Then he went hastily, and we two looked at one another.
"How is it with her?" I said.
"In the way of the girl who helped you slay Morgan," he said grimly. "She would hold him nidring if he had not wished to go."
We went to the door and looked out. All the road was dotted with men from the nearer villages who came to the gathering, and as they marched, each after the reeve of the place, they sang. And past the hindmost of them came a single horseman hurrying. Another messenger with the same news, doubtless.
Then there were footsteps across the hall behind us, and Elfrida and Erpwald came to us. I stole one glance at her, and saw that she hid her sorrow and pain well, though it was not without an effort. She spoke fast, and seemingly in cheerful wise, as we turned to her.
"Father, here is this Erpwald, who will go to the war, and I cannot hold him back. What can you say to him?"
"Nought, surely. For if he will not listen to you, it is certain that he will hearken to none else."
She laughed a little strained laugh, and turned to Erpwald.
"You must have your own way, as I can see plainly enough; and our wedding must needs wait your pleasure. Even my father will not help to keep you here."
"But, Elfrida--it was your own saying--" the poor lover went no further, for he was beyond his depth altogether.