William Morris

“ Now as to thy foes being of this ill folk, I deem it more like the more I think thereof, for not only hast thou given me a true picture of their aspect, but it is mostly the other side of the Sundering Flood which they haunt, though whiles we meet them about the borders of the Wood Masterless nigh unto the Flood. Withal I must tell thee, that though I speak of both the Black and the Red Skimmers as of nations or tribes, I say not but they be mingled with runagates of divers folks; for whatever is worst or evillest or cruellest will drift toward them. ”

“ Then said Sir Godrick: I will tell thee what meseemeth of thy foemen of that day, that they be of the kindred of these Black Skimmers, though of another tribe, so that men call them the Red Skimmers, though ye shall know that neither the Red nor the Black call themselves Skimmers, which is but a name of terror which the country-folk have fixed on them for their evil deeds. Now further, although the Red Skimmers be worse than any men else, they are not so bad as the Black. ”

“ And, moreover, in coming to my house thou shalt have come to the only place where thou mayst perchance happen on tidings of her, since with these men we have to do, and also at whiles with those who deal with them by way of chaffer. And if we fall in with any of the Red ones, thou shalt make what captives thou wilt, and for the saving of their lives they may tell thee somewhat to further thy search. ”