"
"I might mind you of a blood feud between us two," said Havelok, "but
that is not the business of the host. For the sake of the land I will
say this. Give up the throne that you have held for me, and you shall go
hence with what treasure you have gathered, taking your Norsemen with
you. There will be no shame in doing that, for I am able now to hold the
land for myself."
Hodulf laughed a short laugh.
"Fine talk that for the son of Grim the thrall, who drowned Havelok for
me! 'Nidring' should I be if I gave up to you."
"If things must go in that way, we will settle the matter here and now.
Will you that we fight hand to hand while our men look on, or shall we
go back to them and charge? I like the first plan best myself, as I
would avenge my father and sisters, and also that insult of the way in
which we passed this road together twelve years ago."
So said Havelok, and his words fell like ice from his lips, and he was
very still as he spoke, though the red flush crept into his cheek and
his brows lowered.
And Hodulf did not answer at once. He looked at the towering young
warrior before him, and maybe into his mind there crept the thought of
the children whom he had slain, whom this one would avenge. Well he knew
that the true Havelok was speaking with him, though he would not own it,
and branded my father with the name of thrall for the sake of insult to
his foster son.
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