"Ay, so they always say," the chief growled; "but what place with Alfred in return?"
"It is likely that I shall gain no place with him," I said. "Jarl Osmund knows that I do not count on that."
"Ay," said Osmund, "I know it. Nor will any man think that I seek honour at Alfred's hands."
Then Guthrum rose up, and spoke gravely and yet very determinedly, as if this was no new matter to him.
"Here, chiefs, are two good and tried warriors who willingly choose Alfred's faith. You and I have heard thereof since we were in England; and many a man have we seen die, since we have been here, because he would not give it up. I mind me of Edmund, the martyred king, whom Ingvar, our great chief, slew, and of Humbert the bishop, and many more lesser folk. Tell me truly how much you have thought of the Asir in these last years?"
But none answered. It was with them as with me: the Asir were not of England.
"One thing," said Guthrum, "has gone against our taking up the English faith--we have thought the words of peace have made men cowardly. Now we know that is not so. Here is one who withstood Hubba, and round the walls watch Christian men who have beaten us sturdily."
Then he stayed his words for a little, and his voice sank, and he looked round and added:
"Moreover, the words of the new faith are good. I will accept King Alfred's brotherhood altogether."
Then one or two more of the younger chiefs spoke, and said that they would do so also; but again the elder warrior spoke fiercely.