Egwina laughed.
“So sure am I, sir youth, that I will give thee this chain of gold that Hakon, the jarl, gave me if they be the same. Then, by this amulet, thou canst have all thy desires.”
“Marry! if there be aught in the charm, I would that they be the same,” returned the youth, falling in with her merry humor. “But hath it given thee thy wish yet, maiden?”
“Well-a-day! I wot not what it hath granted, but this I know: I wished myself well away from the dwelling of Hakon, jarl. That came about. I wished that the king be warned, and that also happened. Then did I wish that I could reach the lady Elswitha, and yon turrets tell me that that also is about to come to pass.”
Ethelred laughed.
“Almost dost thou make me wish that I could obtain the chain.”
“Gladly would I give it thee if only the maid of the forest and the atheling’s sister were the same,” returned the girl. “Oft have I wished to see them again. Oft have I wondered if the invader hath despoiled them of home, or where they be.”
Over the girl’s bright face came a cloud, for well did she know of the devastating work of the ravagers.
“Here we are!” cried the youth. “Now, maiden, thou art the bode from the king. Seek thou the lady first. We will tarry without until she bids us enter.”
Egwina advanced through the courtyard, and then somewhat timidly to the portals. In answer to her knock, a warder opened the door and asked her in.