Then I too saw that Godred, as he called himself, was, as the scald had guessed rightly, the king, and I was a little angry that he had tricked me thus. But he was laughing at Kolgrim as he came, and my anger passed at once. King or thane, here was a pleasant greeting enough.
He held out his hand to Odda first and then to me. The Saxon kissed it, bending one knee, which was doubtless right for him, as owning allegiance thereto. But I shook hands in our own way, saying:
"Skoal to Alfred the king."
Which seemed to please him, for he answered:
"Welcome to King Ranald. I am glad my letter brought you. My counsellor, Godred, feared you might not care to come."
"The letter turned the scale, lord king," I said. "Yet I would have you remember what I said yesterday about my kingship."
"Ay, cousin, I mind it," he answered, laughing. "Also I mind that a king's son is a king's son, whatever else he may be called."
Then he shook hands with Harek, and after that turned to Kolgrim, holding out his hand also to him.
"Concerning sails," he said gravely, "I have many questions to ask you. Is it to the starboard hand that the bolt rope goes, or to the other board?"
"I pray you to forget my foolishness, lord king," cried Kolgrim, growing very red and shame faced.