Now the host came on, and it was greater than ours; but when there was no sign of its leader the march wavered, and at last halted altogether.  Whereon some chiefs rode to speak to us, and Havelok met them with his leaders.  He had to speak first, for they could not well ask where Hodulf was.  The helm was a token that told them much.

“I met your king even now,” he said, “and I offered him peace and honourable return to Norway with his property if he would give up the throne that is mine by right.  Maybe I was wrong in thinking that he might do so, but he refused.  There were certain matters between us two, besides that of the crown, which needed settling; and therefore, after that, I challenged him to fight on these points, that being needful before they were done with.  So we fought, and our feud was ended.  Hodulf is dead, and his courtmen would not live after him while there was a chance of avenging his fall.  That was before the host came up.  Now I offer peace and friendship to all, and I can blame none who have held to the king who has fallen.  It was not to be expected that all would own me at once.  Only those Norsemen who came with Hodulf or have come hither since must leave the land, and they shall go in honour, taking their goods with them.  Their time is up; that is all.”

It was a long speech for Havelok, but in it was all that could be said.  Long and closely did the chiefs look at him as he spoke, for none of them had seen him before.  His words were not idly to be set aside either, and they spoke together in a low voice when he had ended.

“This is a matter for the whole host to settle,” one said at last.  “We will speak to them, and give you an answer shortly.”

“Take one of Hodulf’s courtmen with you, that he may tell all of the fight,” Havelok said:  “he need not come back.”

I gave the man his arms again, for he might as well have them if he stayed.

“Thanks, lord,” he said.  “Here is one who will tell the truth for Havelok.”

Then our host sat down, and we watched the foemen as the news came to them.  We could not hear, of course, for they were a quarter of a mile away, but if any tumult rose we should be warned in time.  They were very still, however.  There was a long talk, and then one chief came back to us.

“I am going to ask a strange thing,” he said, “but the men wish to see Havelok face to face.”

Now Sigurd said that this was too great a risk, and even Withelm agreed with him.

But Havelok answered, “The men are my own men, but they are not sure that I am the right king.  It is plain that I am like my father, and therefore it is safe for me to go.”

“That,” said the chief, “is what we told them, and what they wish to see.”

“Then,” said Havelok, “I will come.  Bid your men sit down, and bid the horsemen dismount, and I will ride to them with five others.  Then can be no fear on either side.”