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haughtiness was there, though; there was no doubt that Arthur was well aware of his importance.
    They rode out side by side, their followers around them.
    Constance, with Guy beside her, watched them from a castle window.
    Guy said: ‘Don’t be afraid. There are trusted men with them.’
    ‘You know what he does. He contrives to get him away. Why?’
    ‘Because he finds great joy in torturing you.’
    ‘He’s a monster.’
    ‘I have heard that said of him.’
    ‘I would to God he would go away.’
    ‘He cannot stay here for ever. But when he goes let us not slacken our care. It may well be that Arthur is safer while he is here, for if aught happened to Arthur then he would be immediately blamed.’
    ‘I wish he would break his neck.’
    ‘I doubt you are not the only one who prays for that happy event. Nay, my love, do not fret, Arthur is with his friends and they will watch over him. This is for John a light diversion. One of his greatest delights is to frighten people and that is what he hopes to do now.’
    ‘A thousand curses on him.’
    ‘Amen,’ said Guy.

    How pleasant it was in the forest. The boy’s face was alight with his love of the chase. John noted the clearness of his eyes and the freshness of his skin. He was too healthy to please his uncle.
    A boy … nothing more. Twelve years old and to stand so much in his way! The people of England would never accept him, but over here they would. Normandy, Anjou … oh yes, they would be ready enough. And the King of France would doubtless like to see a minor on the throne of England and if he threw in his lot with Arthur …
    When he thought of that his temper started to rise and he must keep it in check to a certain extent. Moreover, it hadn’t happened yet. Richard still lived.
    They gave chase to a fine buck. Hunting was exciting; he loved the way in which the frightened animal fled; he liked the killing not to be accomplished too quickly. That took the fun out of hunting.
    There was no chance on this occasion to get Arthur alone; no sooner had he eluded one than another rider seemed to appear. Madame Constance had given her orders. ‘Never leave Arthur out of sight when he is with his uncle John.’
    He laughed aloud. He guessed Constance was now in afever of anxiety and so would she remain until they returned to the castle. They would dally just to keep her in suspense.
    The buck was slain; the bearer would take it to the castle.
    Arthur shouted: ‘We go back now. I have had enough.’
    You have had enough, my little nephew? thought John. What of your uncle?
    John said: ‘’Tis such a pleasant day. Who knows, there may be another buck finer than the one we have captured lurking near.’
    ‘Nay,’ said Arthur. ‘My mother cares not for me to be away too long.’
    ‘Oh, but on this occasion she knows you are in the care of good Uncle John.’
    Arthur was too young to dissemble. He opened his blue eyes very wide and began: ‘Oh, but …’ He stopped.
    ‘Yes, nephew?’ said John coaxingly.
    ‘’Tis nothing,’ replied Arthur. ‘I have had enough of the chase, though. I wish to see my mother’s delight when she sees the buck.’
    ‘We will not go yet,’ said John. ‘Such a fine young fellow has no wish to be governed by women.’
    John spurred his horse and started to ride away, certain that Arthur after such a gibe would follow. Arthur shouted after him: ‘This is not women. It is my mother,’ and galloped off in another direction.
    ‘Curse him,’ muttered John. ‘The young coxcomb. I’d like to whip him till the blood flowed.’
    But there was nothing he could do. His own followers, knowing well from past experience that Arthur’s departure would mean that the Angevin temper was on the rise, were aware how wise it was not to be too near their master. A cut ofthe whip could leave a life-long scar as a reminder of an ill-chosen word or action.
    John rode off, his men a little distance from him, muttering curses against Arthur,