So Hallblithe went back into the main hall, and the sun had gotten
round now, and was shining into the hall, through the clerestory
windows, so that he saw clearly all that was therein. And he deemed
the hall fairer within than without; and especially over the shut-
beds were many stories carven in the panelling, and Hallblithe beheld
them gladly. But of one thing he marvelled, that whereas he was in
an island of the strong-thieves of the waters, and in their very home
and chiefest habitation, there were no ships or seas pictured in that
imagery, but fair groves and gardens, with flowery grass and fruited
trees all about. And there were fair women abiding therein, and
lovely young men, and warriors, and strange beasts and many marvels,
and the ending of wrath and beginning of pleasure and the crowning of
love. And amidst these was pictured oft and again a mighty king with
a sword by his side and a crown on his head; and ever was he smiling
and joyous, so that Hallblithe, when he looked on him, felt of better
heart and smiled back on the carven image.

So while Hallblithe looked on these things, and pondered his case
carefully, all alone as he was in that alien hall, he heard a noise
without of talking and laughter, and presently the pattering of feet
therewith, and then women came into the hall, a score or more, some
young, some old, some fair enough, and some hard-featured and
uncomely, but all above the stature of the women whom he had seen in
his own land.

So he stood amidst the hall-floor and abided them; and they saw him
and his shining war-gear, and ceased their talking and laughter, and
drew round about him, and gazed at him; but none said aught till an
old crone came forth from the ring, and said "Who art thou, standing
under weapons in our hall?"