For this I deem
good, that we scour the wood daily at present till we hear fresh
tidings from them of Shadowy Vale, who are nigher than we to the
foemen. Now, neighbours, are ye ready to meet me?'
Then all shouted, 'Yea, we will go, we will go!'
Said the Alderman: 'Now have we made provision for the war in that
which is nearest to our hands. Yet have we to deal with the matter
of the fellowship with the Folk whom Face-of-god hath seen. This is
a matter for thee, son, at least till the Great Folk-mote is holden.
Tell me then, shall we send a messenger to Shadowy Vale to speak with
this folk, or shall we abide the chieftain's coming?'
'By my rede,' said Face-of-god, 'we shall abide his coming: for
first, though I might well make my way thither, I doubt if I could
give any the bearings, so that he could come there without me; and
belike I am needed at home, since I am become War-leader. Moreover,
when your messenger cometh to Shadowy Vale, he may well chance to
find neither the chieftain there, nor the best of his men; for whiles
are they here, and whiles there, as they wend following after the
Dusky Men.
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