As for thee, Roger, ride with us if thou wilt, and thou shalt be
welcome both in the company, and at the High House of Upmeads whenso
we come there."
Then was Roger silent, but nowise abashed; and as they spoke they
heard the tramp of horses and the clash of weapons, and they saw
through the open door three men-at-arms riding up to the house;
so Ralph went out to welcome them; they were armed full
well in bright armour, and their coats were of the Dry Tree,
and were tall men and warrior-like. They hailed Ralph as captain,
and he gave them the sele of the day and bade come in and drink a cup;
so did they, but they were scarce off their horses ere there came
another three, and then six together, and so one after other till
the hall of the Flower de Luce was full of the gleam of steel
and clash of armour, and the lads held their horses without
and were merry with the sight of the stalwart men-at-arms.
Now cometh Ursula down from her chamber clad in her bravery;
and when they saw her they set up a shout for joy of her,
so that the rafters rang again; but she laughed for pleasure
of them, and poured them out the wine, till they were merrier
with the sight of her than with the good liquor.
Now Roger comes to Ralph and tells him that he deems his host hath come
to the last man. Then Ralph armed him, and those two maidens brought him
his horse, and they mount all of them and draw up in the Square; and Roger
and Stephen a-Hurst array them, for they were chosen of them as leaders
along with Ralph, and Richard, whom they all knew, at least by hearsay.
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