Halfden will be king in Northumbria, maybe, and Hubba over another of the kingdoms." So they had already parted out the land among them beforehand! Woe for us therefore, for unless a leader was raised up among us, surely all England must own Danish overlords! But I had heard Alfred the Wessex Atheling well spoken of as a warrior.
However, what was that to us of East Anglia?
We had been deserted by Wessex at our need as it seemed, and these Danes were as near kin to us as Wessex Saxons.
"How did you come to leave Ingvar's service ?" I asked, not being willing to dwell on this matter.
"I think my face spoke to him too plainly of that which was in Hoxne wood--and so he bade me stay with Guthrum.

Nor was I loth, for I would find you again." Then I was touched a little by the kindness of this rough warrior, and thanked him.

After that we sat silent for a while, and the good dame brought out food and ale for Raud, and I envied his pleasure therein, for I took little as yet.
Now for many days past a great longing to be away from this place had filled my mind, and now seemed to be the time.
"Take me to London, Raud," I said.
"Why, that is part of my errand here," he answered, smiling.

"I have a message to you from Guthrum the King." "What might that be ?" "He wants to speak to you as one who is known to be friend to Dane and Anglian alike, and being blamed by neither for friendship with the other.

So he would have you give him counsel." "Let me get to London," I said, "and then I will answer.