Hempen death rather his, that was sib-folk's slanderer.
'Cowards come not: To the halls of the Chosen!
Haro! Haro!…"
But of all that followed I nothing saw nor heard, for a great blow was stricken me behind the head, and black darkness rushed down upon mine eyes and ears.
The blood beat dully against my brow, and my head ached as it would split in twain. I lay on a day-bed, pillowed with down.
On the ship? There had been a ship…. The fourth man! He must have fallen upon me as I stood in the tent-door.
Nay, I was once again within four walls. There were voices of men and women about me. I opened mine eyes. Near-by saw I some that I kenned full well, though they kenned not me, for often had I gazed upon the great ones of the land, since coming into Kent. On a settle over against me sat proud Lady Gytha, Earl Godwin's wife: her grief had made her stony; her eyes were heavy, and her lips a thin, tight streak. Earl Tostig stood before the empty hearth, clanking ever at the golden chain about his neck. At the feet of his mother, upon a stool, sat Harold, holding on his knee the child Haco Sweynson.
"Stirs she yet?" said Lady Gytha.
"Nay, not yet," Tostig answered. I shut mine eyes, for his harsh tones jarred and sickened me.
"Was it Algive?" she said, right mournfully. "Has this woman once again brought my Sweyn to nought?"