Hakon spoke to the men, when they came on board, kindly, and bade
them take service with him if they would, as had Asbiorn, and, as
may be supposed, they were only too willing. And then I asked for
our courtman, telling Hakon how it came about that he was with
these pirates, and he turned him over to me at once as my special
follower. Nor need it be said how Sidroc greeted me after that
escape. He said that Heidrek's men had thrust a spear into his hand
and hustled him over the bows to take his chance with the rest,
unarmed save with that.
Thereafter, Hakon found mail and helm and sword for him, which had
come from the spoils, and he was happy. Nor was I any the less
comfortable on board for having him to tend myself and Bertric. But
that is of course.
From him we learned two things--one which Asbiorn had not yet told
us, and the other which he also would learn. Heidrek had fled from
us thinking that the ships could be only those of Sigtryg, the
Dublin king, with whom he had some deadly feud. I minded that when
Dalfin had offered ransom for both of us how Asbiorn had said that
the Irish shore was not open to him. Then, when he was thus pent up
by us, Heidrek had tried to cut his way to the camp and take
Myrkiartan prisoner, that he might hold him as hostage for safe
departure.
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