchester should hear of the mishap that hath befallen my lord."
"Wouldst that I ride thither?" asked Geoffrey eagerly, for the doughty knight was ever a favourite of the lad.
"That is my desire, Geoffrey. The day is but young, and thou canst return ere sundown. Oswald shall bear thee company."
CHAPTER III
HOW A FRIAR AND A LOLLARD MET ON THE
HIGHWAY
In a few moments the lads had donned their cloaks, girded on their swords—since none of quality ever ventured upon the highway save with a weapon ready to hand—and given orders for their horses to be saddled and brought to the gate.
"Have I to bear a letter?" asked Geoffrey, as he came to announce his departure.