25th June, 1345

With the capture of David II and the Earl of Moray the English assumed that the Scottish threat had been neutralised, but the return of Margaret de Bruce to Scotland and the coming of age of her son, Robert Stewart, now Guardian of Scotland, had strengthened the resolve (and belligerence) of their people. War seemed inevitable, but the Guardian instead accepted an invitation to talk of peace.

Stakes were high, but peace won out - but only just.

No official treaties have been signed, but a truce has been made, and peace has fallen uneasily over the border between the two fractious kingdoms.

England, of course, has problems beyond the Scots. The Welsh Princess, Seren ferch Gwenllian ferch Llywellen, fled her land following the murder of her guardian, the Bishop of Bangor, and threw herself on the mercy of the Irish earl of Desmond, Maurice FitzGerald. She is now in the careful guardianship of Edward III, newly reconciled with his most powerful earl, Lancaster.

The young Princess is being treated as an honoured guest rather than a prisoner, but she can be in no doubt that the courtesy will end should she try to leave.

The most shocking thing to come from the peace talks was the death of John de Melton, a rich and powerful knight from Yorkshire, in a duel with Sir John de Longespee. He had been accused of nothing less than treason, details he said which he owed his liege, Lancaster, but no one else as it came too near to the honour of a lady. Despite his victory, Longespee was sent (rumours say in disgrace) south, away from his prestigious command on the border.

Portraiture