She had made up
her mind to this tale upon the road, when she was among folk, that
she was under a vow not to do off her helm for a seven days' space.
Withal she had covered up the lovely shapeliness of her legs with
long boots of deer-leather, and her surcoat was wide-sleeved; she was
well hidden, and whereas she was a tall and strong woman, she might
well pass for a young man, slender and fair-faced. She was girt with
a good sword, and Gerard had gotten her a strong horseman's bow and a
quiver full of arrows, wherewith, as aforesaid, she knew well how to
deal; wherefore she was by no means without defence.
So they went their ways through the streets and out-a-gates; and it
must be said, that were not Birdalone's thoughts turned toward the
Castle of the Quest, and what she should meet there, her heart had
been somewhat sore at leaving the city which had cherished her so
well these years past; nay, as it was, the shadow of the southern
gate, as she past thereunder, smote somewhat cold upon her, and she
silently bade farewell to the City of the Five Crafts with some
sorrow, though with no fear.
Pages:
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471