“Nay, but such a mind as his it seems to suit well already, though he has not heard much.”
“Why, then,” said I, wondering, “if it suits our best and bravest, it must be a wondrous faith. It seems strange, however; but I know naught of it. What is good for him and you, my brother, is sure to be best.”
“I feared that you would be angry.”
“Nay, but with you and Havelok? How should that be? Why, if you two said that we must turn Christian, I should hold it right; so would Raven. I suppose that I go to the Ve[[11]] because you do.”
Now I troubled no more about the matter, being nothing but a sea dog who could use a weapon. And now I said that I was going to Eglaf to say that I might have to leave him at any time for home, in case we had to fly with Havelok. So Withelm went his way to the old priest with a light heart, and I to the captain.
“Well,” said Eglaf, “this is about what I expected when your brother came. Good it has been to have you here; and I think that I shall see you as a housecarl for good yet. When do you go?”
“The first time that I do not turn up on guard I am gone, not till then.”
“Come and drink a farewell cup first.”
“I shall be in a great hurry if I do not do that,” I answered, laughing.
But it was my thought that maybe when once my back was turned on the town, I should not have time to think of going near King Alsi’s guard.