That Osmund would gladly do; indeed, he said that, in hopes of being thus useful, he had stayed so near at hand.
So he and the thane talked long of the matter--for Alfred had sent messages--while I spoke with the lady, of Thora mostly.
It did not seem to me that I had any part in the king's business with the Danes, and so presently I thought that I could do no better than ride to Taunton to see Thora, who I feared might be in trouble or doubt as to my safety.
So I rode there with Kolgrim. At that time the scald was laid up with a wound in the camp, and the king seemed to miss his presence, and to care for his welfare as if he were his brother; but, indeed, he made every man with whom he had to do feel as if his king were his best friend.
There is not much need for me to tell what manner of welcome I had at Taunton from Thora. As for Etheldreda, she would have me tell her everything, and I sat with those two, until night came and rest, talking of all the time past. But of the time to come Thora said nothing, and once or twice when Etheldreda left us and we were alone for a little while, so that I could try to plan out somewhat, she would but turn the talk again.
In the morning I found out how this was. She had gathered from Osmund somewhat of his thoughts about what Alfred's plan for me might be, and was unhappy therefore, not wishing to stand in my way to honour with the king. So she told me when I pressed her a little to speak of what I would do; and when I said that there should be nothing that I would let stand between us, she was the more troubled yet.
So at last I went and found Etheldreda, and prayed her to come and speak with Thora.
"Falling out already?" she said, laughing.
"Not so, but a greater trouble than that," I said, "one that will need your help before it is mended."
"Ay, I suppose you could patch up a quarrel for yourselves," she said. "What is this mighty trouble?"