Osric frowned when he heard that, and looked at me; but I stood with my arms folded, lest I should be tempted to lay hand on sword, and so give my enemies a hold on me.
Matelgar himself said nothing, as keeping up his part of friend bound by loyalty to accuse me against his will.
As for the other thanes, they talked, but all the outcry was against my being allowed to join, and at last Osric seemed to be overborne by them, for voices in my favour were few heard, if many thought little harm of my request.

But then the offer of the help of one man was, anyway, a little thing, and if he were doubted it would be ill.

And I could see, as Osric would also see, that the matter would be spread through the levy by those against me.
Now as I thought of the likelihood of one of Matelgar's men spearing me during the heat of fight, I wondered if he feared the same of me, for I have often heard tales of the like.
Then Osric answered me, kindly enough, but decidedly: "Nay, Heregar, you hear that this must not be.

Outlaw is outlaw, and must count for naught.

I may not go against the word of the Moot, and inlaw you again by giving you a place.