And I saw that no word had come of the great defeat as yet.
I went forward, calling to Egfrid and the thane his father, and looking at them so that they should show no fear or give any sign to the ladies present that all was not well.
"This is Jarl Ingvar himself, and these are his men," I said.

"And the jarl would fain speak with Eadgyth my sister, of whom he has often heard." And Egfrid, being very brave, although he must have seen well enough what this meant, kept his face well, and answered that Jarl Ingvar was welcome, coming in peace.
"Aye--in peace just now," answered Ingvar, looking at him.

"Now, I will say this, that Wulfric's sister has found a brave husband." Now Eadgyth heard the jarl's name, and knew naught of the terror that that name brought to all the land, and least of all that a battle could have been fought, for we had kept it from her.

Nor had I told her of how nearly he had been to slaying me, for I would not make Osritha's brothers terrible to her.

So she thought of him only as Lodbrok our friend's son, who had shown me hospitality in his own hall.
So when Egfrid took her hand and brought her forward, looking as I thought most beautiful in her bridal array, she smiled on the great Dane frankly, as in thanks for my sake.
Then Ingvar unhelmed, and spoke to her in courtly wise, even as he was wont to speak to Osritha.
"When I go back to my own land, lady, I shall have many questions asked me by one of whom you have doubtless heard, as to how our friend's sister was arrayed for her wedding.