Toward the end of May the men were being called up, Island families backing the cause and their men.  Edward set the date for them all to meet at Carisbrooke Castle with a sense of excitement far greater than he had ever felt before.  The day arrived at last.  He sat astride his horse, watched as his small army arrived in twos and threes or in small groups, watched as they fell into line, knowing many of the names, many of the faces from his tours round the island.  Archers carried their bows slung across their back, yeoman farmers carried battle-axes and wore swords; tenants and servants who had heeded the array had such arms as their master had provided for them.  The result was a formidable group of men who looked ready to do battle with anyone.

A young man, no more than a boy, rode up to him, grinning wildly, full of youthful energy.  “My Lord!” He saluted Edward and then suddenly held out his hand.  Edward, taken by surprise, shook hands and then looked at him. expectantly

“You have a message for me?”

“No, sire.  I wish to ride out with you!”

“You’re too young-” Edward bit off the words that would have dismissed the boy and sent him home, for he had seen the look in his eyes and knew that a dismissal would crush him.  Instead he smiled.  “I have need of a squire on this journey.  Will you take on that duty for me?”

“I will, sire!”  The boy laughed, all eagerness and excitement now he had been accepted.  “My name is Diccon Cheke, sire.  I will serve you until we return!”

“I trust you have permission to leave with me,” Edward cautioned him.  “I do not wish to return and face a fearsome complaint from your family!”

“Sire, my family know I am here and have let me go, knowing I want nothing more than to learn to be a brave knight.  This is surely the best way to learn, to be with a brave knight!”