William Morris

“ Call to mind what thou thyself saidst unto Elfhild, that the only way to bridge the Sundering Flood is for one of you, or both, to wander wide in the world. But now tell me, what hast thou in thy mind to do in these days that pass? Said Osberne: I have been thinking of it, that when the Midsummer Feast is over I shall say farewell to my folk and ride to East Cheaping to find Sir Medard; for meseems he is the man whom I know out in the world who will put me in the way of deeds. Said Steelhead: And wilt thou go alone, or hast thou a mind to take any with thee? ”

“ For I will not have it that thou my fosterling shouldst be a kill-joy among men of the kindred; wherefore ill-luck will come of it.
Said Osberne, knitting his brows: I will not be healed in this way. For do I not know that she also is wrapped in sorrow and tormented by longing. Shall I leave her, therefore, as the dastard leaves a wounded friend before the on-coming foeman? ”

“ There is yet time, said Steelhead, smiling kindly on him, so make no tarrying. Then Osberne began straightway, and spared not words overmuch, but herein he used the most when he told of Elfhild, what she was like in those latter days, and how his heart enfolded her, and how sweet was her converse with him; and when he was done Steelhead said: What is in thy mind concerning dwelling in the Dale amidst thine own folk? Said Osberne: My mind it is to live and die here, and do all that is due to the folk of my fathers. Said Steelhead: Then must thou be healed of this trouble ”