Maybe thou wilt say: Why didst thou not take my hand and flee with me as we fled to-day?
Friend, it is most true, that were she not dead we had not escaped thus far.

For her trackers would have followed us, set on by her, and brought us back to an evil fate.
Therefore I tell thee that from the first I did plot the death of those two, the Dwarf and the Mistress.

For no otherwise mightest thou live, or I escape from death in life.

But as to the dastard who threatened me with a thrall's pains, I heeded him nought to live or die, for well I knew that thy valiant sword, yea, or thy bare hands, would speedily tame him.

Now first I knew that I must make a show of yielding to the King's Son; and somewhat how I did therein, thou knowest.