would not suit Havelok," I said, laughing.

"Nay, but such a mind as his it seems to suit well already, though he
has not heard much."

"Why, then," said I, wondering, "if it suits our best and bravest, it
must be a wondrous faith. It seems strange, however; but I know naught
of it. What is good for him and you, my brother, is sure to be best."

"I feared that you would be angry."

"Nay, but with you and Havelok? How should that be? Why, if you two said
that we must turn Christian, I should hold it right; so would Raven. I
suppose that I go to the Ve [11] because you do."

Now I troubled no more about the matter, being nothing but a sea dog who
could use a weapon. And now I said that I was going to Eglaf to say that
I might have to leave him at any time for home, in case we had to fly
with Havelok. So Withelm went his way to the old priest with a light
heart, and I to the captain.

"Well," said Eglaf, "this is about what I expected when your brother
came. Good it has been to have you here; and I think that I shall see
you as a housecarl for good yet. When do you go?"

"The first time that I do not turn up on guard I am gone, not till then."

"Come and drink a farewell cup first."

"I shall be in a great hurry if I do not do that," I answered, laughing.

But it was my thought that maybe when once my back was turned on the
town, I should not have time to think of going near King Alsi's guard.

Then I went to find Ragnar the earl, for we thought it well that he
should know what was on hand. But when I came to the house of the thane
with whom he was quartered, they told me that he had gone hastily with
all his men, for word had come of some rising in his land that must be
seen to at once. That was bad; and as one must find a reason for
everything, I thought that the going of Griffin had much to do with the
outbreak. There I was wrong, as I found later. But then, too, I knew
that the craft of Alsi was at work in this message. He had his own
reasons for wishing the earl out of the way.

CHAPTER XVI. A STRANGEST WEDDING.

Long spoke Withelm and the priest David together, until it was time for
them to seek the palace; and when they came there, they spoke to Mord
also. Then David thought it was well to say naught to Havelok until more
was learned from Goldberga herself, for he would soon see how things
stood with her. Then he would see Withelm again, and they would plan
together for the best. So Withelm waite