o the
hall; and after a word or two with Alsi, the horns were blown outside
the hall door to call every man of the guard to the place. And when they
came, we were all set round the wall as if guarding all that were in it.
But there were none but the folk of the palace to guard, and they were
wondering as were we; and when that was done, and the click and rattle
of arms as we moved to our places was ended, there was a silence on all
--the silence of men who wait for somewhat to happen.

Now Berthun went to the door on the high place, as he was wont when all
was ready for the king's presence, and the hush deepened, none knowing
what they expected to see.

Forth came Berthun backward, as was the custom, and he turned aside to
let the king pass him. His face was red and angry, as I thought, but
amazed also. I was standing next to Eglaf, and he was at the foot of the
dais, at the end of his line of men, so that I could see all plainly.

Then came Alsi, leading the princess, and after Goldberga came her
nurse. No other ladies were with her; and now I noticed that there was
not one thane on the high place, which was strange, and the first time
that such a thing had been since I came here. I looked down the hall,
and none were present. Now I looked at Alsi; and on his pale face was a
smile that might have been as of one who will be glad, though he does
not feel so. But the eyes of the princess were bright with tears, and
hardly did she look from the floor. Hers was a face to make one sad to
see at that time, wondrously beautiful as it was.

Alsi led her by the hand, and set her on the bench that was to his left,
and signed to the nurse to sit beside her, which the old lady did,
bridling and looking with scorn at the king as she took her place. There
she sought the hand of the princess, and held it tightly, as in
comforting wise. Very rich garments had the nurse, but Goldberga was
dressed in some plain robe of white that shone when the light caught it.
Mostly I do not see these things, but now I wished that she always wore
that same.

As for Alsi, he had on his finest gear, even as at the great feast of
the Witan--crimson cloak, fur-lined, and dark-green hose,
gold-gartered across, and white and gold tunic. He had a little crown on
also, and that was the only thing kingly about him, to my mind.

Now he cast one look at Goldberga, which made her shrink into herself,
as it were, and turned with a smile to us all.

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