When Robert finished speaking, the men were stunned for a moment before scrambling to their feet. Attendants at their sides rushed to help their masters don their armor and fasten their spurs.
Robert's attendants rushed forward with his chain armor and helmet and began to dress him.
"Robert, it's useless! Hugh has at least twice as many knights as we do. Their campaigns in North Wales have never ceased; their combat experience is far greater than ours."
Belem pushed aside a nearby attendant and stumbled after Robert, only to fall to the ground after just a few steps.
Robert ignored him, vaulted onto the warhorse an attendant led over, and took the lance he was offered.
Just then, a familiar banner slowly appeared in the distance. It bore the emblem of a standing red lion.
That was the coat of arms of the Earl of Chester.
The arriving knight was none other than his cousin, the Earl of Chester—Hugh.
He was a burly youth with a perfectly round, pudgy face.
