"Thanks, Jarl Ingvar," she said; "often have I heard of Osritha. When you return I would have you thank her for her care of my brother--and I would thank you also, Jarl, for your care of him."
Now Ingvar reddened a little, but not with anger, for he saw that I had spoken at least no ill of him to Eadgyth.
"Nay, lady," he answered; "Halfden and Hubba and Osritha have to be thanked--if any thanks need be to us for caring for Jarl Lodbrok's preserver. Little share may I take of the matter."
"Yet I will thank all in your place," she said, and then shrank back to Egfrid's side.
Never had I seen a more handsome couple.
Then Ingvar laid his hand on a great golden snake that twined round his right arm, and I thought he was going to give it as a bridal gift to my sister, for that is ever a viking's way, to give lavishly at times when he might have taken, if the mood seizes him. But as he glanced at the gold he saw blood specks thereon, and I heard him mutter:
"No, by Freya, that were ill-omened."
And he did but seem to put it in place, as if thinking. Then he replaced his helm, bowing, and said:
"Now must I stay your rejoicing no longer. Fare you well, lady, and you, noble Egfrid; I must ride back to Thetford town on my own affairs. Yet I leave you Wulfric. Will you remember hereafter that you spoke with Ingvar the king, and that he was your friend?"
"Aye, surely," answered they both at once.