CHAPTER IX 

Montemar was too near the frontier to be a safe abode for the little Duke, and his uncle, Count Hubert of Senlis, agreed with Bernard the Dane that he would be more secure beyond the limits of his own duchy, which was likely soon to be the scene of war; and, sorely against his will, he was sent in secret, under a strong escort, first to the Castle of Coucy, and afterwards to Senlis. 

His consolation was, that he was not again separated from his friends; Alberic, Sir Eric, and even Fru Astrida, accompanied him, as well as his constant follower, Osmond. Indeed, the Baron would hardly bear that he should be out of his sight; and he was still so carefully watched, that it was almost like a captivity. Never, even in the summer days, was he allowed to go beyond the Castle walls; and his guardians would fain have had it supposed that the Castle did not contain any such guest. 

Osmond did not give him so much of his company as usual, but was always at work in the armourer's forge--a low, vaulted chamber, opening into the Castle court. Richard and Alberic were very curious to know what he did there; but he fastened the door with an iron bar, and they were forced to content themselves with listening to the strokes of the hammer, keeping time to the voice that sang out, loud and cheerily, the song of "Sigurd's sword, and the maiden sleeping within the ring of flame." Fru Astrida said Osmond was quite right--no good weapon-smith ever toiled with open doors; and when the boys asked him questions as to his work, he only smiled, and said that they would see what it was when the call to arms should come.  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. Who was too close to the frontier?
2. Was was too near the border?
3. 
Q2:
1. Which person thought so?
2. Who assumed so?
3. 
Q3:
1. Are these people associated in any way?
2. Are these people from the same family?
3. 
Q4:
1. What is their relationship?
2. For what reason are they related?
3. 
Q5:
1. Was it assumed Gertrude the Brave was a friendly companion based on those listed?
2. Was Gertrude the Brave presumed to be a friendly companion regarding those listed?
3. 
Q6:
1. Who was perceived friendly?
2. Which other people were considered friendly?
3. 
Q7:
1. Who else was considered friendly?
2. What other person considered Gertrude friendly?
3. 
Q8:
1. Was Montemar allowed to go whenever he wanted?
2. Was Montemar able to roam freely?
3. 
Q9:
1. What did Montemar think of being watched?
2. Did Montemar appreciate being surveilled ?
3. 
Q10:
1. Was music playing in the courtyard?
2. Could music be listened to in the courtyard?
3. 
Q11:
1. What else could be heard?
2. What other sounds could be heard?
3. 
Q12:
1. What track was being played?
2. What record was being listened to?
3. 
