But there is warfare before us yet, and the fleet must break the force of the storm, if it cannot altogether turn it aside." Then his grave voice changed, and he laughed.
"Heavy things are these to speak in the ears of a bridegroom, but you know all I mean.

Now go your ways, and seek Odda, who will rejoice to see you; for word comes from him that his master, Thord the viking, is saying hard things to him because the men do not come in readily to man the ships.

At the summer's end I shall be in Winchester, and thence I will come to Wareham to see the fleet, and your wedding also.

Go now, and all good go with you." So Alfred the king set me forth in brotherly wise, speaking on the morrow to my men to bid them serve him and England well under me.
And after that all came to pass as the king had planned, and at the summer's end there was a bright wedding for us in Wareham town, while in the wide haven rode at anchor the best fleet that England had ever seen.
So that is how I came to be called "King Alfred's Viking," and made this land my home.

What this Wessex fleet of mine has done since those days has been written by others in better words than I can compass; and Harek, whom they call "King Alfred's Scald" nowadays, has made song of what he has seen at my side in English waters; and more he may have to make yet, for the North has not yet sent forth all her hosts.