"Brothers," she said, "Havelok tells me that it was one of you who
brought David the priest to me. I do not rightly know yet which is Withelm."
With that she smiled and blushed a little, and I stood, helm in hand,
stupidly enough. But my brother was more ready.
"I am Withelm, my princess--" he began.
"Nay; but 'sister' it shall be between me and my husband's brothers.
Now, brother Withelm, there is one thing that is next my heart, and in
it I know you will help me."
There she wavered for a moment, and then went on bravely.
"Christian am I, and I do not think that we are rightly wedded until the
priest has done his part. And to that Havelok agrees most willingly,
saying that I must ask you thereof, for he does not know where the old
man is now."
"Wedded in the little chapel that is in the thick of Cabourn woods shall
you be, for David has gone there already. We can ride and find him
before many hours are over, sweet lady of ours."
She thanked him in few words, and with much content.
Then came forth from the house Havelok, in the arms that suited him so
well--golden, shining mail shirt of hard bronze scales, and steel,
horned helm, plain and strong, and girt with sword and seax, and with
axe and shield slung over shoulder, as noble a warrior surely as was in
all England, ay, or in the Northlands that gave him birth either; and
what wonder that the eyes of the princess glowed with a new pride as she
looked at her mighty husband?
But Mord almost shouted when he saw him come thus, and to me he said,
"It is Gunnar--Gunnar, I tell you--come back from Asgard to help my
princess.
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