CHAPTER 6
They Ride From Vale Turris. Redhead Tells of Agatha
On the morrow when they arose, Ralph heard the sound of horses
and the clashing of arms: he went to the window, and looked out,
and saw how the spears stood up thick together at the Tower's foot,
and knew that these were the men who were to be his fellows by the way.
Their captain he saw, a big man all-armed in steel, but himseemed that
he knew his face under his sallet, and presently saw that it was Redhead.
He was glad thereof, and clad himself hastily, and went out a-doors,
and went up to him and hailed him, and Redhead leapt off his horse,
and cast his arms about Ralph, and made much of him, and said:
"It is good for sore eyes to see thee, lord; and I am glad at heart
that all went well with thee that time. Although, forsooth, there was
guile behind it. Yet whereas I wotted nothing thereof, which I
will pray thee to believe, and whereas thou hast the gain of all,
I deem thou mayst pardon me."
Said Ralph: "Thou hast what pardon of me thou needest; so be content.
For the rest, little need is there to ask if thou thrivest, for I behold
thee glad and well honoured."
As they spoke came the Lord forth from the Tower, and said:
"Come thou, Lord Ralph, and eat with us ere thou takest to the road;
I mean with Otter and me. As for thee, Redhead, if aught of ill
befall this King's Son under thy way-leading, look to it that thou
shalt lose my good word with Agatha; yea, or gain my naysay herein;
whereby thou shalt miss both fee and fair dame.
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