Pons

Richard fitzPons is Hal's fast friend, a troubadour, rogue, wastrel and loyal companion.

Pons is a young nobleman from Gloucestershire, the son of a minor landed knight and a Moorish noblewoman. Not of knightly means or inclination, Pons always favored his wit, words and merry tune over swordplay and so prefers the taverns to the lists. Having rather worn out his family's patience, he took the road and found at Shrewsbury. There he fell into the company of one Sir John, an old drunken wastrel of a knight long in the service of the Earl. Sir John had already taken the young Henry FitzPicot under his dubious tutelage and Pons and Hal became fast friends - drinking and wenching the ale houses of Shrewsbury. When Hal eventually earned his spurs, Pons followed his friend.

Pons is a charming rogue, regularly to be found with a witty word, a friendly smile, a strong drink and willing lass. Among heroic and chivalrous knights, Pons has no illusions about being anything but a wastrel. Despite his many shortcomings, he is fiercely loyal to Hal, Rosamund, Edmund and their companions and willing to stand by them to the bitter end.