"We will have none else in here if there is a fight.

Then see if you can get the door to the guest hall undone." He nodded and went out.

One of the Mercians asked sharply where he was going; but Sighard paid no heed to him, for he was trying to get his blade into the saw cut, and so raise the square of flooring.
"Thane," I said to the Mercian, staying him from following Erling, "he will shut the door to the hall, and let this thing be seen through in silence.

Go you and watch at the door of Offa, for it has bided untended long enough." He went out in haste, and Erling watched him there.

I saw him sit down to the table whence he had risen at my coming, and set his head on his hands as if in despair.