"What, good Witch!" quoth he, "here methinks is that beyond all thy spells
to achieve."
"O Fool," she panted, "kind Fool, sound me this horn, for I'm old and scant
o' breath. Wind it shrill and loud, good Motley, the rallying-note, for
there is ill work afoot this night. Sound me shrewd blast, therefore."
"Nay, 't were labour in vain, Witch; there be no outlaws hereabout, free
men are they henceforth and gone, each and every."
"Out alas--alas!" cried the old woman, wringing her hands. "Then woe is me
for the fair lady Yolande."
"Ha! What of her, good Witch? Threateneth danger? Speak!"
"Aye, Fool, danger most dire! My Lord Gui yet liveth, and this night divers
of his men shall bear her away where he lieth raging for her in his black
castle of Ells--"
"Now by heaven's light!" swore Jocelyn, his eyes fierce and keen, "this
night shall Fool be crowned of Love or sleep with kindly Death."
"Stay, Fool, thy foes be a many! Wilt cope with them alone?"
"Nay!" cried a voice:
"Not so, grandam
For here I am!"
and Lobkyn stepped forward.
Pages:
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266