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Updated: May 24, 2025
For being the son of Vemund, king of Southmereland in Norway, I was hailed as king when first I took command of a ship of my own. Sea king, therefore, was I, Ranald Vemundsson, but my kingdom was but over ship and men, the circle of wide sea round me was nought that I could rule over, if I might seem to conquer the waves by the kingship of good seaman's craft.
I would that if one comes to my side he may step gently as you, Ranald Vemundsson." "Else will that comer fare ill," said Thiodolf. The king glanced up at him, and his face changed, and he said, smiling grimly: "Maybe. I think none will win my sword from me." Then he had Kolgrim sent for, and Thord, and they told him truly what they had seen, and how they had fared in the matter.
Thereat Thord growled: "They will follow Ranald Vemundsson well enough; have no care about that." Then said I: "These are the finest ships I have ever seen. Where did they come from?" "Alfred, our king, planned them," said Odda, with much pride; "and they were built by our own men, working under Frisian shipwrights, in Plymouth." "How will you like to command one of these, Thord?" I asked then.
"If any heed me, I pray you make what tale you can for me." "What can I say to you in thanks?" she cried quickly, and letting go my hand which she yet held. "If you are slain, it is my fault. Tell me your name at least." "Ranald Vemundsson, a Northman of King Alfred's," I said. "Now I am your servant ever."
When the scald told the king who I was, and what was my errand, with all ceremony, he looked fixedly at me, so that I was ashamed, and grew red under his gaze. Then he smiled pleasantly, and spoke to me. His voice was as I thought to hear it clear and steady, and yet deep. "So, Ranald Vemundsson, you are worthy of your father.
"Then I take it that I am speaking with King Ranald, of whom Odda has so much to say," he said, without answering my last words. "I am Ranald Vemundsson," I said; "but this ship is all my kingdom now. Harald Fairhair has the land that should have been mine. I am but a sea king."
Then Osmund looked at me. "Now have I met with two men whom I have longed to see," he said, "for you must be King Ranald Vemundsson. Two foes I have if it must be so said of whom I have nought but good to say." "So," laughed Odda. "When fought you twain, and which let the other go?" "We have not fought," the jarl answered.
"Two messages come to you today," Osmund said; "one by my mouth, and the other by that of King Ranald Vemundsson, who is with me. I think you may hear both, and answer them both favourably." Guthrum made no reply, but took his seat at the upper end of the one room the hut had; and all the chiefs sat also, leaving us messengers standing.
"Sigurd would have us know it and take revenge." "No man has dared to go near that doorway till you came, Ranald Vemundsson," Kolgrim answered. "Now I fear that he plans to lure you into the mound, and slay you there without light to help you. Go no further, maybe you will be closed up with the ghost." That was not pleasant to think of, but I had seen nought to make me fear to go in.
"Ay, ay," he growled; "I cannot keep my voice quiet." Neot laughed, and then turned to me and held out his hand for the king's letter, which I gave him. He ran his eyes over the writing very quickly, and then said: "Here is nothing private; shall I read aloud?" But the thanes fell to talking quickly, and I nodded. "Alfred the king to his cousin Ranald Vemundsson, greeting.
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