"My lord," said she, "there is more in this than the dying words of your kinsman William foretold. And right wise were you to bid me put on this fisher maid's disguise. Give me your dirk, Earl Kenric, lest I meet misfortune, and I will take my creel of fish and offer it for sale among the people. It may be that in speaking with the islanders I shall hear that which the mere sight of these ships cannot explain."
Then Kenric returned to the boat, bringing back the basket of fish, which he gave to Aasta together with his dirk.
"You will trust me, my lord?" she asked.
Kenric smiled. "To the end," said he. "But what is your plan, Aasta?"
"That you remain with the boat, my lord, while I journey to the village, wherever it may be found. Not long shall I be, and I beg you not to leave the cave till I return."
Taking the fish creel over her back she went away. Passing up the ravine and mounting to the heights, she had not gone far when she saw a party of warriors sitting round a camp fire. She went boldly towards them.
"So please you, my masters," she began in the Norse tongue, "I have brought you some good fresh fish if so be you would buy them from a poor body."
"Show us your fish, girl," said one of the men, rising. Then looking into the basket he added, "What want you for them?"
"Four cakes of bread," said she.
"Good," said the warrior. "Let us have them; for with so many mouths to fill all food is welcome."