But now there was the noise of a horse ; and soon , out of the edge of the wood and over the echoing bridge , there rode up young Master Richard Shelton , Sir Daniel 's ward . He , at the least , would know , and they hailed him and begged him to explain . He drew bridle willingly enough -- a young fellow not yet eighteen , sun-browned and grey-eyed , in a jacket of deer 's leather , with a black velvet collar , a green hood upon his head , and a steel cross-bow at his back . The express , it appeared , had brought great news . A battle was impending . Sir Daniel had sent for every man that could draw a bow or carry a bill to go post-haste to Kettley , under pain of his severe displeasure ; but for whom they were to fight , or of where the battle was expected , Dick knew nothing . Sir Oliver would come shortly himself , and Bennet Hatch was arming at that moment , for he it was who should lead the party . `` It is the ruin of this kind land , '' a woman said . `` If the barons live at war , ploughfolk must eat roots . '' `` Nay , '' said Dick , `` every man that follows shall have sixpence a day , and archers twelve . '' `` If they live , '' returned the woman , `` that may very well be ; but how if they die , my master ? '' `` They can not better die than for their natural lord , '' said Dick . `` No natural lord of mine , '' said the man in the smock . `` I followed the Walsinghams ; so we all did down Brierly way , till two years ago , come Candlemas . And now I must side with Brackley ! It was the law that did it ; call ye that natural ? But now , what with Sir Daniel and what with Sir Oliver -- that knows more of law than honesty -- I have no natural lord but poor King Harry the Sixt , God bless him ! -- the poor innocent that can not tell his right hand from his left . '' `` Ye speak with an ill tongue , friend , '' answered Dick , `` to miscall your good master and my lord the king in the same libel . But King Harry -- praised be the saints !
-- has come again into his XXXXX mind , and will have all things peaceably ordained .
Brackley Brierly Candlemas King Oliver Shelton Walsinghams cross-bow right smock