Here, too, is the Earl of Chester, who led
you. It will be well to set these two names before the host."
"The host will have none but Havelok and Goldberga," they said.
So the long-ago visions came to pass, and in a few days more we were
feasting in the old hall at Lincoln. But before we left the valley of
the battle we laid in mound in all honour those who had fallen. Seven
great mounds we made, at which men wonder and will wonder while they
stand at Tetford. For well fought the Danes of Goldberga, and well
fought the Lindseymen on that day. Yet I think that those who would fain
have lived to see the victory had their share in it, as they stood in
their grim and silent ranks behind us.
Then was a new crowning of those two, and messages to the overlord of
Lindsey, sent by the thanes, to say that all was settled on the old
lines of peaceful tribute to be paid; and then, when word and presents
came back from him, Goldberga rose up on the high place where she had
been so strangely wedded, and looked down at the joyous faces of her
nobles at the long tables.
"When I was crowned in Denmark," she said, "there was a promise made me,
that when this day came to me in Norfolk I might ask one boon of all who
upheld me. I do not know if I may ask it here and now, for the promise
was made by my husband's people.
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