Cedric, ere they departed, expressed his peculiar gratitude to the Black Champion, and earnestly entreated him to accompany him to Rotherwood .

“I know,” he said, “that ye errant knights desire to carry your fortunes on the point of your lance, and reck not of land or goods; but war is a changeful mistress, and a home is sometimes desirable even to the champion whose trade is wandering. Thou hast earned one in the halls of Rotherwood , noble knight. Cedric has wealth enough to repair the injuries of fortune, and all he has is his deliverer’s⁠—Come, therefore, to Rotherwood , not as a guest, but as a son or brother.”