A little before they had come to
that place they had shot a fat buck and some smaller deer, but of
other meat they had no great store, though there was wine enough. So
they lit their fire in the thickest of the thorn-bush to hide it all
they might, and thereat they cooked their venison and the trouts
which the runaway had taken, and they fell to, and ate and drank and
were merry, making much of that poor man till him-seemed he was
gotten into the company of the kindest of the Gods.
But when they were full, Face-of-god spake to him, and asked him his
name; and he named himself Dallach; but said he: 'Lord, this is
according to the naming of men in Rose-dale before we were
enthralled: but now what names have thralls? Also I am not
altogether of the blood of them of Rose-dale, but of better and more
warrior-like kin.'
Said Face-of-god: 'Thou hast named Silver-dale; knowest thou it?'
Dallach answered: 'I have never seen it. It is far hence; in a
week's journey, making all diligence, and not being forced to hide
and skulk like those runaways, ye shall come to the mouth thereof
lying west, where its rock-walls fall off toward the plain.
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