The large hall was cleared, and little trace beyond the dint of blows on walls and table showed what fight had raged therein, but only Thormod and Cyneward and Ingvar were there; and Ingvar slept heavily in his great chair.
"This is his way of late," said Thormod, looking coldly at him; "fury, and terror, and then sleep. I fear me that Ingvar the King goes out of his mind with that of which he raves. Nor do I wonder, knowing now from Cyneward here what that is. Little help shall we take back from Ingvar, for he has bestirred himself to gather no new host since he came back."
"Men said that trouble at home brought him from England. I suppose he judged it likely that the Jomsburgers might give trouble," I said.
"The foes that sent him back were--ghosts," said Thormod bitterly. "Come and let us see to the ship."
So we went down to the wharf, and found the ship but little hurt by that business. And I stayed on board her that night, for I would not see Ingvar again just yet.
But in the early morning he sent to beg me to speak with him, and I came. He sat in his great chair, and I stood before him.
"You have brought me a quiet night, Wulfric," he said. "Tell me how you came here, for I think it was not that you would wish to see me again."
So Thormod had told him nothing, and I answered:
"I came with Thormod for more men, for Ethelred the King is growing strong against you. Have you heard no news?"
"None," he said; "but that is not your errand, but his."