Then Odda led us four to the door of the pavilion, and we were ushered in with much ceremony.
Inside the great tent was like a round hall, carpeted, and tapestry-hung in a way I had never seen before.

There were many richly-dressed nobles present, and most of these were grouped round a high place over against the door, where I saw at once that the king sat on a throne in all state.
Now, coming from bright sunshine into the cool shadow of the place, I was dazzled at first; but Kolgrim's eyes were quick, and we had hardly crossed the threshold, if I might call it so, when he plucked at my cloak.
"Master," he whispered, "let me bide with the men; this is no place for me." "Hush," I whispered; "the king is yonder." "Ay, master--let me go--the king is Godred whom I jested with." Harek was smiling, and he pulled Kolgrim forward.
"Have no fear," he said; "those who play bowls expect rubs." Then the king came down from his throne and towards us.

He had on gilded armour beneath his long, ermine-trimmed blue cloak, and that pleased me.

He had sword and seax, but no helm, though that was on a table by the throne--for he wore a crown.
Then I too saw that Godred, as he called himself, was, as the scald had guessed rightly, the king, and I was a little angry that he had tricked me thus.

But he was laughing at Kolgrim as he came, and my anger passed at once.