That, however,
was to be seen.
Well pleased was Alsi the king with somewhat, men said in the morning.
But there was one who rose heavy and sorely troubled, and that was the
Lady Goldberga, for all the fancies that had been brought to her by the
vision had come to nothing, or worse than nothing, as she looked on
Havelok and saw in the cook's knave the very form of him of whom she had
dreamed, and whom she could not forget. Glad had she been to go to her
own chamber and away from the kindly ladies who could not know her real
trouble; but not even to her old nurse did she tell what that was. Her
one thought now was to seek someone who was skilful in the reading of
dreams, and so find some new hope from it all. But no one could tell her
of such a one here, unless it were to be a priest of Woden, and that she
would not hear of.
Then, early in the morning, Alsi sent for her, saying that he would
speak with her alone for a while. So she went to him, where he sat in
the chamber beyond the high place; and he greeted her kindly, asking
after her rest, and saying that he hoped that the sudden faintness had
hurt her not. Then he led her to a seat, and bade her rest while he
talked of state affairs.
"For it must be known to you, my niece, that the Witan thinks it time
that you should take your father's kingdom.
Pages:
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209