other ladies and their children who had
taken refuge here with the townsfolk after the burning, and the coming
of this one was but another count in the long tale of trouble that began
on the Welsh shore with the ways of Gunnar, the church's bane.

My father was long gone, and the day was breaking when he came back. My
mother slept in the great chair before the fire, for waiting had wearied
her, but she woke as she heard Grim's footstep, and unbarred the door to
him, ready to welcome the guest that she looked for. But he was alone,
and on his face was the mark of some new trouble, and that a great one.

He came in and barred the door after him, and then sat down wearily and
ate for the first time since we had had our meal at sea; and while he
did so Leva asked him nothing, wondering what was wrong, but knowing
that she would hear in good time. And when he had eaten well he spoke.

"The lady is Eleyn the queen. She has been wandering for these many days
from place to place, sometimes in the woods, and sometimes in hiding in
the cottages of the poor folk, always with a fear of staying in one
place, lest Hodulf should find her, for it is known that he is seeking
her. Then at last one told her of my ship, and she is here to seek me."

Now one may know what the wonder and pity of my mother was, and she
would fain have gone to her. But Grim had left her at Arngeir's house,
for folk were stirring in the town, and there were many who would know
the queen if they saw her.

"It will soon be known that Arngeir has a guest," my mother said,
"whereas none would have wondered had she been here."

"By this time tomorrow it will not matter if Hodulf knows," answered
Grim, "for she will be safe."

"Where will you hide her then and what of Havelok?"

"For those two there is no safety but across the sea, and they are the
most precious cargo that I shall ever have carried. Already Arngeir and
the men are at work on the ship, getting the rollers under her keel,
that she may take the water with the next tide. I shall sail with the
tide that comes with the darkness again, saying that I shall find cargo
elsewhere in other ports, as I have done once before."

"I had not looked to say farewell to you quite so soon," my mother said;
"but this is right. Now I will have all things ready, that the queen
shall be in what comfort she may on the voyage. But it will be well that
none shall know, even of your seamen, who the passengers are, else