Now and then he looked at Goldberga, and
smiled at her earnest face. But Alsi made no sign of answer.
Then the queen spoke again to him.
"There must be some reason why you have thus set a host in arms against
me," she said, "and what that may be I would know."
Then, as Alsi answered not at all, the earl spoke frankly.
"We were told that we had to drive out the Vikings, and I must say that
they do not go easily. But it was not told us that they came here to
right a wrong, else had I not fought."
Many called out in the same words, and then sat down as the earl had done.
And at last Alsi spoke for himself.
"We do not fight against you, my niece, but against the Danes. We cannot
have them in the country."
"They do not mean to bide here, but they will not go before my throne is
given to me. Never came a foreign host into a land in more friendly wise
than this of mine."
At that Alsi's face seemed to clear, and his forced smile came to him.
He looked round on the thanes who were nearest him, and coughed, and
then answered, "Here has been some mistake, my niece, and it has cost
many good lives. If it is even as you say, get you to your land of
Anglia, and there shall be peace. I myself will send word to Ragnar that
he shall hail you as queen."
Then up spoke a new voice, and it was one that I knew well.
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