Then the maiden smiled at me, though her eyes were full of tears, and she asked me:
"How will they bury him in your land? In honour?"
"I have a brother-in-law who will see to that," I said. "And, moreover, Eadmund the King, and Elfric, my father, will do him all honour."
"I will see to that," growled Ingvar, turning sharply from where he sought another weapon on the wall.
Not knowing all he meant, this pleased me, for I thought that we should sail together to Reedham for this, before very long. But Osritha, knowing his ways, looked long at him, till he turned away again, and would not meet her eyes.
"Now go back to your place, my sister," he said. "It is not well for you to bide here just now."
"Why not? Let our friend tell me of Father also," she said wilfully.
"Because I am going to do justice on Lodbrok's slayer," said Ingvar, in a great voice, swinging an axe again.
Then the maiden turned pale, and wrung her hands, looking at Ingvar, who would not meet her eyes; and then she went and laid her hands on his mighty arm, crying:
"Not that, my brother; not that!"