But not many months
thereafter we heard that he also had departed, leaving it ungarnished
of men; and we deem that the cause thereof is that something uncouth
is seen and heard therein, which folk may not endure. Is it not so,
my masters?
They all yeasaid that, and the talk went on to other matters. As for
Birdalone, though her hope to come amongst friends was so utterly
overthrown, yet she saw not what to do save to go her ways to the
Castle of the Quest, and see if perchance she might find any tidings
there. And she said to herself, that if the worst came to the worst,
she would herself dwell there as an hermit of love; or, maybe, to
face those uncouth things and see if any tidings might be compelled
out of them.
CHAPTER VIII. BIRDALONE COMETH TO THE CASTLE OF THE QUEST, HEARETH
THE TALE THEREOF FROM LEONARD, AND DEPARTETH THENCE BY THE SENDING
BOAT
She arose betimes on the morrow, and was out of Greenford so soon as
the gates were open, and at first made all speed that she might
toward the Castle of the Quest; and nothing hindered her, for the
land was verily in good peace, and she might have come there if she
would before sunset, for all whom she met furthered her.
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