That was the word of all with whom I spoke, and in the end, when it was certain that the Danes meant to stay, and that help from Ethelred was none, East Anglia owned Guthrum as king quietly and with none to say a word against it, so securing a peace that should last.

But to this I could not bring myself as yet, because of what I had seen, and that the hand of Ingvar was behind Guthrum.

“Go to him at least,” said Ingild, “and find what he needs of you.  Then will be time to say more.”

So at his advice I went, and I found Guthrum in Ethelred’s great house, where he sat in little state, doing justice in open hall where many citizens were gathered.  And I saw him do even-handed right to both Dane and Saxon, and that pleased me, for already I had liked the man’s honest face and free bearing.

He greeted me well, taking me aside presently with Cyneward into a private chamber.  And there he told me that he would ask me to do a favour towards him.

I answered that what I might I would do gladly, so that he asked me not to break faith with my own people.

“I would ask no man to do that,” he said.  “Tell me what I may not ask you.”

“Shall I speak plainly?” I said.

“Aye, plainly as you will.”

“Then, Guthrum, I may not own Ingvar for overlord.  Nor can I allow that you have more than right of conquest over us.”

“Plain speaking, in good sooth,” he said, laughing a little, “but what I expected from Wulfric of Reedham.  However, I am ruler in East Anglia by that right you speak of, and I have a mind to be as fair in it as I may.  Now, I think you can help me.”

This honest saying warmed my heart to him somewhat, and weary enough of his lawman’s work this warrior looked.  Yet I was not sure that he would not try to use me to make his hold on the land more sure.

“Tell me in what way that may be,” I said, therefore.

“Let me come and ask you of this and that when I am in a strait owing to knowing naught of Saxon ways.  Then can I say to a Dane, ‘Thus says Wulfric, Lodbrok’s friend,’ and to an Anglian, ’So says the Thane of Reedham.’  Then I think I shall do well, for I would fain be fair.”

“I will ever be ready to do that, Guthrum,” I said; and I held out my hand to him, for I could not help it.

So he took it and wrung it warmly.

“Now must I go back to Thetford very soon,” he said.  “Come back that you may be near me.”

“I must live here, in London now,” I said; for I would by no means live with his court, nor did I think that he should have thought it of me after my words.

“Why not go back to your own place now?  I can see you often at Reedham.”

“That is an ill jest,” I said; for I thought nothing so sad as going back to see that dear home of mine but a blackened heap of ruins, nor would I ever ask any who might have seen the place concerning it, knowing how the Danish ships had burnt all the coast villages.