The town of Darlington, located in the south of County Durham near the county boundary, dates back to Anglo-Saxon times. Not only is there one of the oldest churches in the town, built in 1125, but also St Cuthbert's Church, one of the most important early Catholic churches in northern England. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that the town became famous for bleaching linen brought from Scotland.

Despite being a remote town in County Durham, it was still a much more prosperous town than County Richmond in the eyes of John Neville, the eldest son of Baron Latimer. As he followed his godmother, Isabel, to Darlington Castle on the banks of the River Skern in the center of town, he asked her again, "Godmother, can I go to town for some time?" ”

Isabel didn't want to refuse her godson's request, but just instructed, "Of course, bring two more guards." If you think someone has offended you, you can have someone come to the castle and report to me. ”

"Yes, godmother." John said yes, but in his heart he didn't agree with his godmother's advice. He believes that even if someone offends him, it should be solved by himself. Because he is 12 years old and can solve problems on his own like an adult.

Ser Herbert, the captain of the Darlington Castle Guard, heard the briefing from the living room servant and led the guards to the outside of the castle's main building. When he saw Isabel, John, and the four guards riding up to the main building, he greeted them with a smile. After the two dismounted, they saluted and greeted the two respectively.

Herbert Frederick had only heard of the eldest son of the baron, who lived in the house of his wife's parents. However, out of respect for the eldest son of the nobleman who had the right to inherit, he greeted politely: "Good day, Mr. John Neville." ”

John, dressed as a knight's squire, only responded politely, "Good day, Sir Herbert." ”

"Sir, how are you and your lady doing?" Isabel laughed as she handed the reins to the guard.

"Yes, Miss, Effie was talking to me about you just now."

"Really? What is Effie talking about me? ”

While the two were still laughing, the Sir Lady Euphemia and her personal maid walked out of the main gate with graceful steps. When they came to Isabel and John, they saluted as usual. Then, glancing at John curiously, he looked at Isabel again, "Sister, can Lord Latimer's eldest son not need to train knightly skills today?" ”

Isabel glanced at her sister, who looked like nothing had happened, and smiled lightly, "Today is the Lord's Day, so I can give John a day off." Let's go, I still have something to say to you, and by the way, take me to see your eldest son. ”

Since receiving the Duke of Richmond with her husband in the castle this morning, Euphemia did not think that she had said anything wrong when talking to the Duke. So, until this time, he had almost forgotten about the morning's events, and looked at each other curiously, "I don't know what my sister wants to talk to me about?" Is it about my eldest son, Charles? ”

When the people reached the main building hall, John saluted his godmother, Sir and his wife. Euphemia glanced at John, who had left the hall with two guards, and smiled more pleasantly, "Isabel, the eldest son of the baron has lived at home for more than three years, right?" ”

After one of the servants brought different alcoholic drinks to the trio, Isabel took a sip of a glass of pear wine, "That's right. However, this year I plan to make arrangements for John. ”

Herbert, who was sitting across from the sisters, leaned back in his chair, picked up his glass and took a sip of cider, "Your Excellency, I find that Mr. Neville's body looks strong and powerful. Why don't you let him come to me as my knight's squire, and I promise that I can make him the best would-be knight. ”

"Squire? Herbert, this will need to be decided after I have asked John for his opinion. Isabel glanced at her sister sitting beside her, "What if he wants to go to school?" ”

As a time-traveler, Isabel certainly understands what it means to be educated, to gain knowledge. However, her sister had a different idea, "Isabel, of course it's good to get an education. However, this is the north, and the nobles, knights, and many squires are mainly responsible for defending themselves against the highlanders who may invade the kingdom at any time. ”

"Are you saying that there will be a war between Britain and the Soviet Union? Effie, a war that has been fought for hundreds of years and is not ending until now? Moreover, His Majesty has no pretext for war against Scotland at the moment. ”

As for the excuse for going to war, Isabel was precisely wrong. Two years later, in December, Mary Stuart, who had only been born for six days, became Queen of Scots, and Henry VIII attempted to annex Scotland by marriage. However, the Scottish Parliament annulled the marriage treaty that same month, and England and Scotland began an eight-year armed conflict.

Euphemia nodded in disbelief and spoke of her eldest son, "I'll admit you're quite right. Well, I asked the nanny to bring Charles over to meet his godmother. ”

John Neville, while wandering around the town near the castle with two guards, stumbled upon the question, "Do you know where the cattle and horse market near Darlington is?" ”

A guard drove up to him and pointed to the road south of town, "Sir, the cattle and horse market is only a few miles from town, on the way back to Richmondshire. ”

"Well, so we happened to be passing by the market when we came to Darlington?"

"Yes, sir."

"Why didn't my godmother tell me?" John glanced subconsciously at the vendor passing by, and then quickly ordered, "Let's go to the market in Darlington and see the horses." ”

Just as young men and women in later generations liked expensive sports cars, the children of the aristocracy at this time also had a soft spot for horses. Contrary to the views of later generations of young people, the eldest son of the baron would more often consider a thoroughbred steed as his close companion.

Soon, John and two guards were out of the Skeim Cattle and Horse Market, just a few miles from town. What he didn't know, however, was that his godmother, Isabel, had her first duel of honor with a would-be knight here. He knew that his godmother was a master of dueling, but he had heard her mention almost every duel she had participated in.

"Sir, this cattle and horse market is the largest livestock market in the vicinity. If you're lucky, you can buy a very good thoroughbred warhorse. A guard on a horse introduced John.

"Uh-huh, I see." Curious, John looked around. For the 12-year-old, the market, which is full of people and large livestock, is an adventure playground.