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Then he saw that I was grieved, for I thought for the moment that he would bid me to stay, and so I should have to do so; but he took my part. "I cannot be without my brothers," he said. That pleased all, and the end of it was that Sigurd was chosen to hold the land for Havelok.
But Goldborough answered she would never wed any one but a king. "Ay, ay, my girl; and so thou wouldst be queen and lady over me? But thy father made me swear to give thee to the strongest man in England, and that is Havelok, the cook's scullion; so willing or not willing to-morrow thou shalt wed." Then the earl sent for Havelok and said, "Master, will you marry?"
I know that, as he saw her for this first time, it was with the wish that he were in Ragnar's place. But I thought that if Havelok were king, here was the queen for him. Now Alsi bade the feast go on, and be spoke a few words only to Havelok, letting him go at once, and I was glad. This sudden faintness of the princess had put all out somewhat, and none cared to take up a jest where it had stayed.
Now they showed Havelok to the warriors as crowned king, and I need not tell how he was greeted. And after that we all went back into the hall to speak of the way in which we were to meet Hodulf. Havelok would have a message sent to him, bidding him give up the land in peace.
Now as it drew to midnight he said, "Rise up, wife, and blow up the fire to light a candle, and get me my clothes, for I must be stirring." But when the woman came into the room where Havelok lay, she saw a bright light round the boy's head, like a sunbeam, and she called to her husband to come and see.
And so we planned at once; and in the end we three brothers were to go with Havelok and Goldberga, leaving Mord to get to Ragnar and tell him that Goldberga was following the fortunes of her husband, and would return to see to her own if all went well.
"Because we are not sure, and because it is not for us to choose the time. I have sent for Arngeir this morning, as we said would be well last night. If the princess is unwilling, there are many things that may be said; and if not, there must be many days before the wedding; and, ere the day, Havelok may feel that he is her equal in birth at least, if we are not wrong.
"Almost had you forgotten this," he said; "and I think you will want it." The men with the money were there, and he waved his hand to them. Havelok lifted the princess to her horse without heeding him, and the men set the bags on the pack horses.
It is plain that I am like my father, and therefore it is safe for me to go." "That," said the chief, "is what we told them, and what they wish to see." "Then," said Havelok, "I will come. Bid your men sit down, and bid the horsemen dismount, and I will ride to them with five others. Then can be no fear on either side."
But they said that it was no boon to give, and bade her ask somewhat that was better. "Why then," she said, "if I must ask more, think no more of me as queen save as that I am the wife of the king. Havelok is your ruler in good sooth." That pleased them all well, and they laughed and wished that all had wives who had no mind to rule.
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