There was great bustle and traffic in the streets, cynings, or nobles, passed along accompanied by parties of thanes, serfs laden with fuel or provisions made their way in from the surrounding country, while freemen, with their shields flung across their shoulders and their swords by their sides, stalked with an independent air down the streets.
The travellers approached the royal residence.

The gates were open, and none hindered their entrance, for all who had business were free to enter the royal presence and to lay their complaints or petitions before the king.
Entering they found themselves in a large hall.

The lower end of this was occupied by many people, who conversed together in little groups or awaited the summons of the king.

Across the upper end of the room was a raised dais, and in the centre of this was a wide chair capable of holding three persons.

The back and sides were high and richly carved.
A table supported by four carved and gilded legs stood before it.