Great was the joy of Richard, and earnest were his thanks to the kindly earl; but he had now to hear from his commander.
"Hearken thou well," he said. "Take thou thine own companies and such as shall be named to thee by Sir Peter Legh. March out at the northern gate and follow the road he will name to thee. Speak not to any concerning thy errand, and thou thyself hast need to know no more. But if any stranger shall attempt to march with thee, slay thou him on the spot."
"See that thou obey in silence," added the earl. "I trust in God that I shall see thee again, but do thou thy duty utterly caring not for thy blood or thy life."
Richard bowed low, for his heart was dancing within him at the prospect of new adventure, and he did but say:
"God save the king! And I pray thee, tell my mother I did my duty utterly."
"Haste thee also," came from Sir Geoffrey, "for thine is the vanguard."
O what pride for one so young--to be ordered to the front of a secret foray!
Nevertheless, in the very street, as Richard rode to the camp of his bowmen, he was met and halted by the prince.
"Richard of Wartmont," he said, but not loudly, "thou hast thy orders?"
"So have I mine!" exclaimed the prince. "Not all the fortune of this campaign is to be thine alone. Thou shalt see me with my sword out before thou art older. There are blows to strike, and I am to be in the _mêlée_, as becomes me. Haste thee now, and fare thee well until I see thee again."
It had been ill to answer in words, but Richard bowed again and rode onward.
It was at the gate that he met Sir Peter Legh with further instructions. A good knight was Sir Peter and broad in the shoulders, but he stood a fathom and half a handbreadth in his stature--a sore antagonist for any man to face in field or tourney, and having experience of many a hard-fought field.
"Thou of Wartmont," he said dryly, "since I am to have company of thee and thine, well. It is De Harcourt's word to me. He is my commander. Thou mayest lead older and better men fairly enough. I will tell thee what to do."
"I was ahead of all but thee in the gate of Caen," responded Richard a little freely, for he was but young in temper. "Thou wilt not find me a pace behind thee if so be there is fighting or climbing to be done."