At length Richard Ratclyffe arrived at the castle, his crestfallen face forewarning the garrison of the failure of his mission. Sir Raoul had been summoned to Paris to attend upon the Dauphin, and for an apparently indefinite time the Castle of Maissons was to be shorn of its numerous soldiery, a bare thirty men-at-arms and cross-bowmen being left to hold the fortress during its lord's absence.
"I can only return to my master, Sir Thomas Carberry, with assurances of Sir Raoul's condolence," exclaimed Ratclyffe ruefully. "That is but cold comfort, yet 'tis better than nothing at all. But on the other hand, Geoffrey, there are great doings afoot. I heard, on the authority of one of the French king's attendants, that our King Harry hath formally presented his claim to the throne of France. Failing an immediate compliance he vows that he will submit his claim to the arbitrament of the sword."
"'Tis good news," replied Geoffrey enthusiastically, but the brow of the Norman seneschal clouded ominously.
"France for the Frenchmen," said he. "So long as Sir Oliver holds Taillemartel as a fief of King Charles I am content. With Burgundian fighting Orleanist I am likewise content to side with the Duke of Burgundy. Should he think fit to make alliance with your King Henry 'tis well; but failing that, how can I, Bertrand de Vaux, stand aloof when English armies tread on French soil?"
"Have a care, sir, lest you fall betwixt two stools," exclaimed Ratclyffe. "'Tis said that Burgundy favours King Henry's claim."
"If that be so, I, too, am with him; yet at heart I am a Frenchman."
"Time will prove, good Bertrand. Meanwhile, concerning the matter in hand; it is my purpose to journey homewards to-morrow, Geoffrey, so if thou hast a message to send to Warblington I will be the bearer."
"Since so little has been done towards setting free my father, I am at a loss what to say," replied Geoffrey, sadly. "But this: bear my mother my most dutiful expressions of regard, and tell her that by the blessing of God I am in good health. Also that I am striving to do my devoirs as a true Lysle."
Late in the afternoon of the day following Ratclyffe's departure, a small cavalcade was observed to be rapidly approaching the castle. The battlements were immediately manned, the gates shut, and the drawbridge raised, while speculation was rife as to the object of the new-comers.
Without hesitation the little band rode fearlessly up to the edge of the moat. There were but seven, all most magnificently mounted and accoutred, while their leader bore the French Royal arms upon his surcoat—the silver lilies upon an azure field. A horn was sounded, and admittance was demanded for a herald of King Charles of France. Upon this the drawbridge was lowered, and the gates thrown open.