FAILING IN THE WORLD

Now at that time we drove cattle in Red Harald's land. And we took no
hoof but from the Lords and rich men, but of these we had a mighty
drove, both oxen and sheep, and horses, and besides, even hawks and
hounds, and huntsman or two to take care of them.

And, about noon, we drew away from the cornlands that lay beyond the
pastures, and mingled with them, and reached a wide moor, which was
called "Goliath's Land." I scarce know why, except that it belonged
neither to Red Harald or us, but was debatable.

And the cattle began to go slowly, and our horses were tired, and the
sun struck down very hot upon us, for there was no shadow, and the day
was cloudless.

All about the edge of the moor, except on the sidefrom which we had
come was a rim of hills, not very high, but very rocky and steep,
otherwise the moor itself was flat; and through these hills was one
pass, guarded by our men, which pass led to the Hill castle of the
Lilies.

It was not wonderful, that of this moor many wild stories were told,
being such a strange lonely place, some of them one knew, alas to be
over true. In the old time, before we went to the good town, this moor
had been the mustering place of our people, and our house had done
deeds enough of blood and horror to turn our white lilies red, and our
blue cross to a fiery one. But some of those wild tales I never