“Ay; then do you ask these friends, and tell them that the sooner they can bring a priest the better shall they be rewarded. I would give much to have Goldberga’s mind set at rest.”
So Mord said that he would go at once; and glad he was to see Withelm sitting with Berthun,
“Well,” said the steward, “I have known Withelm of Grimsby for the last ten years or so, and I do not suppose that it matters if you speak with him.”
“Why should it matter if I speak with any one I choose?” asked Mord, somewhat angrily.
“That you must ask the king; for his orders are that the people of the princess have no dealings with outsiders for two days.”
“Mighty careful of us is Alsi all of a sudden,” said Mord. “I suppose he thinks that someone will stick a seax into some of us in all friendly wise while we are talking.”
But Berthun only laughed, and went to where the nurse was beckoning to him. He told her his own thoughts of Havelok, being glad to have a ready hearer.
At once Withelm was able to tell Mord that the old priest who was his friend was in Lincoln at this time by good chance, and that he would surely come to the princess at need. But when they came to talk of when and how, it did not seem all so easy; and Mord went to the nurse to tell her all.
Then they had to speak to Berthun about it, and he was kindly and willing to help; but he said that none might come to speak with the princess without leave from the king. No doubt he would grant it easily, if asked by Goldberga herself.
“I will go and tell her,” said the old lady. “Keep your man here till I return.”