“With heart and hand and head, neither more nor less,” answered Berthun. “I have seen you serve, and now will see you command. Let me bide with you, my master, at least, giving you such service as I may.”
“Such help as you may, rather. For now we all serve the princess,” Havelok said.
And with that Berthun was well content for the time.
“Well, then,” said I, “see to Havelok’s arms, while we get the horses ready, for I want Withelm here.”
So Havelok and his new man went into the house with his arms, and then I saw Goldberga beckoning to us. It was the first time that I had spoken to her, and I think that I was frightened, if that is what they call the feeling that makes one wish to be elsewhere. But there was nothing to fear in the sweet face that she turned to us.
“Brothers,” she said, “Havelok tells me that it was one of you who brought David the priest to me. I do not rightly know yet which is Withelm.”
With that she smiled and blushed a little, and I stood, helm in hand, stupidly enough. But my brother was more ready.
“I am Withelm, my princess—” he began.
“Nay; but ‘sister’ it shall be between me and my husband’s brothers. Now, brother Withelm, there is one thing that is next my heart, and in it I know you will help me.”
There she wavered for a moment, and then went on bravely.