As it chanced, a convoy was about to start for Muscovy, whence by ship they might come to Constantinople.

The Tartars made no objection to their journey, for they had some awe of these pale men and were glad to be quit of foreign priestcraft.

With them Aimery sent a letter in which he told the King that the immediate errand had been done, but that no good could be looked for from this western Khakan.

"I go," he said, "to Kublai the Great, in Cathay, who has a heart more open to God.

If I return not, know, Sire, that I am dead in your most loving service, joyfully and pridefully as a Christian knight dies for the Cross, his King, and his lady." He added some prayers on behalf of the little household at Beaumanoir and sealed it with his ring.