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Updated: June 6, 2025
Now the talk drifted away to other things, and I hoped that Havelok had been forgotten, for no more than I would he like being stared at. The feast went on, and twice I had to take new torches, but Berthun saw that I had wine, if I could not eat as yet. Then had men finished eating, and the tables were cleared, and the singing began, very pleasant to hearken.
And that was what Alsi would have liked to hear, for his speech seemed to say that thus it was, and maybe that he did not altogether like the choice. But now Alsi said to Berthun, "Bring in the bridegroom." "Whom shall I bring, lord?" the steward asked in blank wonder, and Alsi whispered his answer. At that Berthun's hands flew up, and his mouth opened, and he did not stir.
"Well you know that I would be cut to pieces for the king tomorrow if need were, and so I earn free speech of him I guard. If I may not say what I think of him to a man who knows as much of him as I, who may?" "I have no doubt that the king would clothe Curan if I asked him," said Berthun stiffly, but noways loth to take his seat again. "But it is as much as your place is worth to do it.
And with that Berthun was well content for the time. "Well, then," said I, "see to Havelok's arms, while we get the horses ready, for I want Withelm here." So Havelok and his new man went into the house with his arms, and then I saw Goldberga beckoning to us.
"A yesterday's loaf each," answered Berthun, wondering plainly that Havelok paid any heed to the noise. "Well, then, let us go on, and we will think of somewhat," Havelok said; and then he turned to the people, who were silent at once. "I am a newcomer, and a hungry one," he said, smiling quietly, "and I have a mind to earn my loaf well.
Then up spoke a new voice, and it was one that I knew well. "No need to do that, lord king," said Berthun the cook. "Here have I come posthaste, and riding day and night, to say that Ragnar is but a day's march from here, that he and all Norfolk may see that their queen comes to her own." Then Alsi's face grew ashy pale, and without another word he swung his horse round and went his way.
Now Berthun went to the door on the high place, as he was wont when all was ready for the king's presence, and the hush deepened, none knowing what they expected to see. Forth came Berthun backward, as was the custom, and he turned aside to let the king pass him. His face was red and angry, as I thought, but amazed also.
So there was a murmur or two among them, and this grew when Havelok took the next burden in like manner. "Ho, master cook," cried a ragged man at last, "this is not the custom, and it is not fair that one man should do all the work, and all for one wage." Berthun took no notice of this; and so the cry was repeated, and that by more than one. And at last he turned round and answered.
I know what you would say." Berthun laughed. "I will do it myself, and if Alsi does get the credit, what matter?"
Berthun would go with him, and Arngeir would bide at home, for we needed one to whom messages might come; and while none would know us now in Denmark, either Arngeir or Mord might be seen, and men would tell Hodulf that the men of Grim had come home, and so perhaps spoil all. Word might go to Denmark from Griffin even yet.
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