So they led him in, and Sir Medard arose at once and greeted Osberne
with great joy, and embraced and kissed him. Then he turned to the
other man who was in the solar with him, and said: "Lo thou, Sir
Godrick, here is a champion whom thou wilt be glad to talk to,
meseemeth, when we have drunk a cup." Therewith he called for wine and
spices, for it was the time of the morning bever. Sir Godrick hailed
Osberne, who looked on him and saw that he was a tall man, long-armed
and very strong-looking, a man swart of visage, long-nosed and
long-chinned, with light grey eyes; but though he was somewhat sober
of aspect, there was nought evil-looking in his face. He looked
downright and hard at Osberne, and said: "If Sir Medard speaketh not
by way of jest, thou hast begun early, young man, and I wish thee joy
thereof." Osberne reddened and held his peace, but Medard said: "There
be of our foemen no few, who ever if they jested at the lad have done
with it now forever." Osberne reddened yet more if it might be, but
the long man took him by the hand and spake kindly to him, and said:
"Be not troubled at a light word of mine; at the first thou didst seem
so young and fair that it was not easy to think of thee grim amongst
the edges; but many a man lines hid within himself."
So now they were served of the wine, and Sir Medard spake to Osberne:
"Well, Dalesman, thou art come amongst us again, grown in manliness,
as was like to be. Now if thou be come but to see us and make us merry
with thy fellowship, it is well; but if thou have an errand, and would
ask something of us, it is better yet; since forsooth we deem that we
owe thee somewhat." Said Osberne: "Well then, true it is that I have
an errand and crave something, and that is soon told; for I would have
thee put me in the way of deeds to do, since I have left the Dale and
am seeking adventures."
"That will be the least of things to do for thee, my friend," said
Medard; "and in good time comest thou hither; for though the good town
is in all peace and lacks not men, yet here is Sir Godrick of
Longshaw, who is here with me partly for the gathering of men. But
good must they be who ride with him, and all without fear, whereas I
shall tell thee that he is the hardiest knight and most fearless rider
of these days. Now do ye two talk it over together."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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