Percy was in a position to send but
few men, for with war with the Scotch imminent, he could not weaken
himself by sending off a large force. However, he sent for Alwyn
Forster.
"I need twenty picked men, for the service of Sir Edmund Mortimer,
Alwyn. I would send more, were it not for the position of affairs here.
What say you to taking the command of them?"
"I would gladly do so, my lord, if it be that there is a chance of
something more lively than drilling hinds, and turning them into
men-at-arms, which has been my business for years now, without a chance
of striking a blow in earnest."
"I think that there will be a certainty of fighting, Alwyn. The
Welshmen are growing troublesome again, and Sir Edmund thinks that
there may be tough work, on the Welsh marches, and has written to me
for aid.
"With the king coming hither, there is a chance that the Earl of March,
and myself, will open the war by harrying the Douglas's lands. I can
spare no great force, but even twenty tried men-at-arms would, no
doubt, be welcome. As the king is going to march into Scotland, there
is no fear that there will be any serious invasion by the Scots, and
therefore you can be spared for a while.
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