"I am right glad to hear of it," replied Oswald. "There is much advancement to be made in such matters."
"Not without losses, hunger, and discomforts," added the knight, smiling at the youth's ardent words. "Young men are apt to look upon only the bright side of war. Such views I myself have held, but as time runs on we elders know more of the dark side of the picture. Nevertheless, at the first call to arms I, amongst many, will not be found wanting."
"What think ye of our new King?" asked Geoffrey, more bluntly than he intended.
The knight shook his head.
"'Tis not meet that a soldier should offer an opinion of his liege lord," he replied. "Henry V is my King, and to me that is sufficient reasoning for unswerving loyalty. A true Englishman's duty is to serve loyally, be he knight or commoner; therefore, I counsel you, reject all reports to the belittlement of King Harry, strive to live upright and true to those set in authority, and all will go well."
With this advice Sir Thomas dismissed his visitors, renewing his assurance that on the morrow he would journey to see the Châtelaine of Warblington in person.
"Since Sir Thomas hath promised to speak in my favour my hopes are raised," remarked Geoffrey. "Who knows but that ere the Feast of St. Mark I may be upon French soil."
"Since the Lady Bertha hath charged me to convey her reply to Malevereux we may bear one another company," replied Oswald. "But what have we here?"
The travellers had now reached the outskirts of the little hamlet of Cosham. Outside a mud-and-wattle cottage a large crowd, comprising nearly all the inhabitants and a sprinkling of strangers, had collected. That something was amiss was apparent by the low murmur that reached the lads' ears as they approached.
"If 'tis some slight affray 'tis our duty to aid the weaker side," said Oswald, his right hand flying to his sword-hilt. "See to it that thou dost strike yarely should occasion arise."