For he was a hostage in the king's hands, to make more sure that the peace would be kept.

I knew there were hostages to be given by the beaten host; but I had not asked who they were, and had been at the ships when they were given up, ten of them in all, and of the best men among the Danes.
Alfred treated his captives very well, giving them good lodgings, and bating them often at his own table, so that I saw much of Osmund.

And more than that, I saw much of the Lady Thora, his daughter, who would not leave him.

I do not think that there could be more certain manner of beginning a close friendship between a warrior and the lady whom he shall learn to hold first in his heart, than that in which I first met this fair maiden.
Now one will say that straightway I must fall in love with her, but it was not so: first of all, because I had not time, since every day Alfred planned new ships with me and Thord; and next, because I was his guest, and Osmund was his hostage.

Maybe I thought not much of that, however, not having the thoughts of a Saxon towards a Dane.