the Lesser Crafts had was that they by no means
lacked men, and those of the best; and though they were shut out from
chaffer with the merchants of the City, yet whereas the whole
countryside was open to them because of the riders of Longshaw, they
were not like to fall short of victuals. Though true it is that the
King's men set swift keels on the Sundering Flood stuffed of
men-at-arms, and these would land on the eastern bank so far as a
twenty or thirty miles up, and plunder and ravage the country-folk, or
whiles would come upon trains of victuals and suchlike wending towards
the eastern city; and many fierce deeds they did, which made them no
better beloved, so that men got to saying that the King's men were but
little better than the very Skinners themselves. Moreover, it is not
to be said but that often these reivers and lifters were met by the
riders of Longshaw or the weaponed men of the country-side, and put to
the worse by them, and such as were taken at these times had nought
for it save the noose on the tree.

Thus then these two hosts looked across the Sundering Flood on each
other; and surely, unless the Craftsmen had been valiant and stubborn
beyond most, they had lost heart, whereas war was not their mystery.
Skirmishes there were a many. Whiles Sir Godrick would gather such
boats and barges as they had, and thrust over into the haven, and lay
hold of some good ship and strive to have her over to their side.
Whiles they might do nought therein, and whiles they prevailed; but
even then the King's men contrived to set fire aboard the craft and
spoil their play. Again, from time to time the King's men would set
certain ships and barges across the Flood, and strive to land and
skirmish on the east side. But herein they but seldom gained aught,
but they in turn would have their ships burned and their men slain or
taken. Thus then it went on, and now one now the other came to their
above; but neither might make an end of it.

At last, on a day when September was well worn, the King's folk came
to the midmost of the upper bridge with a white shield held aloft and
a herald, and craved safe conduct for three of theirs, an old knight
to wit, and two aldermen of the Porte; this was granted, and they came
all to the North Gate, and the council-chamber of the Lesser Crafts
therein. There they set forth their errand, which was in short that
they would have peace if it might be had on such terms as were better
than w