The Keepers of the People

1304Ruth slipped away from the great hall at the first chance, and came hurrying, to find a group of waiting horsemen at the door, and Althea within, buckling on her spurs.

1305“Where are you going?” she cried.

1306“I’m going to ride on Prince Ralph’s errand,” said Althea.

1307“Let me come with you?” said Ruth.

1308“Very well, only be quick,” said Althea; and as Ruth ran up the staircase, she went to the door, and ordered her side saddle to be set on a horse for her.

1309Ruth came down very soon; Althea, before a mirror, set her golden cap on one side; and going out, they mounted.

1310“Do you ride like that?” said Ruth.

1311“Astraddle? Yes. I learnt to ride so,” said Althea. “It is much more comfortable, especially in these Eastern saddles, like a chair, don’t you know? Come along.”

1312She touched her horse with a spur, and they set out at a gallop. On the other side of the plain, they slackened their pace to a walk, and moved quietly along the grass by the roadside. Presently Althea drew rein, and listened for a while.

1313“The country is very still,” she said impatiently. “The people are keeping the very dogs quiet.”

1314Then she trotted on till they came to a village, and moving round the outside of it, came between two of the houses whence she could see the whole of it. There were no groups at the doors, no sound of pleasant voices, no cries from those playing, or dancing; there was no laughter. All its people were gathered on the green, sitting round two or three old men, veterans of forgotten wars, listening with intent ears to their stories of raids beyond the mountains. Althea watched and listened for a while; then she said, “Come along”; and trotted through into the street, down it, and breaking into a canter along the side of the green, rode on down the highway. As she passed them the crowd rose to their feet, murmuring, “The Golden Lily! The Golden Lily!” Leaving a burst of excited talk behind them, they kept at the canter till they reached the next village: a like hush had fallen on it, and there was a like gathering on the green. They rode through it, and Althea was greeted with the same awed murmur. Village after village they passed through in the same fashion, until the foam-lather whitened on their horses. Then Althea called a halt, and after talking for a while with the leader of the mutes, said to Ruth, “I hope you’re not tired.”