In short, though this man had not been bought for money, he was
little better than a thrall of the higher sort, as forsooth were
all the Lord's men, saving the best and trustiest of his warriors:
and these were men whom the Lord somewhat feared himself:
though, on the other hand, he could not but know that they
understood how the dread of the Lord of Utterbol was a shield
to them, and that if it were to die out amongst men, their own
skins were not worth many days' purchase.
So then David spake pleasantly with Ralph, and ate and drank
with him, and saw that he was well bedded for the night,
and left him in the first watch. But Ralph lay down in little
more trouble than the night before, when, though he were being
led friendly to Utterness, yet he had not been able to think
what he should do when he came there: whereas now he thought:
Who knoweth what shall betide? and for me there is nought to do
save to lay hold of the occasion that another may give me.
And at the worst I scarce deem that I am being led to the slaughter.
CHAPTER 33
Ralph is Brought on the Road Towards Utterbol
But now when it was morning they struck the tents and laded
them on wains, and went their ways the selfsame road that Ralph
had been minded for yesterday; to wit the road to Utterness;
but now must he ride it unarmed and guarded: other shame had he none.
Indeed David, who stuck close to his side all day, was so sugary
sweet with him, and praised and encouraged him so diligently,
that Ralph began to have misgivings that all this kindness was
but as the flower-garlands wherewith the heathen times men were
wont to deck the slaughter-beasts for the blood-offering.
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