Kari locked the stout oaken door of the solar from the outside and took
me into my chamber, where was the armour of the knight whom I had killed
on Hastings Hill, which armour I had caused to be altered to fit myself.
Swiftly he buckled it on to me, throwing over all a long, dark robe such
as merchants wear. From the cupboard, too, he brought the big black bow
and a sheath of arrows, also a purseful of gold pieces from where they
were kept, and with them the leathern bag which he had worn when I found
him on the quay.
We went into the room where the feast had been held and there drank
some wine, though eat I could not. The cup from which I drank was, as it
chanced, the same in which I had pledged Blanche at the bride feast. Now
I pledged her spirit whereon I prayed God's mercy.
We left the house and in the stable saddled two horses, strong, quiet
beasts. Then by way of the back yard we rode out into the night, none
seeing us, for by now all were asleep, and in that weather the streets
were empty, even of such as walked them in darkness.
We reached the quay I know not how long afterwards whose mind was
full of thoughts that blotted out all else.
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