He’d come on the matter of Rhun and Rhydderch’s incarceration. Rhys greeted him warmly, impressed that Baudoin would try to use his influence to gain freedom for his wife’s brothers. He and his mount looked tired. He must have ridden hard from Normandie where he’d been fighting in King Henry’s victorious war against Duke Curthose of Normandie. Rhys invited him to share food in the Great Hall. They helped themselves to the freshly baked bread and wedges of crumbly cheese, a tankard of ale and slices of cold mutton. “You and your brothers must be relieved Curthose was captured at Tinchebray,” Rhys offered. “Tell me about the battle.” Baudoin nodded, chewing his food. He took a gulp of ale to wash it down. He recounted the story. “Oui, Robert can have closure now and hopefully get on with his life. He was one of the cohort that actually captured the Duke. I’m sure he wanted to run Curthose through with his sword, but he turned him over to King Henry. Robert’s recovery has been slow since his release from Curthose’s gaol in Caen.
