"Thevictor will be William, of course," Tancred said as he wiped his slightlyfull lips with the back of his hand.
Serlelooked at Tancred and his weathered face creased with a faint smile. "Ah,the confidence of youth. Come, my boy, do not forget that we are only a fewthousand men facing a whole country. We have set ourselves down in a strangeland and only a few of us speak the tongue of these people. Do not strut aboutthinking that we are already the victors or your slender body will soon feedthe Saxon worms. Nor should you think that all will be settled and done onceWilliam gets his buttocks on that throne."
"But,William will be the king."
"Andthat is all, eh? No, my boy. We will still be a small army of French in themidst of a sea of Saxons. Would you let a man take your land with only a smallprotest? I think not. William may gain the throne, but it will be a long timebefore he truly holds the country. I have lived three-and-forty years and Ihave never seen a king sit easy upon his throne. And the men who hold whateverbounty William might gift them with had best keep their swords and their witshoned and sharp."
"Youbegin to make me wish I had remained in Normandy.”
Serleshrugged his broad shoulders. "That king knows little peace, either; andyou, as most of us, could hope for little reward save honors when fighting forhim. Here, there is a chance for some gain."
"Nowthat you have thoroughly discouraged my friend," Drogo said, laughtertrembling in his deep voice, "can you tell me why you have sought usout?"
"Toenjoy Ivo's fine cooking," Serle replied, only half in jest as Ivo set ahearty venison stew before them. "Would the promise of that not be enoughto bring any man to your door?"
"Itwould," Drogo agreed as he began to eat. "You, however, could nothave known that there would be a meal to enjoy. We did not. And I think thisfine stew was already brewing for Ivo has not had the time to cook one. So,tell, what brings you here?"
"Williamcalls for supplies. He asks for men to ride out and grasp all they can so thatall of his men might eat well. I have come looking for some men to ride outwith me."
"Andyou have found them. As soon as we have filled our bellies, we can begin thesearch for what is needed to fill the bellies of the rest of the men."
"Andwe are to look for Saxons. I have no wish to be caught with my back to thesea."
Drogonodded in heartfelt agreement before turning his full attention to his meal. Assoon as they were all done eating, he ordered Ivo to watch over Garnier andhold firm to the house. He did not wish to lose such a fine place for he couldnot be sure how long they might have to rest in Pevensey. Even if they lingeredfor only one night, however, he wanted to do so in comfort.
Justas they stepped out of the house, a youth raced up to them. Drogo doubted thatthe boy was even old enough to grow a beard, but someone had at least armoredhim well before sending him out. The youth had a mail hood, surcoat, andgauntlets, as well as a fine sword. The warhorse he led was of a good, sturdybuild and almost looked too big for the slender boy.
"Whoare you, boy, and what brings you to me?" Drogo asked.
"Iam Unwin, sir, and I should like to join with you," the youth replied.
"Youappear too young to he able to pledge your sword where you will."
"Theman I rode with died of a fever but hours before we sailed." The youthflushed. "When William discovered that I was alone, he told me to findanother knight to serve or he must return me to France."
"Thereare many knights here, Unwin."
"Andall are well served. I was told that you and your men have neither pages norsquires, only a brute called Ivo. Please, sir, I need nothing as you can see.My family armoured me well before sending me to this battle. I will serve youwell."
"Youhave never been in battle, have you?"
"No,"Unwin admitted reluctantly. "But, I am well trained. I need this battle togain my spurs, Sir Drogo."
"Orto get your head taken from your shoulders," Serle grumbled then smiledcrookedly when the youth stiffened.
"Ican fight," Unwin snapped.
"Iam sure you can; and if your family has taken such time and spent so much cointo send you along with William, then fight you must," Drogo said, ignoringthe way Tancred rolled his eyes. "You must know, however, that we have nopages or others to serve us because we have no lands, no titles, and no coin.You join a poor group of knights, lad. We have come here to fight for Williamin the hope of gaining some or all of what we lack."
"Ashave I, Sir Drogo."
"Thenjoin us, if you will."
Drogosmiled faintly at the way the youth grinned and quickly mounted his horse. Ithad been a long time since he had felt such eagerness. Unwin still held onlyvisions of glory and wealth. If the boy survived the battles he would soonface, that sweet, blind eagerness would quickly fade away. If the boy were tosurvive, he would have to grow hardened as the rest of them had.
Ashe, Tancred, Serle, and the youth rode out of town, Drogo carefully lookedaround. The area swarmed with men pleased to be on solid ground again and eagerfor war and gain. Neither the ominous fire that had streaked across the skiesat Eastertide nor the way William had faltered upon landing could dim theirconfidence. Drogo prayed that this was not all the result of an empty anduseless bravado. He did not want to think that he had come to England only todie.
Three
