So, in
good sooth, this hand that lieth in thine is the hand of a wilful
woman, who desireth a man, and would keep him for her speech-friend.
Now art thou fond and happy; yet bear in mind that there are deeds to
be done, and the troth we have just plighted must be paid for. So
hearken, I bid thee. Dost thou care to know why the wheedling of
thee is no longer needful to us?'
He said: 'A little while ago I should have said, Yea, If thy lips
say the words. But now, O friend, it seemeth as if thine heart were
already become a part of mine, and I feel as if the chieftain were
growing up in me and the longing for deeds: so I say, Tell me, for I
were fain to hear what toucheth the welfare of thy Folk and their
fellowship with my Folk; for on that also have I set my heart?'
She said gravely and with solemn eyes:
'What thou sayest is good: full glad am I that I have not plighted
my troth to a mere goodly lad, but rather to a chieftain and a
warrior. Now then hearken! Since I saw thee first in the autumn
this hath happened, that the Dusky Men, increasing both in numbers
and insolence, have it in their hearts to win more than Silver-dale,
and it is years since they have fallen upon Rose-dale and conquered
it, rather by murder than by battle, and made all men thralls there,
for feeble were the Folk thereof; and doubt it not but that they will
look into Burgdale before long.
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