He let Cavendish finish with Fulk before he opened the door and suffered the two earls, Walworth, and the archbishop to enter. They paused on the threshold, and stood looking at a young man seated in the King’s chair, wearing the King’s clothes with an air of fine serenity.
They were astonished, and, drawing near, stood about Fulk, staring at him.
Cavendish gave a short laugh.
“Sire, here are your good councillors.”
“Gentlemen, you are very welcome. What commands shall I lay upon you?”
Salisbury’s eyes flashed under a frowning forehead.
“Young man, know you what you carry on your shoulders?”
“Your heads, sir—and my own.”
“Aye—and more than that. Here’s my sword. Swear on the cross thereof that you will keep troth with us.”
Fulk swore, looking straight in Salisbury’s eyes.