After us the maidens, and then the rest.
So we were in safety, for half a mile of this ground was safer than a wall behind us.

We went silently for a little while, save for a few words of caution here and there.

But at last Alswythe turned to me, and lifted her veil, smiling a little to me at last, and asking why we left the good roads for this wild place, for though we men were used to the like in hunting, she knew not that such places and paths could be, brought up as she was in the wooded uplands of our own corner of the country.
I told her how I was to make all speed to Glastonbury, and that this was the nearest road: and she was content, being very trustful in both her protectors.

But then she asked if that place should be reached before dark, having little knowledge of places or distances.
Then I must needs tell how we were bound for that village where the hermit was, and Turkil of whom I had told her, seeing that it was over late to reach the town, but that there we hoped to come next day.

And she said she would fain see those two, "and maybe Grendel also," smiling again a little to please me.