As for
the place of tryst for the faring over the Waste, let it be the end
of the knolls just by the jaws of the pass yonder, where the
Weltering Water comes into the Dale from the East. How say ye?'
They all said, and Folk-might especially, that it was right well
devised, and that thus it should be done.
Then turned Face-of-god to the Dale-warden, and said:
'It were good, brother, that we saw the other wardens as soon as may
be, to do them to wit of this order, and what they have to do.'
Therewith he arose and took the Elder of the Dale-wardens away with
him, and the twain set about their business straight-way. Neither
did the others abide long in the Hall, but went out into the Burg to
see the chapmen and their wares. There the Alderman bought what he
needed of iron and steel and other matters; and Folk-might cheapened
him a dagger curiously wrought, and a web of gold and silk for the
Sun-beam, for which wares he paid in silver arm-rings, new-wrought
and of strange fashion.
But amidst of the chaffer was now a great ring of men; and in the
midst of the ring stood Redesman, fiddle and bow in hand, and with
him were four damsels wondrously arrayed; for the first was clad in a
smock so craftily wrought with threads of green and many colours,
that it seemed like a piece of the green field beset with primroses
and cowslips and harebells and windflowers, rather than a garment
woven and sewn; and in her hand she bore a naked sword, with golden
hilts and gleaming blade.
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