Gladly I went out then, and when I saw those two ships my heart leapt up with joy, for it was indeed my own ship that was leading, and I thought that Halfden would be in her.
So soon as she was in the river she made for our wharf, and that was not the wont of the Danes, who mostly went on past us up the river to where the great towns were. And at once when she was alongside I went on board, and at sight of me half her crew came crowding round me, shouting and shaking my hand; for they were our old crew, the same who had fought beside me and had backed me at the Ve. There, too, was Thormod, grim as ever, but welcoming me most gladly. But Halfden was not there.
"What is this, Thormod?" I said, when I had him up to the house, and the men were eating in the great hall. "Why are you not with Halfden?"
"Have you heard no news?" he asked.
"Only a few days ago I heard of the business at Ashdown."
"Well, I have come thence," he said. "Now must I sail home and fetch more men in all haste."
"Why came you in here?"
"Because I came away in haste and need stores. And, moreover, I wanted to see you."
"That is good of you, Thormod, and glad am I to have you here, even if it is only for a day," I answered.
"Moreover, I have a message to you from Halfden," he went on.