It was decided not to go down the narrow, chalky valley to the sea, but stay on the heights where they were in less danger of being trapped. Tired, hungry and wary of pursuit, they camped in the great forest that ran down to the cliffs, made fires in the clearings and slept as best they could. It was cold, but the air was still and frost would not trouble them where they lay beneath the oaks and elms of Etretat. The following day the army woke to a bright, thin-misted dawn. Men blinked wearily in the sunlight that streamed down into the crowded clearings. Fires were stirred to life, knights were armed, and common soldiers snatched breakfast before the trumpets called them to the march. With his captains gathered about him, the Earl discussed the options open to them. They could head for the shore now, and make for Harfleur along the coast; they could rest up in the forest and hope to avoid discovery; they could line up at the edge of the forest in order of battle and wait for the French.
