130 - Concerning how Dom Pedro de Castro, Dom Pedro da Guerra, and Prince Dinis, who were in Castile, came to the King of Portugal

Summary

We find that not one of the authors who make mention of the arrival of these men says what persuaded them to come to Portugal from Castile, except for what they say regarding Dom Pedro de Castro, namely that when he and Juan Alfonso de Baeza fled to Torres Vedras, as you have heard, he took refuge in Castile, and the King of Castile gave him the town of Salvatierra, which is in Galicia close to the River Minho. They also say that, while so holding it, he sent word to the King of Portugal that he would give him that town and come over to him if the king would grant him pardon. The king approved this, and Dom Pedro de Castro then came over to his side. Now, Dom Pedro da Guerra, the bastard son of Prince João, also came over at this time. The king received him kindly, showing warm hospitality and granting him favours. Thus he took up residence at court.

At this point the king was told that Prince Dinis was coming to Portugal to join him, which was indeed the case. The king ordered lodging to be prepared for him, and went forth a good half league to meet him. He took with him no more than five or six men, lightly armed. The prince attempted to kiss the king's hand, but the king did not wish to allow it. Nevertheless, he did kiss it, and there in Oporto the king showed him great honour and favours, and was very generous in gifts to him. He arranged to send him to England, so that no disorder might arise in the kingdom because of him. However, during his sea voyage, the prince took the decision to return, saying that perhaps he was being sent there to be killed, and other things of the sort. On his way back, he was captured and held prisoner by the Bretons. When he had been brought to land, the Bretons, finding out that he was the King of Portugal's brother, asked for a ransom of 100,000 francs for him. He wrote to the king about this, seeking his release from captivity.