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Scarce was thy flight discovered when there came messengers hot-foot to thy guest, Duke Ivo, having word from Sir Gui of Allerdale that one hath arisen calling himself son of Beltane the Strong that once was Duke of Pentavalon, as ye know.
"Ah, fair lord," says Beltane, "then, as I guess, these fifty and three shall assuredly live on awhile, since Sir Gui of Allerdale will hang men no more."
The wide-eaved hat was tossed to the floor and Sir Gui, clenching his hands, would have spoken but the harsh voice drowned his words: "How, knight, thou that art Bloody Gui of Allerdale! Dost thou not know me, forsooth? I am Waldron, whose father and mother and sister ye slew. Aye, Waldron of Brand am I, though men do call me Walkyn o' the Dene these days.
"Bloody Gui of Allerdale that I do live but to slay one day with Pertolepe the Red " "Thou dost remember, Roger, how, within the Keep at Belsaye I sware an oath unto Sir Gui? So now this very hour must we march on Belsaye that this my oath may be kept." But here a murmur arose that hummed from rank to rank; heads were shaken and gruff voices spake on this wise: "Belsaye?
"Jump, I say: I will follow thee." So, groaning, Black Roger hurled his sword far out from the window, and leaping from the sill, was gone. Then Beltane turned and looked upon Gui of Allerdale. "Seneschal," said he, "I who speak am he, who, an God so wills, shall be Duke of Pentavalon ere long: howbeit, I will keep my promise to thee, so aid me God!"
"In Belsaye is that pale fox Sir Gui of Allerdale with many trusty men-at-arms to hold the town for Black Ivo and teach Belsaye its duty: how may we destroy my lord Duke's gallows 'neath the very beards of my lord Duke's garrison, wilt tell me that, my good, Black Rogerkin?" "Aye," nodded Roger, "that will I when I have asked my lord."
And Red Pertolepe was there, and Gui of Allerdale and Roger and young Gilles of Brandonmere all were there with six other noble knights; but these six we slew long since, my brother and I. All these were here that day and Sir Pertolepe laughed full loud, 'twas told me. So 'twere just he should have died here to-day, methinks? 'Twas for this I lured him hither and he liveth yet!"
"Ha, dare ye mock me, knave?" cried Sir Robert, and clenching iron hand he spurred upon Beltane, but checked as suddenly, and pointed where, midst the shrinking populace, strode one in knightly armour, whose embroidered surcoat bore the arms, and whose vizored helm the crest of Sir Gui of Allerdale.
'Tis Sir Robert's summons, and well I know he will demand speech with my lord Gui alas for us and for Belsaye town!" "Nay," answered Beltane, "be comforted. Answer as I shall direct and fear ye nothing. Come your ways." Now when Roger turned and would have followed, Giles plucked him by the arm: "Roger," quoth he, "Sir Robert will demand speech of Gui of Allerdale, mark ye that, my Rogerkin.
"Good master," spake Beltane, quelling the archer with a look, "these my comrades hither came that a noble man should not perish, and that Sir Gui of Allerdale should cease from evil, and behold, 'tis done! So I pray you, give us food and shelter for the night, for with the dawn we march hence." "But O tall brother!" gasped Giles, "O sweet lord, there was mention made of treasure!
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