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Updated: May 9, 2025
Whereupon I was in no more trouble about myself, and now I began to hope that the still weather might even bring Halfden's ship to find me. So we passed from river to broad, and from broad to sea, and went in tow of the fishing boat until we came to that place, as nearly as might be, where I had saved Lodbrok. I could see the sparkle of our village lights, or thought I could.
No man gainsaid him, so they kicked the bucket down the well and went away. Now I breathed freely again, and was about to whisper to the prior that his thought of making what would pass for bubbling was good; but more Danes came. And they were men of Halfden's ship; so we must wait and listen, and this time I thought that surely we were to be found.
It was that Rorik whose ship the Bosham bell had sunk, and who had been saved by Halfden's boats. He knew me, after scanning me idly for a moment, and greeted me, asking why I was not at Reedham to make that feast of which Halfden was ever speaking, and so passed on. So we went up to the great hall in silence, sorely cast down; and that was Halfden's homecoming.
And, moreover, I wanted to see you." "That is good of you, Thormod, and glad am I to have you here, even if it is only for a day," I answered. "Moreover, I have a message to you from Halfden," he went on. Whereupon I asked him about the battle, and long we sat while he told me all. And Halfden's deeds had been great, but could not turn aside defeat. So he ended.
So I bade Kenulf give the three who remained the best cheer that we might, treating them as Lodbrok's men; for the old pilot loved the jarl well, and I knew that for his sake he would do much. Then in a few more minutes I stood on the deck of Halfden's ship, and word went round quickly of my news, so that I had a good welcome.
"My father's ring and Halfden's!" he said, gripping my hand, as he looked closely at the runes upon them, so tightly that it was pain to me. "By Odin's beard, this grows yet stranger! Who are you, and whence, and how came you by these things?" "I am Wulfric, son of Elfric, the Thane of Reedham, 'the merchant' as men call him.
Now I thought I would try to sleep, for the darkness was very great, and just as I lay down in a corner the barring of the door was moved, and the door opened gently. "Do you sleep, Wulfric?" said Halfden's voice, speaking very low. "What is it, brother?" I asked in as low a voice, for I had not been a viking for naught.
And once he said that he would that you were a Dane, and his comrade as you had been Halfden's." Then I told Osritha of how Halfden had let me go from him rather than have me fight against my own land. I had said nothing of this to the jarls, for there was no reason. And this was the first time that I had had private speech with Osritha. "That is Halfden's way," she said, "he is ever generous."
Soon came the boats from Halfden's ship and picked up those who yet clung to what they might of the wreck, and then ship and Danes passed from Bosham haven, leaving the silent tower and burning village to mark where they had been. Then the prior sighed, and turning away, said: "Let us go to Chichester and find shelter. Night comes soon, and rest."
It were long to tell how the people cheered, and how they were answered from the ship, and how I spied Halfden on the fore deck, and Thormod at the helm, as ever. And when Osritha saw Halfden's gay arms and cloak and all the bright trim of the ship and men, she said to me, speaking low and quickly: "They have not been to Reedham, or it would not have been thus."
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