"I have a mind to tell the king of his rudeness to our guest," I answered.
"That is not worth while," said Lodbrok. "The man's pride is hurt that he should be thus baffled for all his skill, which, from his talk, must be great," and we both laughed, for Beorn loved his own praises.
Now when we got back the guests were gathering, and it was not long before the king entered, and at once called me.
"All here I know but one, Wulfric, and that one is your seafarer. Let me know him also that speech may be free among us."
So Lodbrok came, and he and the king looked long at one another before Eadmund spoke.
"I have heard your story, friend, and it is a strange one," he said pleasantly. "Moreover, I know your name in some way."
"Well known is the name of Ragnar Lodbrok, my forefather," said the jarl. "Mayhap the king remembers the name thus!"
"Aye," answered Eadmund, "that is a well-known and honoured name, and I think that Ragnar's son has a share in his courage. But your face also seems known to me, and it was not of the great Ragnar that I thought. Have we met in years past?"
Then Lodbrok said that he had been in London at a time when Offa the King was there, and it was long years ago, but that the very day might be remembered by reason of a great wedding that he had been to see out of curiosity, knowing little of Saxon customs. And he named the people who were married in the presence of Offa and many nobles.
Then Eadmund laughed a little.