'I had forgotten to inquire (я забыл спросить) whither we are bound (куда мы направляемся; bound — направляющийся). Thy commands, my liege (твои приказания, мой повелитель)?'
'To London (в Лондон)!'
Hendon moved on again (Хендон двинулся дальше снова), mightily contented with the answer (весьма удовлетворенный ответом) — but astonished at it, too (но пораженный им тоже).
knot [nOt], occur [ə`kə:], campaigner [kæm`peınə]
WHEN Hendon's term of service in the stocks was finished, he was released and ordered to quit the region and come back no more. His sword was restored to him, and also his mule and his donkey. He mounted and rode off, followed by the king, the crowd opening with quiet respectfulness to let them pass, and then dispersing when they were gone.