And he seemed to ask more than would a simple thane, and in a different way." However, it seemed to me that Harek had found a marvel for himself, and I laughed at him for supposing that Alfred the king would come there to speak to any man.
Now towards evening Odda came, and with him many servants and a train of wagons.

He would make a feast for us in the best house of the village, by the king's order.

Every one of us was called, and all the leading Saxon shipmen, when all was ready, and it was a kingly feast enough.
While they were making it ready, the ealdorman came to me on board the ship, and welcomed me in most friendly wise.
"I have a message for you, King Ranald," he said presently.

"Some thanes have been to me from the king, and he bids me ask you to come and speak with him." "I saw a thane here this morning who was anxious for me to see the king," I said.

"A pleasant man enough--one Godred." "Ay, Godred is pleasant enough," Odda said, smiling, "but he is a terrible man for asking questions." He laughed again, as if he knew the man well, and was pleased to think of him and his ways.
"None of his questions are foolish, however," I said.