Chapter 20

The next day, Jean was seated at the table in the great hall. He managed to eat a small amount of roast chicken, with some watered wine, but nothing more.

“I must go to Paris immediately,” he explained. “I have to see the King.”

“But you just got home!” Marguerite protested.

“You don’t understand, Marguerite!” He told her harshly. “I lost everything! Of the nine men squires, only your brother survived the expedition. I lost everything, the horses, armor, weapons, supplies, and the gold we needed to live. It’s all gone! I had to borrow money to fund the trip! I cannot pay it back! I am destitute! If I cannot pay the loan, Count Pierre will take everything! The King owes me almost a year’s pay at a Knight’s wages! If we don’t get the money, right away, we will lose everything!”

“But, Jean, you just got home! Surely, they will give you time to get the money!”

“The man who stole Aunou-le Faucon from me? The man who stole Belleme from me? The man who stole the lands I bought from me? He wants my lands! This is his chance! I need to go see him now and beg him for the time it will take me to go do Paris and collect my pay.”

“But, Jean, you are not well!”

“It doesn’t matter, woman! I will not discuss this matter more! I am going tomorrow, and that is final. You will remain here with my mother until I return from Paris. Is that clear?”

Marguerite lowered her gaze, “Yes, Jean. I will do as you say.”