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And these Danes drank less than our people, if they ate more largely. But Ingvar would sit and take pleasure in none of the sport, being ever silent and thoughtful. But to me, best of all were the times when I might see and speak with Osritha, and soon the days seemed heavy to me if by chance I had no word with her.
Then one of our men, who had stood next to me, spoke for me, as he thought. "I saw Wulfric sign Thor's hammer even now. What more does any man want from a Saxon?" Thereat Ingvar scowled, knowing, as I think, what this was. "You claim to be truth teller," he said; "did you sign Thor's hammer?" "I did not," I answered. Then Halfden came to my side. "Let Wulfric go his own way, brother.
Then I said that I myself had no grudge against Earl Ulfkytel, for he had sent me here. "Why then, no more have I," answered Halfden; "for he is a wiseacre and an honest one, and maybe meant kindly. Ingvar would have slain both guilty and innocent, and told them to take their wrangle elsewhere, to Hela or Asgard as the way might lead them."
So the king had passed by before the procession set out, and I knew not what to think. "What bride?" said Ingvar. And the music answered him, coming nearer and nearer, and now they were crossing Hoxne bridge a bright little array of wedding guests, and in the midst I could see those two, Egfrid and Eadgyth, and after came a crowd of village folk. "See yonder," said a Dane, pointing.
There they set him down, and raised a great flat stone, close to the greatest wall, which covered the mouth of a deep pit. "Look therein," said Ingvar to me. I looked, and saw that the pit was stone walled and deep, and that out of it was no way but this hole above.
And presently Ingvar saw me, and knowing that I was one who would speak with the leader, rode up, looking curiously at me as he came. "Skoal to Jarl Ingvar!" I said when he was close. He reined up his horse in surprise, lifting his hand. "Odin! It is Wulfric!" he said. "Now, skoal to you, Wulfric! But I would that you were not here." "How is that, Jarl?"
"And, moreover, Eadmund the King, and Elfric, my father, will do him all honour." "I will see to that," growled Ingvar, turning sharply from where he sought another weapon on the wall. Not knowing all he meant, this pleased me, for I thought that we should sail together to Reedham for this, before very long.
On that church, Cyneward, who was Raud, and is our well-loved steward, wrought lovingly with his own hands side by side with the good monk who baptized him. And he has carved a wondrous oaken shrine for the remains of our martyred king, whereon lies the bracelet that Ingvar sent in token that Eadmund had conquered him who was his slayer.
But I looked at Ingvar, and said: "Short work have I made, Jarl." Whereat he laughed a grim laugh, only answering: "Aye, short enough. The gods are appeased." Then I went back to my place beside Halfden, and our men patted my back, praising me, roughly and heartily, for it is not a viking's way to blame a man for slaying a comrade in fair fight and for good reason.
But the men fitted arrows to the bowstrings once more, while Ingvar stood still and silent with his strong hands clasped together behind him, gazing at the king, whose lips moved in prayer, the psalm being ended, and, as I think, his strength ebbing fast from his many wounds.
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