Forsooth their houses are both goodly
and easy to enter; and well is that, whereas there lacks never good
meat and drink on the board therein. And moreover their women are
for ever seeking whatso is fair and goodly, whatso is far-fetched and
dear-bought, whereof we chapmen also thrive, as thou mayst well deem.
Ah! it is a goodly land now!
The others nodded and smiled. But Birdalone spake, hardening her
heart thereto for very need: Belike then there is a change of days
here, for when I last knew of the land there was little peace
therein. And that will not be so long agone, said a townsman,
smiling, for I doubt we should see no grey hair in thine head if thy
sallet were off it. Birdalone reddened: It will be some five years
agone, said she. Yea, yea, said the townsman, we were beginning to
end the unpeace then, and it was the darkest hour before the dawn;
for five years agone we and the good knights of the Castle of the
Quest were lying before the walls of the Red Hold. Forsooth we
cleared out that den of devils then and there. What betid unto it
after ye won it? said Birdalone, and she trembled withal.
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