I do not know if the same could be said of him, and it is
doubtful if time made much difference to his forces. Those who followed
him were the men who owed all to him, either as men raised to some sort
of power when he first came, or else strangers whom he had brought in
with him. Some of the younger chiefs of the old families held by him
also, for they had known no other, and then there were old feuds with
Gunnar that held back some from us; but these few took part with neither
side.
So before a week was out we had a matter of six thousand men in and
about the town; and it seemed that, with so good a force, it was as well
to march on Hodulf as to wait for him. And that was good hearing for us
all, for there was not a man who did not long to be up and doing, though
to smite a blow for Havelok should be the last deed that he might do.
They made me captain of the courtmen who were Havelok's own, maybe
because I had served with Alsi, and Withelm was captain of Goldberga's
own guard. High honour was that for the sons of Grim, for there was not
one in either of these companies but was of high birth; but then we were
Havelok's brothers, and all seemed well content to serve under us. I
wanted Raven to be in my place, but he said that he was no warrior on shore.
"Just now I am Havelok's watchdog, to be at his heels always.
Pages:
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318