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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 January 2024
A trumpeter arrived at the town of Villagarcía with a message for the count from his enemies; he also carried in his hand a bundle of rods. After a courteous reception, he knelt before the count, who was seated, and addressed him as follows: ‘My lord Constable, the Master of Santiago, Pero Muñiz, having heard that you are in his territory and are causing much damage and havoc there, sends you a challenge along with this rod.’ The count answered, saying that he was most welcome, having brought such news, and took the rod in one hand before transferring it to the other, realising that he was going to give him all of them.
After he had given him the first rod, the trumpeter spoke again, saying, ‘My lord, the Count of Niebla, Juan Alfonso de Guzmán, having heard that you were advancing through the lands belonging to the king his liege lord, plundering and destroying as you should not do, sends you a challenge along with this rod.’ Then he gave him another rod. Continuing, he said, ‘My lord, the Master of Calatrava, Juan Núñez de Guzmán, on learning that you have invaded the territory of the king his liege lord, in order to damage and lay it waste, sends you a challenge along with this rod.’ In this way he gave him all the rods, each one in the name of the respective captain till there were none left.
When he had received them all, the count answered him, saying, ‘My friend, you are most welcome in bringing such news as this; indeed, at this time you could not have brought me any other news that would have given me so much pleasure, other than if you were to bring me a challenge from the King of Castile himself. Kindly tell the Master of Santiago, my lord and friend, that I could hardly allow you all to pass through this territory without joining battle with you. It's now essential that we should make ready to do just that. As for the man who brought us such welcome news, it's only right that he should receive a handsome reward.
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