midnight
`` Pity indeed , '' said Kenric . `` And now you say that Roderic is in Bute ? '' `` He is here with intent to slay you , Earl Kenric , in some such subtle way as he slew your good father . But I have told you where he will be at midnight . Go thither , I charge you , and take the Thirsty Sword that Aasta gave you . And may the blood of our enemy Roderic be the last that it will drink . '' Kenric took old Elspeth back with him to Rothesay , and there , as she would not agree to take up her quarters within the castle , he gave her a little cottage , bidding her remain there in comfort for the rest of her days .