Where is my father, the
king--and where is the muster?"
The man told him that the king was at some place or other, with the
mustering warriors. Thereat Dalfin bade the man get him a horse at
once, and the fisher threw up his hands and said that there was
never a horse within ten miles. Dalfin laughed and spoke to us.
"Just what I thought," he said. "If I get to the muster by sunset I
shall be lucky, unless I meet with a horse on the way. And--I am
out of condition with these long days on board ship."
He groaned, and we bade him wait till he was sent for; but that he
would not hear.
"I shall take a dozen of these knaves as guard--and maybe to carry
me betimes. Wish me luck, for I must be going."
Now the wild fishers had been whispering among themselves, and one
of them made up his mind to tell somewhat. He came and knelt before
Dalfin, and asked him to forgive him.
"What for?" asked the prince.
"For telling foolishness," answered the man. "Yet I think it should
be told with the rest of the news."
"Tell it, then."
"I spoke with the man who carried the gathering cry, and he said
that the evil Lochlannoch, concerning whom are the beacons, have
bidden men give up the treasure which they say we must needs have
won from a certain wreck.
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