CHAPTER IX
CONCERNING GEOFFREY'S DESPERATE RESOLVE
"Though we have not Sir Yves in our hands, we have not fared badly," said Arnold Gripwell, as they hurried off to muster the men of Taillemartel, leaving the son of Sir Yves in the charge of a party of archers. "With Sir Denis and this Henri as our captives we ought to bring the Lord of Malevereux to his senses."
"He will scarce dare to carry out his threat now," replied Geoffrey. "No doubt he will be willing to effect an exchange of prisoners. But what have they done with Sir Denis?"
The man-at-arms and his charge had reached the scene of the encounter with the brother of Sir Yves, but the helpless steel-clad body of Sir Denis was nowhere to be seen.
"Perchance some of our men have him in safe keeping," observed Gripwell. "I pray thee summon our soldiers that we may question them on this matter."
In response to a trumpet call the garrison of Taillemartel formed up in the village street, wearied yet triumphant. The defence and subsequent rout of the invaders had not been accomplished without severe loss. Eleven men had been killed, and over a score grievously wounded, including Bertrand de Vaux, the seneschal; while nearly every other man-at-arms and archer had received some slight injury. Of the peasants but three had been killed and ten wounded, for they had mainly contented themselves by hurling stones from a safe distance.
Careful inquiries failed to throw any light on the fate of Sir Denis. Unnoticed by the defenders, his varlet, with praiseworthy devotion, had dragged the hapless knight from the fray, and, assisting him to a horse, had provided him with the means of flight.
Great was Geoffrey's disappointment at the escape of Sir Denis, but, consoling himself with the fact that the only son of Sir Yves was a prisoner in his hands, he led his men back to the Castle of Taillemartel.
Some of the bolder spirits were for setting off in immediate pursuit of the remnants of the invading forces, while the investment of Malevereux was seriously discussed. But Gripwell knew that the slender garrison of Taillemartel was quite insufficient to hope to reduce the formidable defences of Sir Yves' stronghold. More prudent measures must be taken if Sir Oliver were to regain his freedom.