I thought it likely that some foreboding was on him, and that is no good sign before a fight.
So presently I spoke to Rani, asking him if aught ailed the king.
Whereat he answered, smiling: "Nought ails him but longing to be sword to sword with these old foes of ours.

This is his way, ever.

If he were gay as Biorn the marshal yonder I might wonder at him maybe." But presently Olaf rose up and bade Rani take his place, saying that he would go down to the ships to see that all was well.

And then he beckoned me to follow him, and we went down the long hall together.

It would seem that this was no new thing that he should leave the feast there, for the little hush that fell as we passed the long tables lasted no long time, and the men seemed not surprised.