“I would even now give my life for a kiss, Torfrida, but king Penda’s I may not give. What stirreth yon boughs? See! it is not the wind, for there is but little, and hark, the sound of hoofs! Torfrida, we are betrayed.”
“Oh, say not so. Fly, Feargus, they are my father’s men; fly, they will slay thee!”
“Thy father’s men or not, my red roan is little used to flying. Penda’s men are only taught to go right forward.”
“That shows how foolish men are; hide then thy sword that they may take thee for a peaceful minstrel, and I, thy lady.”
And so, guiding their horses aside behind the boll of a great tree, they waited until two horsemen appeared; at sight of them Feargus started. “Torfrida,” said he, “we are indeed lost—it is Osbert and Edgar; behind ride their men doubtless. Caught with the daughter of an enemy, sweetest, none will believe we are not plotting Penda’s downfall, and Osbert will take heed that none shall believe.”
“Alas! thou wert ever too ready to run great risk.”
“Kiss me, Torfrida, for henceforth I shall be shorn of name and worship and the fellowship of brave men, and thou wilt no longer wish my company.”
“Nay, speak not thus; it is for me that thou hast risked all things.”
“What cheer, sir minstrel?” shouted the newcomers.