Now, Gorm bade us choose our men quickly and follow him, lest some
word should go to Arnkel of the armed ship which had come instead
of the peaceful trader which the pilots should have brought. So I
went down the starboard side and named a dozen men, while Asbiorn
did the same from the other bank of rowers, and as we named them,
they leapt up and fell in behind us. Then Asbiorn said:
"Better that I am not seen unless wanted. I will go to the back of
the hall and see that none get away thence. What shall you do if
all goes well?"
"Take Arnkel and send him back to Hakon in the ship," I answered.
"That is the only thing possible. If he is foolish enough to
fight--well, he must take his chance."
Asbiorn nodded, and we went ashore, leaving that old courtman of
mine, Sidroc, in charge of the ship and the dozen men left with
her. The folk of the place thronged round to see us pass up the
town, and saw Gerda plainly for the first time. In another moment I
heard her name pass among them, and Gorm spoke to them, for there
was a growing noise of welcome.
"Steady, friends!" he said sternly, "steady! No need to tell Arnkel
that his time has come yet. Let us get to the hall quietly, and
thereafter shout as you like--
"Ho! stop that man!"
One had broken away from the crowd and was off toward the hall at
full speed, meaning, as I have no doubt, to warn Arnkel and win
reward.
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