"The Northmans will subjugate those who have resisted the Franks."
"Armorica," replied Gaëlo, "will be the grave of your best soldiers."
The old pirate shrugged his shoulders with incredulity and not a little impatience; he took two steps towards the King and said: "Well, then, Charles, that province also is mine—"
"Yes—yes. It is yours—Duke of Northmandy and of Brittany—provided you can conquer it!"
"Rolf," resumed Gaëlo in a low voice, "renounce your pretensions over Armorica—you will otherwise have reasons to regret your obstinacy."
"Rolf wills what he wills!" answered the pirate haughtily.
"From this day," replied Gaëlo resolutely, "you must no longer count me among your men—"
The Northman chief was on the point of inquiring from the young warrior the reason for his sudden resolution when the Archbishop of Rouen addressed the pirate:
"Rolf, Charles has invested you with the sovereignty of the Duchies of Northmandy and Brittany. You must now take the pledge of fealty and homage to Charles, King of the Franks, as your suzerain seigneur. It is the custom. Your investiture will not be complete until after this formality."
"Very well; only waste no time about it. I am hungry, and I am anxious to join my wife—the royal little girl must be waiting for me."