However it may have been in this case, it was a fact that when Knéz Libor returned from his campaign, he received high praise from Batu Khan, who cared nothing at all that the force had melted away till little more than a fourth part was left to return to the Sajó. Batu had further uses for Libor.
When the Mongols had at last made off, and Moses and Talabor found that the shepherds had been killed, and the sheep, either eaten on the spot, carried off, or scattered in the woods, they first cautiously searched the neighbourhood, and then proceeded with no little labour, to bury the dead.
This done, Talabor made it his business to ride out every day, and was sometimes absent for hours, scouring the country while those at home were busy with the governor, strengthening the defences of the castle.
One morning, some days after the attack, Talabor asked to speak to Dora. It had been a trying time for all in the castle, but Dora had gone back to her usual habits, and was looking after her household affairs as strictly and regularly as if nothing had happened. In one thing she was somewhat changed: her confidence in and dependence upon Talabor had much increased.
"Well, Talabor, is there any good news?" she asked gently.
"May I speak plainly, dear young mistress?" he asked, by way of answer.
"I never wish you to speak otherwise, Clerk Talabor."
"Then I will tell you at once, that you must not stay here any longer, mistress. The place is too unsafe now that the Mongols know it."
"Must not? and where could I go?"
"We have to do with dangerous enemies, and they are enraged, and will be certain to revenge themselves as soon as they can," he urged.