Head reeling, Constantin stared at the dust-covered rider, whose anguished face he found hard to interpret. Did he read fear underlying the woe? In that case, the news must be dire.
“Fear not, friend,” Constantin reassured him, “be calm and relate what you have to tell.”
“Sire, we proceeded north for days, keeping the English ships within sight, for they never sailed out on the high seas but stayed in range of vision of our lands. They reached the northernmost outposts of your kingdom, Lord, before they landed with their horses and wagons.”
A growl escaped Constantin’s mouth, and his countenance grew thunderous. The news bearer hesitated, anxious.
“Go on!”
“Lord Ildulb gave the order to pitch camp, for we would attack at first light. He hoped to catch the foe by surprise, for as you k
