And that I shall not be able to say--but this I know, that I may tell Osritha that Wulfric's sister was worthy of Wulfric." Now Eadgyth noted not the war stains on Ingvar's mail, but it was strange and terrible to me to see him sitting there and speaking as though the things of a stricken field were not the last, as it were, on which he had looked.

But Eadgyth's eyes were downcast, though she was pleased.
"Thanks, Jarl Ingvar," she said; "often have I heard of Osritha.
When you return I would have you thank her for her care of my brother--and I would thank you also, Jarl, for your care of him." Now Ingvar reddened a little, but not with anger, for he saw that I had spoken at least no ill of him to Eadgyth.
"Nay, lady," he answered; "Halfden and Hubba and Osritha have to be thanked--if any thanks need be to us for caring for Jarl Lodbrok's preserver.

Little share may I take of the matter." "Yet I will thank all in your place," she said, and then shrank back to Egfrid's side.
Never had I seen a more handsome couple.
Then Ingvar laid his hand on a great golden snake that twined round his right arm, and I thought he was going to give it as a bridal gift to my sister, for that is ever a viking's way, to give lavishly at times when he might have taken, if the mood seizes him.
But as he glanced at the gold he saw blood specks thereon, and I heard him mutter: "No, by Freya, that were ill-omened." And he did but seem to put it in place, as if thinking.

Then he replaced his helm, bowing, and said: "Now must I stay your rejoicing no longer.

Fare you well, lady, and you, noble Egfrid; I must ride back to Thetford town on my own affairs.