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.
Here ends the Sixth Part of the Water of the Wondrous
Isles, which is called The Days of Absence, and begins
the Seventh Part, which is called The Days of Returning.
CHAPTER I. SIR HUGH ASKETH BIRDALONE WHERE SHE WOULD HAVE THE ABODE
OF THEIR FELLOWSHIP TO BE
On the next day, they arose and were glad, and it
was to them as if the sun of the early summer had
arisen for nought save to shine on their happy day.
And they went about from place to place whereas tidings
had befallen Birdalone; and she served them one and
all as if she were their handmaid, and they loved
her and caressed her, and had been fain to do all
her will did they but know it.
In this wise wore day after day till June began to
wane, and then on a time came Hugh unto Birdalone,
and spake unto her and said: All we have been
talking together, and I am sent to ask thee what is
in thy mind as to abiding here or going elsewhither.
For now that we be come together again, not for all
the kingdoms of the world would we sunder again; and
above all, none of us would leave thee, O my sister.
But if thou wilt come with me to our land under the
Green Mountains, there is for thee a pleasant place
and a fair dwelling, and honour from all folk, and
our love that shall never leave thee; and I, and Arthur
my brother, we shall win fame together amongst the
knighthood, and thou shalt be proud and glad both of
him and of me.
