Prior Thomas crossed himself involuntarily.
"Our Lady guard you," he exclaimed. "'Tis sober truth few of those who pass to Outremer come home again."
"With Ralph at my back I may go anywhere and return safe," answered Hugh. "I would I had another as brave and sturdy as he."
"Certes, you will take a foison of men-at-arms!" expostulated the Prior.
"That is not my mind."
"But, fair son, you must needs have a few spears behind you! The dangers——"
"Dangers do not court the traveller who travels simply," asserted Hugh. "Nay, Father Thomas, an I do not change my mind, Ralph and I fare forth alone upon this quest. It were not right to risk my men. The King hath not approved a crusade in England, and the mission is my own."
He spoke quietly, with a strange, suppressed dignity that Prior Thomas noticed with a sigh.
"How much you have aged in the year just past!" said the priest. "I think of the day you rode in with Edith, a twelve-month gone, the sparkle of spring in your eyes and cheeks, youthful, carefree, happy. And to-day—fair son, you are no longer a youth! Hast become a man."
"I pray so," answered Hugh soberly. "An St. James aid me, I shall prove it anon. Give you god-den, holy father. I must ride for Chesby."