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Where they go, we can go." "Pray God that the girths may hold," answered Godwin, leaning back against the breast of Masouda behind him. As he spoke they began to descend the hill, slowly at first, afterwards faster and yet more fast, till they rushed downwards like a whirlwind. How did those horses keep their footing?
Also Rosamund, who looked very pale, was brought there, and in attendance on her Masouda, calm-faced as ever. The brethren bowed to them, but Saladin, whose eyes were full of rage, took no notice of their salutation. For a moment there was silence, then Saladin bade a secretary read the charge, which was brief. It was that they had conspired to steal away the princess of Baalbec.
"At least yonder stand their horses," answered another voice. Now the brethren guessed the truth, and, like men in a dream, stepped forward from the shadow of the wall. "Rosamund!" they said. "Oh Godwin! oh Wulf!" she cried in answer. "Oh, Jesu, I thank Thee, I thank Thee Thee, and this brave woman!" and, casting her arms about Masouda, she kissed her on the face.
Yes, yes; it was cruel of Masouda to trick them so, who may be but travellers after all, desiring to see our city." Just then the curtain was drawn, and through it entered Masouda herself.
"None," replied Masouda, with one of her smiles, "only it may pain you to have to make war upon the princess of Baalbec and her uncle, the Commander of the Faithful." Then she went, still smiling. For this was the trouble of it: Rosamund, their cousin and their love, had in truth become the princess of Baalbec for them.
Let them go back to their own land and return to me with the ancient ring, and I will help them." Masouda translated the last sentence only, and again the brethren shook their heads. This time it was Godwin who spoke. "Our land is far away, O lord, and where shall we find this long-lost ring? Let not our journey be in vain. O mighty One, give us justice against Salah-ed-din."
Fear not for your horses; they shall be led in gently and saved alive, if skill and care can save them. I go to count the slain, and will join you presently in the citadel." So the bearers came and lifted up Wulf, and helped Godwin from his horse for now that all was over he could scarcely stand and with him Rosamund and Masouda.
They nodded, and Masouda continued: "Lastly though you may think that this seems much to ask trust me always, even if I seem to play you false, who for your sakes," and she sighed, "have broken oaths and spoken words for which the punishment is to die by torment. Nay, thank me not, for I do only what I must who am a slave a slave." "A slave to whom?" asked Godwin, staring at her.
I pray with all my soul I pray, that it was no lying spirit who brought you that dream, my uncle, though how I shall bring peace, who hitherto have brought nothing except war and bloodshed, I know not. Now go, my cousins but, if you will, leave me Masouda, who has no other friends.
So they climbed to their saddles again, and, all four of them together began to descend the long slope that stretched to the plain two leagues beneath. Far off across this plain ran a broad silver streak, beyond which from that height they could see the walls of a city. "The Orontes!" cried Masouda. "Cross that, and we are safe."
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