Fantasy fiction; Imaginary wars and battles -- Fiction
The Red Foliot spake among them and said, “A great champion hath been
strook to earth this day in fair and equal combat. And according to the
solemn oaths whereby ye are bound, and whereof I am the keeper, there
is here an end to all unpeace betwixt Witchland and Demonland, and ye
of Witchland are to forswear for ever your claims of lordship over
the Demons. Now for a sealing and making fast of this solemn covenant
between you I see no likelier rede than that ye all join with me here
this day in good friendship to forget your quarrels in drinking of the
arvale of King Gorice XI., than whom hath reigned none mightier nor
more worshipful in all this world, and thereafter depart in peace to
your native lands.”
So spake the Red Foliot, and the lords of Witchland assented thereto.
But Lord Juss answered and said, “O Red Foliot, as to the oaths sworn
between us and the King of Witchland, thou hast spoken well; nor shall
we depart one tittle from the article of our oaths, and the Witches
may abide in peace for ever as for us if, as is clean against their
use and nature, they forbear to devise evil against us. For the nature
of Witchland was ever as a flea, that attacketh a man in the dark. But
we will not eat nor drink with the lords of Witchland, who bewrayed
and forsook us their sworn confederates at the sea-fight against the
Ghouls. Nor we will not drink the arvale of King Gorice XI., who worked
a shameful and unlawful sleight against my kinsman this day when they
wrastled together.”
So spake Lord Juss, and Corund whispered Gro in the ear, saying,
“Were’t not for the privilege of this respected company, now were the
time to set upon them.” But Gro said, “I prithee yet have patience.
This were over hazardous, for the luck goeth against Witchland. Let us
rather take them in their beds to-night.”
Fain would the Red Foliot turn the Demons from their resolve, but
without avail; they courteously thanking him for his hospitality which
they said they would enjoy that night in their booths, being minded on
the morrow to take to their beaked ship and fare over the unvintaged
sea to Demonland.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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