This was Blondel, the minstrel of King Richard, whose songs and joyous music had often lightened the evening after days of fighting and toil in Palestine.

To him Cuthbert confided his intention, and the minstrel instantly offered to accompany him.
"I shall," he said, "be of assistance to you.

Minstrels are like heralds.
They are of no nationality, and can pass free where a man at arms would be closely watched and hindered.

Moreover, it may be that I might aid you greatly in discovering the prison of the king.

So great is the secrecy with which this has been surrounded, that I question if any inquiries you could make would enable you to trace him.