Part 23 (2/2)

Then Havelok stared at him in blank wonder for some moments; and Alsi grew red under his gaze, and his eyes were s.h.i.+fty, and would not meet the honest look that was on him.

Then at last said Havelok slowly, and watching the king intently all the while, ”What this means I cannot tell. If you speak truth, it is wonderful; and if not, it is unkingly.”

”On my word as a king, truth it is,” said Alsi hastily, for there was that in Havelok's face that he did not like.

One might think that the king was growing afraid of his own kitchen knave.

”If that is so, there is no more to be said,” answered Havelok. ”Yet you will forgive me if I say that I must have this from the lips of the princess herself as well. It may be that her mind will change.”

”That is but fair,” answered Alsi; ”and you are a wise man. The mind of a damsel is unsteady, whether she be princess or milkmaid; but have no fear.”

”No man fear I; but I do fear to hurt any lady, and I would not do that.”

Then Alsi thought that all was well, and he spoke smooth words to my brother, so that Havelok doubted him more than ever. Therefore it came into his mind that all he could do for the best was to seem to agree, and wait for what the princess herself said. And if Alsi was working some subtlety, then he would wring his neck for him, if need be; and after that -- well, the housecarls would cut him in pieces, and he would slay some of them, and so go to Valhalla, and dreams would be at an end. And he would have died to some purpose here, for he knew that Goldberga would come to her kingdom, ay, and maybe Alsi's as well, for she was his sister's daughter, and his next of kin, and well loved by those who had been allowed to know aught of her.

But I would not have any think that the promise of so wondrous a bride was not pleasing to him. It was more, for he had seen her grow white and troubled as she looked on him, and he had seen her bear well whatever pain had caused that; and he had known that in the one sight he had of Goldberga somewhat had taught him what it was to have one face unforgotten in his mind.

So he said to Alsi, ”All this fortune that you hold out to me is most unlooked for, seeing what I am in your hall; and I have not thanked you yet, King Alsi. That, however, is hard to do, as you may understand.”

”I understand well enough,” answered the king, in high good humour again, now that all seemed to be going well. ”And after all, it is the lady whom you must thank.”

”But when shall I see her to do so?”

”Tomorrow, surely; ay, tomorrow early shall you speak with her,” answered the king quickly. ”Now go, and hold your peace. Let me warn you that there are those about the court who would go any lengths to remove you from the face of the earth if they knew of this. Tell no man of the honour that has come to you as yet. Be the porter for a short time longer, and then you will be the man whom all envy. It is likely that I must make you a thane, by right of the choice of the princess.”

”I know well when to speak and when to keep silence, lord king,” said my brother, and with that he bowed and left the hall.

Then Alsi put his lips to a silver whistle that he carried, and blew a call that brought Eglaf hurriedly to him from the outer door.

”The guards may go,” said the king; ”but see that the porter Curan leaves not the palace until I myself send him forth tomorrow.”

The captain saluted and went his way. He had had six men within call of the king all the time that he spoke with Havelok, and one may make what one likes of that. At least the threat of the dungeon was no idle one.

Now went Havelok from the hall very heavy and troubled, for beyond the fair talk of the king lurked surely some plan that was not fair at all. It was not to be thought that he could not prevent, if he chose, a foolish marriage of the princess, even did she desire it ever so much. And my brother could not believe that she had set her heart on one whom she had but seen once, and then in the midst of faintness. That, however, might be known easily when he was face to face with her. It was a thing that could not be made a matter of pretence.

Now when he came back to the great kitchen, which was nigh as big as the hall, Withelm was yet there, for the priest was at the widow's, and there was no haste to bring him; and by that time I had come in also, and was sitting with him at the far end, where none had need to come. It was Berthun's own end, as one might say, and he was lord in his own place. Only a few thralls were about, and the cook himself had gone into the town.

”Here is our brother,” I said, ”and there is somewhat wrong.”

He came moodily up to us, and sat him down, saying nothing, and he leaned his head on his hands for a while.

”What is amiss, brother?” said Withelm.

”Wait,” he answered. ”I will think before I speak.”

I could see that this was not the old puzzlement, but something new and heavy, so we held our peace. Long was he before he moved or spoke, and when he did so it was wearily.

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