“No, boy, you did not indeed,” answered Ivan, with energy. “That day I owed my life to you; and I should be ungrateful did I not endeavour to protect your’s; for that reason, I would leave you in safety here.”
“But I care not for my life when your’s is perilled,” answered Conrin. “Think you, Sir, that I would survive if you were slain?”
“You speak thus almost foolishly, boy,” answered Ivan. “I am grateful for your attachment; but you would find all kind to you, and many to love and follow. I know that Javis loves you, and would protect you with his own life, till you grow strong enough to protect yourself.”
“Javis loves me!” said the boy, gloomily; “but what is his love to yours? Let me implore you to allow me to accompany you.”
“It cannot be,” returned Ivan, soothingly. “I doubt not your courage, and that you will some day become a gallant warrior; but your arm has not yet gained sufficient strength to compete with men. If I am wounded, Javis will attend me; and if I fall, Heaven will find you some other protector.”
“If you fall, I shall not need Heaven’s protection in this world,” returned the page, with a despairing look.
“You speak strangely, boy,” said Ivan. “I have thought of your welfare.”
As he spoke, Arslan Gherrei rode up.
“Uzden,” said Ivan, addressing him, (for, as it is customary to address a person by his title alone, Ivan had not yet learned the name of the chieftain), “I have a faithful page who has followed me from far lands, and I would not lead him to the dangers of warfare, though he is urgent in his prayers to be allowed to accompany me. I would bestow him in safety; and if I fall, will you grant me a boon, and be his protector?”
“I would do all you ask me, my noble friend,” answered the chief. “I will, if it is your pleasure, place him with my daughter.”