There is ill which has befallen the king." "Impossible," I said.

And even as I said it into my mind flashed that strange, unaccounted for trampling, and I went back, with Erling after me, unbidden.

The six thanes who waited in the council chamber stared at me, but I did not heed them.

Across to the king's door I went, and passed in.

Selred and the old thane were talking quietly under their breath, and I had but been gone three minutes.
"Back again, Wilfrid?
Eh, what is amiss ?" said Sighard, starting as he set eyes on Erling.
"Has the king called you ?" I asked hastily.
"No; it is hardly time for him to do so," Selred answered, smiling.
"Look into his chamber softly, I pray you, Father Selred," Erling said in a strange voice.