This was the chief to whom Hakon had spoken before the boat was run down. He had told the young king that which had led him to crush her as if her crew were vermin, and wondered to see us save one of them.
"I have heard much of Heidrek, seeing that I am a Northumbrian," he said. "The track of that ruffian lies black on our coasts; but I have not heard of his son. We have naught against his name, at least."
Then said Bertric: "I sailed as a thrall with yon ships for six months or more, and have naught against Asbiorn here. He is the only one of all the crew who follow Heidrek of whom I could say as much."
"Faith!" said Asbiorn, with a grave face, "it is somewhat to have no sort of character at all, as it seems."
Hakon looked at him and laughed a little.
"Take service with me and make a good name for yourself," he said. "It is a pity to see a good warrior who will do a kindly turn to a captive naught but a wolf's-head Viking. I have need of courtmen."
"I might do worse," he answered; "but hither comes my father, and I have no mind to fight him at the very beginning of my service."
Hakon looked at the two ships, which were nearing us fast, though we were still close-hauled, as when the boat was brought alongside.
"I had no mind to fight him," said Hakon.
"It is not his way to let a ship pass without either toll or battle," Asbiorn said bluntly.