The four rode
alone, for the archers had passed a curve in the road, though
Alleyne could still hear the heavy clump, clump of their
marching, or catch a glimpse of the sparkle of steel through the
tangle of leafless branches.
"Ride by my side, friends, I entreat of you," said the knight,
reining in his steed that they might come abreast of him. "For,
since it hath pleased you to follow me to the wars, it were well
that you should know how you may best serve me. I doubt not,
Terlake, that you will show yourself a worthy son of a valiant
father; and you, Ford, of yours; and you, Edricson, that you are
mindful of the old-time house from which all men know that you
are sprung. And first I would have you bear very steadfastly in
mind that our setting forth is by no means for the purpose of
gaining spoil or exacting ransom, though it may well happen that
such may come to us also. We go to France, and from thence I
trust to Spain, in humble search of a field in which we may win
advancement and perchance some small share of glory. For this
purpose I would have you know that it is not my wont to let any
occasion pass where it is in any way possible that honor may be
gained.
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