Thiudahad covered his face with his hands. "What'll I do, what'll I do? If I could get to Ravenna, I have friends there—"
"That's what you think. I know better."
"But isn't there anything? I mean, is Optaris fated to kill me no matter what I do? Can't we hide?"
"Perhaps. My prophecy is good only if you try to carry out your original plan."
"Well, we'll hide, then."
"All right, just as soon as I get this fellow awake." Padway indicated Hermann.
"Why wait for him? Why not just leave him?"
"He works for a friend of mine. He was supposed to take care of me, but it's turned out the other way around." They dismounted, and Padway resumed his efforts to arouse Hermann.
Thiudahad sat down on the grass and moaned: "Such ingratitude! And I was such a good king—"
"Sure," said Padway acidly, "except for breaking your oath to Amalaswentha not to interfere in public affairs, and then having her murdered—"