The Lances of Lynwood

nce their neighbours, the Lords of Clarenham, never failed to take advantage of the asce

fortunes of the Lynwoods. Sir Henry, father of the present Knight, was a staunch adherent of the unfortunate monarch, and even joined the hapless Edmund, Earl of Kent, in the rising in which that Prince was entrapped after the murder of his brother. On this occasion, it was only Sir Henry's hasty flight that preserved his life, and his lands were granted to the Baron Simon de Clarenham by the young Edward III., then under the

and gained the favour and friendship of the gallant Prince of Wales. The feud with the Clarenhams seemed to be completely extinguished, when Reginald, chi

still closer by the Baron's second marriage with the Lady Muriel de la Poer, a near relative of Sir Reginald's mother. Many a time had Dame Eleanor Lyn

e rested beneath a quaint little image of his infant figure, in brass, in the vaults of the little Norman chapel; for he was a puny, ailing child, apt to scandalize his father and brother, and their warlike retainers, by being scared at the da

n, and he had applied himself ardently to all knightly exercises, looking with great eagerness to the time when he might appear in the Prince's court. He had invested it with all the glory of the Round Table and of the Paladins; and though he kn

tourneys, and machines, and especially delighted in histories of the marvellous effects of gunpowder. Ralph would shake his head, vow that it would soon put an end to all true chivalry, and walk off to furbish his fa

llowed each other in quick succession, and the summer passed merrily away. Merrily, that is to say, with Sir Reginald, whose stirring life in camp and court had left him but few and short intervals for enjoying his home and the society of his wife; with Eleanor, who, relieved from long anxiety, began to recover the spirits and health whic

a summons arrived, or, more properly speaking, an invitation to the trusty and well-beloved Sir Reginald Lynwood to join the forces which the Duke of Lancaster was assembling a

s home. He even promised his sorrowful Eleanor that this should be the last time he would leave her. "I will but bestow Eustace in some honourable household, where he may be trained in knightly lore-that of Chandos, perchance, or some other of the leader

on his pennon. Sir Reginald might have said somewhat to cheer her, but at that instant little Arthur darted into the hall with news that the ar

grumbling; the men-at-arms and retainers some obeying orders, others being scolded, the steel clanging, hammers ringing without intermission. Most of the party, such at least as could leave their employment without a sharp reprimand from one or the other of the contending authorities, the Seneschal and the Squire, were gathered round the steps, where the armourer was displaying, with many an

the custom for a brave man-at-arms to loo

e are down, and lie closed up in our shells like great land tortoises turned on their backs,

ourselves as well as our fathers, we shall have littl

; nevertheless, since young Eustace would be the show of the camp if he appeared there provided i

man, whose dress and bearing showed him to be of consideration, accompanied by a youth of eighteen or ninet

"how is it with you? This is friendl

ountry can ill spare such men as you. Thanks, my young friend Eustace. See, Leonard, what good training will do for an Esquir

iment, and replying with a bow, turned to the youth with the ready courtesy of one willing to relieve the shyness of an awkward stranger. "We were but now discussing the merit between damasked steel and chain mail, what opinion do you bring to aid us?" A renewed stare, an inarticulate muttering, and Master Leonard turned away and almost hid his face in the mane

s the hour of noon had arrived, all partook of the meal, which was served in the hall,

found himself seated next to his old acquaintance, Eustace Lynwood, out of hearing of those who

are here to-day? My father says that I must take service with some honourable Knight, and see somewhat of the world. He spoke long of the Lord de Cl

h us to Bordeaux?" excl

tru

hearing!" said Eustace. "Old fr

onfidential whisper, "I like not that outlandish Squire, so

jest his nom de guerre of Gaston le Maure, yet d'Aubricour was a gallant gentleman of Gascony. But still Leonard was not sati

kinder heart and

ce lower!' 'head higher;' that is what has been ringing in my ears from morning till ni

off their hands long ago. Gaston is the

s ache with the tutoring I get from my fat

nounce the Grace-. There-now must I go and serve your f

And these of Eustace's be the courtly manners my father wo

f to reply to the question which Leonard wished to have resolved, namely, what they were to do in Castile, by persuading him to believe that Enriqu

s train as an Esquire. The Knight of Lynwood, though not very desirous of this addition to his followers, could not well refuse him, in consideration of the alliance

Reginald Lynwood are not so easily allowed to hide themselves in obscurity.

, except for the arraying a battle. It would take far sharper wits than mine, or, indeed, I suspect, than any that we have at Bordeaux, to me

e first time with such a leader as yourself. The example and friendship of your brother will also be of the utmost service. Your chief Squire too-

one of the most steady. I took up with him a couple of years since, when poor old Humfrey Harwood was slain at Auray, and I knew not where to turn for a Squire. Save for a few wild freaks now and then, he has done right well, though I sometimes marvelled at his ch

rable birth?" a

he was called, one of the robber noblesse of the Navarrese border; but I have little time for such matters, and they do not dwell in my mind. If I find a man does his duty in my service, I care n

in your hands. One word more, Sir Reginald, I pray you. You are all-powerful with Prince Edward. My poor boy's ad

aught save personal merit would weigh with him. Your son shall have every opportunity of deserving his notice

g his thanks, took his leave, promising that Leonard should be at Lynw