Bertrand du Guesclin – 22 June 1355

Du Guesclin cautiously approached the village. He was still in a black rage as he searched for his prey. He made a conscious effort to keep his rage under control.

He had only half the number of men he had brought to Monsegur. Some he knew had been killed but the others had simply run away.

He vowed never to ever get involved in another fight where he was not under total control.

He moved quietly around the outskirts of the village looking in barns and outhouses. Suddenly he found himself surrounded by a dozen soldiers.

‘Good morning gentlemen, my name is Sebastien Sartre;  and to what may we owe the pleasure of your company?’

The soldiers were armed with pikes and crossbows. Du Guesclin realized immediately that resistance would be futile. ‘We are searching for two young people, a boy and a girl, who are heretics. I am acting for the Bishop of Pamiers’

Sebastien spoke lazily but came straight to the point. ‘That may be true but you may also be Routiers, making an assessment of what we have of value and planning a full-scale raid later.’ He smiled but it was not a humorous smile. ‘I will tell you what I will do. We will hold you here and send for a member of the bishops staff who might verify the tale you tell.’

He paused. ‘The nearest point at which we could find such a representative would be Foix, but we may have to go all the way to Pamiers. It will take at least a day possibly longer.’

Du Guesclin’s eyes bulged. ‘If the heretics get away as a result of your interference it will not bode well for you.’

‘I do not intend to interfere with the churches work, so I will make a concession. I will allow you to put a man on the road on either side of the village to ensure that no-one leaves. But you monsieur and the rest of your associates will remain under my care until your credentials are verified. So you see. I am not obstructing your or the Church’s  activities.’

Du Guesclin promised himself revenge but accepted the terms and asked Gerade to man the road to the east and Justin the road to the west. He found a moment to whisper in Gerade’s ear.

‘Do not wait on the outskirts of the village, ride along the road and check everything and everyone. If they are not here I think they will have gone east towards the Mediterranean and there may be something which will give them away.’