You are right." Thus we parted, and I watched his sails fade and sink into the rim of the southern sea, and then rode back to Relf feeling as if the time to come had little brightness for me.
I went slowly, and by the longer way, for I had much to think of, and I cared not just yet for the light talk of the happy people in the Penhurst hall.

And so I came into the way that leads across the woodland through Ashburnham and so by the upper hammer ponds to Penhurst, and when I was about a mile from the hall I met Uldra coming from a side track.
"Why, thane," she said in her bright way, "is aught amiss ?" "I have lost my kinsman, lady," I said, "and I have none other left me.

Therefore I am sad enough.

But these things must be, and the shadow of parting will pass presently." I got off my horse and walked beside her, and I was glad that I had met her first of all.

She had been to some sick thrall, and was now returning.
"Partings are hard," she said, "but one may always hope to meet again." Then I said, speaking my thoughts: "I must go west into Wessex with the earl's ships, and I have more partings to come therefore." She made no answer at once, and I thought that none was needed; but when she spoke again her voice was graver than before.
"You would be near our king if possible by doing so ?" "That is my thought," I answered.