The folk ashore had made fast the ship by this time, and were idly waiting while Gorm spoke to us.

As yet they had paid no heed to the lady with whom he talked, but wondered more at the quiet of the men than aught else.

I felt that they were growing uneasy, though that Gorm found us friendly kept them from showing it.

I dare say they thought we were more messengers from Eric.
Now, Gorm bade us choose our men quickly and follow him, lest some word should go to Arnkel of the armed ship which had come instead of the peaceful trader which the pilots should have brought.

So I went down the starboard side and named a dozen men, while Asbiorn did the same from the other bank of rowers, and as we named them, they leapt up and fell in behind us.