"Likely enough," the Saxon answered, laughing a little. "I asked to see the prizes and the vikings' ships, and he showed me more than I expected."
Then he looked along the line of vessels that he had not yet passed, and added:
"I thought there were more Norse ships with Odda."
I told him how the other vikings had left us with their plunder at Wareham, saying that I thought they could well be spared at that time.
"However," I said, "I did not count on the Saxons leaving their vessels so soon."
"Then I take it that I am speaking with King Ranald, of whom Odda has so much to say," he said, without answering my last words.
"I am Ranald Vemundsson," I said; "but this ship is all my kingdom now. Harald Fairhair has the land that should have been mine. I am but a sea king."
Then he held out his hand, saying that there was much for which every Saxon should thank me, and I passed that by as well as I could, though I was pleased with the hearty grip he gave me.
"So long as Odda is satisfied it is enough," I said. "If I have helped him a little, I have helped a man who is worth it."
"Well," said the thane, "you seem to be pleased with one another. Now I should like to see this ship of yours, of which he has so much to say."