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Updated: May 20, 2025
During this what we may style semi-convalescent period, Captain Arkal and little Maikar proved of great use and comfort to him, for they not only brought him information about the games which were still kept up but cheered him with gossipy news of the town in general, and with interesting reminiscences of their late voyage and the Eastern lands they had so recently left.
With one sweep of his heavy sword he severed it from the stem and returned to his companions. "Have you taken an ill-will at that tree, or were you only testing the strength of your arm?" asked Maikar.
At that moment the voice of little Maikar was heard shouting, in stentorian tones, "Land ahead!" The captain replied with a sharp "let go!" and four anchors were promptly dropped from the stern. At the same moment he placed the helm fair amidships, and made it fast with rudder-bands.
"We shall do well with Maikar in the bow, for he sees like a weasel, and is trustworthy," muttered the captain as he glanced uneasily over the stern, where the hungry waves were still hissing tumultuously after them, as if rendered furious by the delayed meal.
Maikar was one of those men of whom there are no doubt thousands who powerfully appreciate, almost venerate, and always recognise, the spirit of justice when displayed by their fellows, although they may not always be aware of the fact that they do recognise it hence his belief in the prince. "A good day for the land if that long-legged fellow slays him," remarked one of the crowd.
He pointed to a distant ridge, over the brow of which the head of Gunrig's column of men was just appearing. "He is a scout!" exclaimed Maikar. "Ay, and you may be sure that an enemy is not far off ahead of our column unless, perchance, he may be the scout of some tribe friendly to the king. Hold your hand, Maikar. You are ever too ready to fight.
The listeners seemed rather disappointed at this meagre account and sudden conclusion of what had bidden fair to become a stirring tale of the sea; but Maikar re-aroused their expectations by stating his firm belief that it was all nonsense about there being only one sea-serpent.
"All ready," answered the captain, beginning to collect things "I have just finished two head-pieces out of the boar-hide for myself and Maikar, which will turn an arrow or a sword-cut, unless delivered by a strong arm. Don't you think them handsome?" "They are suitable, at any rate," said Maikar, "for they are as ugly as our faces."
"But we might find honey," suggested Maikar. "And if we did not find honey, what then?" "Berries," answered the little man. "Berries are not nearly ripe yet." "True, I forgot that." "Say you did not know it, man," interposed the captain with a laugh; "never be ashamed of confessing ignorance in regard to things that you're not bound to know. Lead on, Bladud, we will follow.
The ambuscade on the other side of the Swamp had been put under the command of Captain Arkal, with Maikar for his lieutenant. Being entirely ignorant of what was going on, the men of this contingent lay close, abiding their time. Inaction, during the development of some critical manoeuvre, while awaiting the signal to be up and doing, is hard to bear.
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