“Hast thou none of thine own that thou must try those of others?”
“No; I have none;” and Egwina sighed. ”Truly, Ælfric, thou hast had thy desire, and ill hath been our fortune. Dead lieth granther, and alone do I wander without kith or kin. Soon I hope to find some lord to take me for his gleemaiden.“
“Why stayest thou not here?” questioned Ælfric.
“I wish not to be in Winchester,” returned Egwina. “Tell me, Ælfric, thou dost not regard me now with hatred, dost thou?”
A cruel light shone in the man’s eyes; but he answered:
“No; if ye have both suffered, it is sufficient.”
Without saying more he left the hall, and Egwina saw him not while she was at the hall.
The next morning, laden with many gifts bestowed by the bounty of Oswald the thegn, the maiden started forth, resolved to speedily seek the protection of some lord.
She had gone but a little way from the manor, when she heard her name called, and looking back she beheld a bond-woman running toward her. In her hand was Edwy’s harp.
“This also hath my lord sent thee,” she cried, her breath coming quickly from the exertion of running.