if almost she loved me. And more than almost she besought me rather
than commanded me not to flee from her. And wert thou beguiled by
her soft speech? said Habundia. Nowise to cast aside my hope of
escape, nay, not even in that hour, said Birdalone; but amidst all
the confusion and terror somewhat was I moved to compassion on her.

Spake Habundia, looking anxiously on her: Dost thou deem that thou
art somewhat cowed by what she hath done to thee? Said Birdalone,
and flushed very red: Oh no, no! Nought save death or bonds shall
come betwixt me and my utmost striving for escape. That is better
than well, said Habundia; but again, canst thou have patience a
little, and be wary and wise the while? So meseemeth, said the
maiden. Said Habundia: Again it is well. Now is the summer
beginning to wane, and by my rede thou shalt not try the flight until
May is come again and well-nigh worn into June; for thou wilt be
bigger then, little sister, and tidings are waxing that shall get
matters ready for thy departure: moreover, thou must yet learn what
thou hast to do meanwhile, and thereof shall I tell thee somewhat as
now. For that boat, the thing which thou didst find, and for which
thou didst suffer, is called the Sending Boat, and therein thy
mistress fareth time and again, I deem to seek to some other of her
kind, but I know not unto whom, or whereto. Hast thou noted of her
that whiles she goeth away privily by night and cloud? Yea, verily,
said Birdalone, and this is one of the things which heretofore hath
made me most afraid. Said Habundia: Well now, that she wendeth
somewhither in this ferry I wot; but as I wot not whither, so also I
know not what she doth with the Sending Boat to make it obey her;
whereas, though I know all things of the wood, I know but little of
the lake. Wherefore, though there be peril to thee therein, follow
her twice or thrice when she riseth up for this faring, and note