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And when I did so, the man grinned at me, saying: "Truly it is like old times to see you stand up thus to the jarl king, I mean. There is not a man in our host dare do it." And lo! it was my friend Raud the forester. His beard was gone, and he had a great half-healed scar across his jaw, so that I had not known him even had I noticed any but Ingvar.
Now they were about to shoot once more, unbidden, keeping up their torture if they might; but there was one more merciful than the rest. Forward before the bowmen strode Raud, with his sword drawn, and he cried to Ingvar: "Let me slay him, king, and end this for pity's sake!" Ingvar turned his eyes gloomily on him for a moment, and then answered: "What know you of pity? Slay him if you will."
And he bounded in gladness about me. Now I found that my bonds were gone, and next that my weapons were left me, and that but for cramp and stiffness I had not any tokens of what had befallen. And at first it seemed to me that Ingvar thus showed his scorn of me, though soon I thought that he had forgotten me, and that it was Raud who had freed me. I heeded not the dog, looking only in one place.
"Not on me with axe, I pray you," he answered laughing, and twisting his head on one side. "I mind me of Rorik." "Let us be going," I said, for I could not jest. So we trotted after the party, and when we were near, Raud left me and went to Ingvar's side, speaking to him of what I had said. Then the jarl turned round to me, speaking quietly enough, but in a strange voice.
After that we sat silent for a while, and the good dame brought out food and ale for Raud, and I envied his pleasure therein, for I took little as yet. Now for many days past a great longing to be away from this place had filled my mind, and now seemed to be the time. "Take me to London, Raud," I said. "Why, that is part of my errand here," he answered, smiling.
And I ate heartily of the brown bread and milk they gave me, and afterwards told Raud of what I had been long thinking. "All things are quiet in the land now. Let us gather a few of my people and seek the head of our king, if you fear not to go into Hoxne woods." Raud thought for a while before he answered me. "I fear not, for the poor king thanked me, smiling at me. Let me go with you."
Almost they consented, but Rolf and Thoralf had wives and children, and Raud would by no means leave his brother. Now in a few days, a company of merchants went from Hedeby with goods for England, and with them I went; and in no long time I came into Ingild's house by London Bridge, and was once more at home as the second week in May began.
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.
The jarls bid me say that Wulfric of Reedham, Lodbrok's preserver, is a welcome guest in their hall, and they would see him there at once." "Nevertheless," I answered, "Raud the forester was the first to shelter me, and I do not forget." Whereat Raud was pleased, and together we went to the great house, and entered, unchallenged.
These things are beyond me, nor can I tell all the thoughts that came into my mind as I looked into the face of the king whom I had loved, and who loved me. Now would we take our treasure, as we must needs think it, to Hoxne, and the monks were about to lift it again. But Raud came forward very solemnly, begging that he might be allowed to bear it, "Because he would make what amends he might."
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