The Harbourmaster tailed off as John bared his teeth. Matters in Brittany precisely why
John was attempting to make the journey fromConcarneau to St Malo in such haste.
Although the English and French kings had declared truce, the issue of the Breton dukedom had not been settled.
Charles de Blois and John de Mont-
fort had fought bitterly. The English success at Cadoret followed by the siege of Quimper had caused losses on both sides,
but de Montfort's death the previous autumn had left only a five year-old heir as claimant. Now was the ideal time to be travelling safely back to England.
That is entirely why I wish to leave with urgency. I have a report to give to my associates in Bristol regarding the state of their vineyards.
Surely it is in the interest of merchants here that trade between our countries is not disrupted more than necessary."
John gave a tight smile and spoke loudly so
that all in the room could hear his words.
I was informed that Concarneau was a thriving port and I would have no difficulty finding a ship to take me to Plymouth.
Now I find I cannot even get around the coast of Brittany. Clearly, my information was incorrect and I shall be sure to
make it known as widely as I can when I eventually return home so that other travellers do not find themselves caught in the same situation in this dog's piss of a town!"
There were mutters from the men by the fire
who had not missed John's intended insult
hardly surprising since he had deliberately raised his voice at the end of his sentence.
Disparaging comments about the reputation of their home would not be tolerated.
John whipped round to look at his audience, fists bunching.
He relished the thought of a brawl to rid himself of this frustration. It dulled the ever present lump of lead in his chest where once a heart had beat.
The Harbourmaster, perhaps prompted by his
audience into defending the town against such open criticism, pushed himself from his feet and came around the table. He looked up at John-
a good head taller than the Harbourmaster with an appeal in his eyes.