The news was not good, and he felt it better to get some sleep, refresh himself and face the King later in the morning. Besides, he was in no fit state to present himself before his Monarch, being roughly attired in riding garbs and covered in the dust and grime that a hard ride across the country roads would cover both horse and rider in. He therefore headed to his home to rest, reflect on the last few days and how he could best tell the King the result of his latest negotiations, or, to be more exact, the lack of any meaningful progress. William's servants were unprepared for their master to be arriving at such a late hour. The large torches that illuminated the gates to his estate were almost flickering their last. The gatekeeper, however, managed to recognise the horse and rider approaching him at speed and opened the gates so that the horse did not have to break its stride. Now he was within the security of his own grounds, William allowed himself to slow down and upon reaching the front of his chateau dismounted, removed his all important saddle-bag and strode meaningfully, though somewhat tiredly, through the impressive front doors.
