While the king was in Oporto, he received definite news about how Nuno Álvares, his constable, had made the incursion into Castile which you have heard about and how he had killed the [Castilian] Master of Santiago in the battle which he had joined with him. He also heard about everything that had happened during both his advance and return journey. The count sent him a request for clemency, begging him to be forgiven for making such an incursion without his permission. The king was delighted at the news, declaring that it was an error truly deserving of his gracious pardon and awarding him the county of Barcelos with due jurisdiction and rights therein. This took place in October [1385].

The king then decided to head for Trás-os-Montes, which is a Portuguese province, in order to recover a number of townships and villages in that area which were still in rebellion against him, and thereafter with a view to invading Castile. Since winter was coming on, his troops were apprehensive about setting out on this campaign but decided to go along with what the king wanted.

The king set forth from Oporto with his troops and numerous carts bearing siege engines, provisions and other things pertaining to warfare. He made his way into the province of the Minho and sent out a message throughout all the land that any squire or nobleman who had already received pay from him in this war but who failed to join him in the advance on Castile which he intended to make would lose all honours, privileges and favours which the king had granted him. Moreover, he would lose all his property or would pay 100 dobras for it, whichever he chose. This same penalty would be imposed on any man who left the army without the king's permission or that of those holding that power on the king's behalf. Afterwards the king gave out such property as [accrued from] this.

The king reached Vila Real, from where João Rodrigues Portocarreiro had taken his leave. While there, the king sent a message to Martim Vasques da Cunha and his brothers, as well as to Gonçalo Vasques Coutinho and other vassals of his, bidding them join him.