But our folk never had it.
Now I knew not what to do, being torn with grief and fear.

I dared not cross Ingvar again, lest I should change his mood, mild enough now, to some wild fit of rage, for I had not bided so long in his hall without learning that much of his ways.

I stayed till I knew for certain that they had not harmed the king, and so saw him bound, and mounted behind one of the courtmen; and then when I saw them begin to come towards me, I went to the thane's house and told him all, calling him out from the feast.
"Let us mount and rescue the king," I said.
"Then will they kill him--better not.

They will but hold him to ransom," the thane said.
I knew his first word was right, and now I left that and urged him to hasten the flight of all the party, bidding him take the road towards the south, ever away from the Danes.
"What will you do ?" he asked, for I spoke not of coming with him.
"This," I answered.

"I will pledge Ingild's word, as I know I may, for any ransom, going after the Danes and finding Guthrum, who will listen to me." He thought that well, and then I asked where Humbert the Bishop was.