“That,” said the priest, “is doubtless the most strange part of the whole matter, yet I think that even thus there need be no fear.  I will tell you now that I know this one who is called Curan well, and I, and all who know him, love him.  Truly he is not a Christian, but he is no hater of the faith, and that is much in these days.  Nor is he a churl, but rather one of the most noble of men.  It is certain that, whatever Alsi might wish, he would not wed you against your will.  He has but to know your thoughts in order to help you in any way.  But I must also tell you this, that he is a Dane, who fled from his land when he was a child; and it is thought that he is the son of the Danish king, who was slain at the 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.