He had ridden to Taunton from Aller, that he might be present at Thora's christening, and that their chrism loosing {xix} might be held at the same time; and I had looked to find both here, but they were gone.

Nor had they left any word for me, and I was troubled about that.

So I was about to tell the king what was in my mind concerning Thora first of all, and my heart began to beat strangely.

But he waited not for me to answer him.
"Stay," he said, smiling a little.

"Before you go I must have a hostage from my wild viking, lest he be, as it were, let loose on the high seas where I cannot reach him." Then he laughed, at my puzzled face, I suppose, and I saw that he had some jest that pleased him.
"What hostage can I give, lord king ?" I said.