“If I had that chance I would take it, sir.”
“He is in the Red Branch,” said Conachúr. “He is there with the woman whose face you saw in the crystal. Go there for me, good soldier, and look through the window. See that no person within observes you, for these are murderous and skilful men, and if they saw you they would stop your breath.”
The guard stood glowering.
“In what way do I get equal with Naoise?” he demanded.
“Each thing in its time, good soul, for you would not understand how the king moves. This is but the first step, and the second shall be taken in no short time. Climb to the window, and look carefully at the woman who is there with Naoise. Examine her well and bring me back news of how she seems and what she looks like. You have seen women before?”
“I have, majesty.”
“You know what to look for; you will know how to look at a woman. Go. Fill my cup, guard, and go on my errand.”
CHAPTER X
“Still,” said Ardan, “we are not treated too badly. There is plenty of food.”
“And there are beds in the alcove,” said Ainnle.