So I gave the scroll to Harek, who sat next me, thinking that maybe the scald could read it. He pored over it for a while.
"It is of no use, king," he said. "It is in my mind that I know which is the right way up of the writing, but I am not sure."
So I laughed, and asked aloud if any man present could read. There were a good many thanes and franklins present to feast in our honour.
Then rose up a man, in a long brown hooded habit girt with a cord, from below the salt where he sat among the servants. He had a long beard, but was very bald. His hair grew in a thick ring round his head; which was strange, for he seemed young.
"I am here, ealdorman," he said to Odda; "I will read for King Ranald."
Now all eyes turned to see who spoke, and in a moment Odda rose up hastily and went down the long room till he came to where the man stood. Then I was amazed, for the ealdorman went on one knee before him, and said:
"Good my lord, I knew not that you were here among the crowd. I pray you come to the high seat."
"When will you remember that titles and high places are no longer pleasing to me?" the man said wearily. "I tire of them all. Rise up, Odda, my friend, and let me be."
"I will not rise without your blessing, nevertheless," said the ealdorman.
Whereon the man spoke a few words to him softly and quickly, signing with his hand crosswise over him.