The Dane laughed a little also, as at a jest; though one could tell that Beorn rather meant insult.

“Why,” he answered, “the bird got loose from her master’s ship as he sailed out of port in Iceland, and he found her at home in Nidaros at his journey’s ending; and they knew well on what day she came, which was the same as that on which she got free.”

Then I said, lest Beorn should scoff again: 

“Now, if this falcon got free from here, surely she will go home to your land.”

“Aye, and so my sons will think me dead, seeing her come without me.  Wherefore keep her safely mewed until she has learnt that this is her home, for I would not have that mischance happen.”

That I promised easily, for I prized the bird highly.  And that I might not leave him with the surly Beorn, I asked the jarl to come and see her safely bestowed, and left the room with him.

As we crossed the courtyard to the mews, where our good hawks were, Lodbrok said to me: 

“I fear yon falconer is ill pleased with me.”

“I have a mind to tell the king of his rudeness to our guest,” I answered.

“That is not worth while,” said Lodbrok.  “The man’s pride is hurt that he should be thus baffled for all his skill, which, from his talk, must be great,” and we both laughed, for Beorn loved his own praises.

Now when we got back the guests were gathering, and it was not long before the king entered, and at once called me.

“All here I know but one, Wulfric, and that one is your seafarer.  Let me know him also that speech may be free among us.”

So Lodbrok came, and he and the king looked long at one another before Eadmund spoke.

“I have heard your story, friend, and it is a strange one,” he said pleasantly.  “Moreover, I know your name in some way.”

“Well known is the name of Ragnar Lodbrok, my forefather,” said the jarl.  “Mayhap the king remembers the name thus!”

“Aye,” answered Eadmund, “that is a well-known and honoured name, and I think that Ragnar’s son has a share in his courage.  But your face also seems known to me, and it was not of the great Ragnar that I thought.  Have we met in years past?”

Then Lodbrok said that he had been in London at a time when Offa the King was there, and it was long years ago, but that the very day might be remembered by reason of a great wedding that he had been to see out of curiosity, knowing little of Saxon customs.  And he named the people who were married in the presence of Offa and many nobles.

Then Eadmund laughed a little.

“Now it all comes into my mind,” he said; “you are the leader of those strangers who must needs come into the church in helm and mail, with axe and shield hung on shoulders.  Moreover, for that reason, when men bade you depart and you went not, they even let you bide.  So I asked your name—­and now I can answer for it that Lodbrok Jarl you are.”