I will now away to Clipstone and see what passeth there." And,
summoning two attendants, he set out.
Upon arriving, he found but a gloomy air about the place. The king's
rage was not yet spent and no man knew upon whom he would take occasion
to visit his displeasure. But the courtier who, in the guise of a
scullion, had himself set the prisoner free, moved calmly about, and
alone of all seemed to feel no anxiety. Toward nightfall the word was
whispered about that, on the morrow, the king would himself proceed
with a party to De Aldithely castle.
The morrow came and at an early hour there was everywhere bustle and
confusion, for all that the royal party would need for their brief
absence from Clipstone must be taken with them: food, dishes, bedding,
and servants.
At length all was ready and the train set out. It was a gloomy ride,
for the king's temper was not yet recovered and no man ventured to say
aught in his presence.
Leaving the baggage and servants far in the rear, the impatient king
with his attendants rode on and on until they came to Cawood castle
beyond Selby and but a few miles distant from De Aldithely castle.
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