“All this is strange,” he said thoughtfully; “but if Havelok our brother is indeed a king’s son, it is only what he is like in all his ways.  Wise was our father Grim, and I mind how he seemed always to be careful of him in every way, and good reason must he have had not to say what he knew.  We will not ask aught until the time of which Arngeir knows has come.  Nor can we say aught to Havelok, though he is troubled, for we know nothing.  As for the dream, that is part of it all, and it is a portent, as I think.”

“Did I know the man who could read it, I would go to him and tell him it.”

“There is one man who can read dreams well,” Withelm answered, flushing a little, “but I do not know if you would care to seek him.  I stayed with him last night, and he is on his way even now to Lincoln, driven by the famine.  I mean the old British priest David, who has his little hut and chapel in the Cabourn woods.  His people have no more to give him.”

I knew that Withelm thought much of this old man of late, and I was not surprised to hear him speak of him now.  All knew his wisdom, and the marsh folk were wont to seek him when they were in any trouble or difficulty.  But I did not care to go to him, for he seemed to belong to the thralls, as one might say.

“Well, if he comes here, no doubt you will know where to find him if we need him,” I said.  “Bide with us for a few days at least, for here is plenty, and there is much going on.”

So we went into the town, and then to the palace, and found Havelok, and after that I had to go to the gate on guard.  And what these two did I cannot say, but, at all events, there is nothing worth telling of.

Now, however, I have to tell things that I did not see or hear myself, and therefore I would have it understood that I heard all from those who took some part or other in the matter, and so know all well.

I have not said much of the meetings of the Witan, for I had naught more to do with them than to guard the doors of the hall where they met now and then; but since the princess and Ragnar came they seem to have somewhat to do with the story, as will be seen.

On this day one of the Norfolk thanes asked in full meeting what plans the king had for his ward Goldberga, and her coming into her kingdom, saying that she, being eighteen years of age, was old enough to take her place.

Now Alsi had thought of this beforehand, and was ready at once.

“It is a matter of concern to us always,” he said, “and much have I thought thereof.  It is full time that she took her father’s place with the consent of the Witan, which is needed.”

He looked round us for reply to this, and at once the Norfolk thanes said, “We will have Goldberga for our queen, as was the will of Ethelwald.”