'
Therewith the three went back again to their places.
Then came forth that tall man that bare the Banner of the Wolf, when
he had given the staff into the hands of him who stood next. He came
and stood over against the seat of the chieftains; and for a while he
could say no word, but stood struggling with the strong passion of
his joy; but at last he lifted his hands aloft, and cried out in a
loud voice:
'O war, war! O death! O wounding and grief! O loss of friends and
kindred! let all this be rather than the drawing back of meeting
hands and the sundering of yearning hearts!' and he went back hastily
to his place. But from the ranks of the Woodlanders ran forth a
young man, and cried out:
'As is the word of Red-wolf, so is my word, Bears-bane of Carlstead;
and this is the word which our little Folk hath put into our mouths;
and O! that our hands may show the meaning of our mouths; for nought
else can.'
Then indeed went up a great shout, though many forebore to cry out;
for now were they too much moved for words or sounds. And in special
was Face-of-god moved; and he scarce knew which way to look, lest he
should break out into sobs and weeping; for of late he had been much
among the Woodlanders, and loved them much.
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