Bertrand’s upper lip tightened. He was alive again to the last sinew.
“Jacques, you know the forest ways?”
“Yes, lording.”
“Bring us to the Vicomte de Bellière’s tower before Hanotin and his rogues break in.”
“Lording, I will do my best if you will bring back my old sow.”
Bertrand stood in the stirrups and called his men round him.
“Come, who is for robbing a brother thief? Shout, all of you, for Bertrand du Guesclin and Brittany!”
And shout they did, ready as Bertrand to strike a blow at Hanotin, Croquart the Fleming’s man. Guicheaux gave tongue to the common will.
“Lead on, lording, we will follow.”
“Well said, comrade,” quoth Hopart, “I’d give a knight’s ransom to stick my poniard in Hanotin’s belly.”