As he spake the
heart of Face-of-god swelled within him, and his cheek flushed; but
Iron-face sat up straight and proud, and a light smile played about
his face, as he said gravely:
'Friend of the Westland, I thank thee for the blessing and the kind
word. Such as we are, we are; nor do I deem that the very Gods shall
change us. And if they will be our friends, it is well; for we
desire nought of them save their friendship; and if they will be our
foes, that also shall we bear; nor will we curse them for doing that
which their lives bid them to do. What sayest thou, Face-of-god, my
son?'
'Yea, father,' said Face-of-god, 'I say that the very Gods, though
they slay me, cannot unmake my life that has been. If they do deeds,
yet shall we also do.'
The Outlander smiled as they spake, and bowed his head to Iron-face
and Face-of-god, and wondered at their pride of heart, marvelling
what they would say to the great men of the Cities if they should
meet them.
But as they sat a-talking, there came two men running to them from
the Portway, their weapons all clattering upon them, and they heard
withal the sound of a horn winded not far off very loud and clear;
and the Chapman's cheek paled: for in sooth he doubted that war was
at hand, after all he had heard of the Dalesmen's dealings with the
Dusky Men.
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