“Men said that trouble at home brought him from England.  I suppose he judged it likely that the Jomsburgers might give trouble,” I said.

“The foes that sent him back were—­ghosts,” said Thormod bitterly.  “Come and let us see to the ship.”

So we went down to the wharf, and found the ship but little hurt by that business.  And I stayed on board her that night, for I would not see Ingvar again just yet.

But in the early morning he sent to beg me to speak with him, and I came.  He sat in his great chair, and I stood before him.

“You have brought me a quiet night, Wulfric,” he said.  “Tell me how you came here, for I think it was not that you would wish to see me again.”

So Thormod had told him nothing, and I answered: 

“I came with Thormod for more men, for Ethelred the King is growing strong against you.  Have you heard no news?”

“None,” he said; “but that is not your errand, but his.”

“That will Thormod tell you, therefore,” I answered.  “As for me, I came at Halfden’s bidding, which Thormod told me.”

“What did Halfden bid you come here for?”

“To take Osritha his sister into safety and peace again.  Suffer me to do so,” I said, boldly enough, but yet quietly.

Now Ingvar looked fixedly at me from under his brows, and I gave back his look.  Yet there was no silent defiance between us therein.

“Take her,” he said at length; “you have saved her from these Jomsburgers, and you have the right.  Take her where you will.”

“Do you come back with us, King?” I asked him, giving him no word of thanks, for I owed him none.

“Tell Guthrum from me that I shall never set foot in England again.  Tell him, if you will, that our shores here need watching against outland foes, and that I will do it.  Let him settle his kingship with Hubba and Halfden.”

Then he paled and looked beyond me, adding in a low voice:  “Eadmund is king in East Anglia yet.”

Now I answered him not, fearing lest his terror should come on him again.  And slowly he slipped from his arm the great gold bracelet that he had so nearly given Eadgyth.

“Tell your people that never should a bridal train cross the Bridge of the Golden Spurs on the way to the church while the brook flows to the sea, lest ill should befall both bride and groom, because thus found I Eadmund the King, whose face is ever before me by night and day.  Take this gold, I pray you, Wulfric, and lay it on the tomb where his bones are, in token that he has conquered—­and let me fight my shame alone till I die.”

Wondering, I took the bracelet, pitying the man again, yet fearing what he might say and do next, for I thought that maybe he would slay himself, so hopeless looked he.

“Fain would I have been your friend,” he said, “but pride would not let me.  Yet Eadgyth your sister and Egfrid called me so, and maybe that one deed of ruth may help me.  Now go, lest I become weak again.  Lonely shall I be, for you take all that I hold dear—­but even that is well.”