This was the end of Viridis' tale, save that she told how that it was
she that had uttered those two shrieks which Arthur and Birdalone had
heard from the thicket; and that she had so done when the two false
way-leaders laid hold of her to drag her away from her man, who stood
there before her bound to a tree that he might perish there, whereon
the two caitiffs had smitten her into unwit that they might have no
more of her cries.
Now when all this had been told, and they had abided awhile in the
fair little dale, and had said many kind endearing words of
friendship, they went up on the green way again, and took what of the
horses they needed and trussed their goods thereon (and Birdalone
would not leave that brave armour which Habundia had given her), and
they dight others for their home-riding, and the rest they turned
loose into the woods, and so rode their ways, Birdalone going ever
with Atra, and Arthur by Aurea; but Viridis must needs have Hugh
within reach of her hand all the way.
Good speed they made, so that ere the night had fallen on them,
though the sun was set, they 'had come to the House under the Wood;
and there again was joy and wondering of the new-comers, and merry
feasting on such simple victuals as were there, and good-night and
rest in all contentment in the house where erst had Birdalone tholed
so many griefs and fears.
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