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Land, it seems to me that men go there for profit and an idle life."
    I added a word of caution.  "We suffered in Constantinople when the Crusaders passed through following Pope Urban's call to arms. We did not see much Christian fellowship.  The knights who passed through looked to be looking out for themselves rather than Christ."
    The Count nodded, "I heard that.  And I have also heard of counts going there just so that they can become king.  There are greedy knights without any honour. A throne thus gained is not worth sitting upon."
    It was a pleasant interlude.  In the middle of our long journey we found safety and sanctuary with the Count of Lorraine. The Count and his family were both courteous and entertaining.  The whole evening was illuminating.
    When we left the next day the Count insisted that I take the Germans' war horses but I refused the gold.  "It is blood money, Count, and not earned honestly.  Do not fear we will make from this journey.  You keep it for your hospitality and for your nephew's lance and men at arms." The eight men at arms with Sir Guy looked as though they knew their business.
    The Empress Matilda looked happier too now that the spectre of Konrad and Lothar was gone. Guy proved to be a lively companion.  He told us how his father had been dispossessed of his lands by a rival Baron.  He had been the only survivor of a savage midnight raid and now, thanks to his uncle's generosity, was building up his own conroi. "I know what my uncle said about the Holy Land.  For me it may be my only recourse.  I do not mind serving my uncle and learning from him but it would be a different matter to serve my cousin. How about England?  Is there any way a knight can make his fortune there?"
    I smiled, "The northern borders are lively.  If you are good enough then you can carve out a demesne for yourself but it is a never ending struggle.  I left almost as many men at home as I have brought with me. The Scots will be trying to steal my cattle and my people and then there are neighbours who seek to take what is mine."
    The Empress said, "And it is thanks to me that you cannot be with them. I am sorry."
    I was appalled to think that I had upset her.  "No, my lady, I was bound to serve your father and this is a much more pleasurable task I can assure you."
    Guy laughed, "Why, we have the perfect knight here.  Not only is he skilled with weapons and tongues, he is a troubadour too!"
    "Tell me Sir Guy, where did your uncle get the helmet I saw him wearing?  I have never seen the like."
    "It is from Italy.  I am surprised you did not see them in Byzantium."
    "When we left the helmet I have was the latest design."
    "My uncle's was made especially for him.  It gives him all round protection.  It is called a great helm.  I like yours. Your neck is well protected.  The aventail is light but it is mail and will stop a blow.  I shall buy myself one when we have the next tourney."
    "I will have to get myself a great helm.  I can see the advantage of them."
    "The vision is not the best but it gives the wearer an advantage in a mêlée ."
    Once again we had my archers scouting far ahead of us.  They were woodsmen and rode comfortably though the trees and fields which lined the road. If they did not wish to be seen then they would not be. They warned of us of castles and Guy was able to tell us if they represented danger or not.  His presence was invaluable. We slept safely in the manors of friends of his uncle. We were just a day or so from Nancy when they brought us news of danger. Only half of them returned.  "My lord there is a party of armed knights and men at arms waiting on a small hill about two miles up the road."
    "Did they see you?"
    Dick smiled, "No my lord! We left Grant and the others to watch them."
    "You have done well." I turned to Sir Guy.  "What do you make of it?"
    "I vaguely remember the hill your archer speaks of.  It gives a good view of this road and the advantage of a