Hodulf got back to his courtmen, and now they came on.  At that moment over the hill behind us rode Havelok and Raven, and saw at once what was on hand.  They had ridden on, but the host was hard after them.

“Send a man to bid the host halt,” Havelok said to me, “for we can end the matter here.  Now shall I be hand to hand with Hodulf, even as I would wish.”

I sent a man back as he bade me, and he stayed the host half a mile beyond the hill, where they were not seen.  Hodulf’s army was yet two miles away across the heath, and none had gone back to hasten it.

Now Havelok went forward, holding up his hand in token of parley, and his enemy rode from his men to meet him.

“There is much between us, Hodulf,” Havelok said, “and we have been together along this road before.  Yet for the sake of the men who follow us it may be that we can make peace.”

“That is for me to say,” answered Hodulf, “for you have invaded my land, and are the peace breaker.”

“I might mind you of a blood feud between us two,” said Havelok, “but that is not the business of the host.  For the sake of the land I will say this.  Give up the throne that you have held for me, and you shall go hence with what treasure you have gathered, taking your Norsemen with you.  There will be no shame in doing that, for I am able now to hold the land for myself.”

Hodulf laughed a short laugh.

“Fine talk that for the son of Grim the thrall, who drowned Havelok for me!  ‘Nidring’ should I be if I gave up to you.”

“If things must go in that way, we will settle the matter here and now.  Will you that we fight hand to hand while our men look on, or shall we go back to them and charge?  I like the first plan best myself, as I would avenge my father and sisters, and also that insult of the way in which we passed this road together twelve years ago.”

So said Havelok, and his words fell like ice from his lips, and he was very still as he spoke, though the red flush crept into his cheek and his brows lowered.

And Hodulf did not answer at once.  He looked at the towering young warrior before him, and maybe into his mind there crept the thought of the children whom he had slain, whom this one would avenge.  Well he knew that the true Havelok was speaking with him, though he would not own it, and branded my father with the name of thrall for the sake of insult to his foster son.

At last he said, “We will go back to the men, for you have advantage in that bulk of yours.”

“As you will,” answered Havelok.  “Twelve years ago that was on your side.”

He reined round at once, and touched his horse with the spur without another glance at his enemy.  And then we shouted, and Raven spurred forward with a great oath, for Hodulf plucked his sword from the scabbard, and with a new treachery in his heart, rode after our brother and was almost on him.  The shout was just in time, for Havelok turned in his saddle as the blow was falling.