time when Mord, your servant, fled also. He came to England in
the same ship as did Mord, who can tell you more of him. It is certain
that there is a secret about his birth, and the one who knows that
secret is not far off. If need is, we can learn it, for there was a set
time for its telling, and maybe this is it. Now, if it is true that he
is the son of the Danish king, it does seem as if your dream might be
bidding you to have no fear of what seems doubtful in the matter, though
I cannot tell, and do not like to say so for certain. His name is not
Curan, but Havelok."

Then Goldberga said, "I have heard of that flight and of the wreck from
Mord often. He was wont to tell me of the child, and of the lady who was
drowned, and he said that he thought him the king's son."

After that she was greatly cheered, for the worst of the trouble seemed
to be over and gone. It was in her mind now that Alsi knew who Havelok
was, and that he tried her, for she was not one to think ill of any.

So she let the priest go, with many thanks, saying, "Now I know that
whatever happens is the will of Heaven, and must be for the best. I am
ready for whatever shall befall."

Now I do not know what had seemed good to Alsi, for he had changed his
mind concerning David's visit to Goldberga, and had suddenly given
orders that if he came he was to be put in ward at once. So Mord met the
old man as he left the chamber, and told him that he must fly; and after
that Withelm took him away in the dusk, for none hindered his going, and
went to the widow's with him, hearing all that had been said; and that
which they thought was even as Goldberga had said, that all must needs
be for the best. In a day or two all would he plain, for Arngeir would
have come. So Withelm sent forth the old man to his own place with a
good store of food, going with him for some miles, and promising him
help for coming days until the dearth was ended.

Now into the palace none might come after the feast was set; and all
this time I was on guard, for there were double posts round the place,
by reason of Alsi's fear of the attackers of the princess, as was said.
So it happened that neither of us saw Havelok until next morning; and
now I have to tell how we saw him, and what happened with the first
sunlight, when men were thinking of breaking their fast.

We of the housecarls took that first meal of the day in the great hall
--so many of us, that is, who were not on duty; a