So that was a long voyage and pleasant to me, nor did I seem to
care how long it lasted. Maybe the reason for that is not far to
seek, for I could not tell what more I might see of Gerda when it
ended. For I knew only too well that I had naught to offer her,
being but a landless man, with nothing but my sword for heritage.
And as the days passed, it seemed to me that in some way Gerda kept
herself afar from me, being more ready to speak with Hakon and
Bertric than myself, though again at times she was as ever with
myself in all ways.
Now I did not altogether wonder at this, and made the best thereof,
being minded to pass from her ken with Hakon when the time came. I
supposed that we should all go together with the young king to that
place which he should choose for his first landing, and thereafter
she would bide in his court until Eric had fled the land and the
power of Arnkel had ended with his fall. Then she would go to her
own place and be once more as a queen, while I would fare with
Hakon, and see what honour I might win.
Still, it was pleasant to sit on the deck in the soft, summer
weather, and talk with Thoralf's wife and daughter, Ortrud, and
watch Gerda as she forgot the hard things she had passed through,
and grew cheerful and happy once more.
Pages:
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275