"Gerda," I said, "have you forgotten how that in the holy island I
was wont to say that I should not rest until your were back in your
home?"
"I thought that you had forgotten," she said in a low voice. "I had
not."
"I seemed to forget it, because I deemed it best that I should do
so. I am but a landless warrior, with naught to offer. And you--"
Then she turned quickly on me, and there was a smile on her face
and a new light in her eyes.
"And I," she said. "And I am naught but the girl who was found by
Asa Thor in the burning ship.
"O Malcolm, let it be so still, and take me to the end of the
voyage and bide there always. For I fear naught as long as you are
with me."
She held out her hands to me, and then she was in the shelter of my
arms, and no more was needed to be said. We were both content, and
more than content.
Chapter 17: Homeward Bound.
Mayhap I need not say that I forgot the message which took me to
this place, seeing that it was of no great account. Gerda and I had
much to say to one another of matters which would be of note to
none but ourselves, and the time fled unheeded by us.
Whereby it came to pass that presently came footsteps through the
woods, and here were Hakon and Bertric smiling at us, and Gerda was
blushing, though she would not leave my side.
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