The prince was learning to be a very Norseman, and was in favour with all.
"Ho, Dalfin," I said, "are you minded to sail for another cruise with the queen and us two ?" "Why," he asked, "what of Hakon and his warfare ?" We told him what we were to be about, and his face fell.

I think he deemed at first that he was in some way bound in honour to go with us and see Gerda righted.

But it was plain that he would rather follow Hakon and meet with the adventure which must needs be before him ere he came to the throne of his fathers.
So we played with him for a while, until he said that he would sail with us if we needed him so sorely, and then let him go.

There was no honour to be won with us, and here he might end by standing high in the court, and we had no need of him.

Then we went and chose men who were ready for a chance of speedy adventure, rather than the waiting which matters of policy required here for the moment.
Presently Bertric would bring the ship back to Hakon with them, if all went well.