Then cried out Atra: Keep up thine
heart, Viridis! for now we go to fetch thee thy man safe and sound.
So they went but a little way on the green road ere they came to Sir
Hugh bound hard and fast to a tree-bole, and he naked in his shirt,
and hard by lay the bodies of two stout carles with their throats
cut; for these honest men and the two felons who had betrayed them
were all the following wherewith the Green Knight had entered
Evilshaw. And as it fell, the traitors had been set to watch while
the others slept; and sleeping the caitiffs found them, and slew the
said men-at-arms at once, but bound Hugh to a tree that he might be
the longer a-dying; since none looked for any but their own folk to
pass by that way. All this they heard afterwards of Hugh.
But now the said Hugh heard men going, and he opened his eyes, and
saw Atra and a man-at-arms with her; and he cried out: Hah, what is
this now, sister? a rescue? Yea, she said, and look thou on the face
of the rescuer; and there is another hard by, and she is a woman.
Therewith was Arthur on him and cutting his bonds, and when he was
loose they fell into each other's arms, and Hugh spake: Now then at
last doth life begin for me as I willed it! And hast thou my sweet
she-fellow, Birdalone, with thee? Yea, said Arthur.
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