Even if he overcomes the Danes in the end, it is not likely that we will own Wessex overlords again unless we must." That was the word of all with whom I spoke, and in the end, when it was certain that the Danes meant to stay, and that help from Ethelred was none, East Anglia owned Guthrum as king quietly and with none to say a word against it, so securing a peace that should last.
But to this I could not bring myself as yet, because of what I had seen, and that the hand of Ingvar was behind Guthrum.
"Go to him at least," said Ingild, "and find what he needs of you.
Then will be time to say more." So at his advice I went, and I found Guthrum in Ethelred's great house, where he sat in little state, doing justice in open hall where many citizens were gathered.

And I saw him do even-handed right to both Dane and Saxon, and that pleased me, for already I had liked the man's honest face and free bearing.
He greeted me well, taking me aside presently with Cyneward into a private chamber.

And there he told me that he would ask me to do a favour towards him.
I answered that what I might I would do gladly, so that he asked me not to break faith with my own people.
"I would ask no man to do that," he said.

"Tell me what I may not ask you." "Shall I speak plainly ?" I said.
"Aye, plainly as you will." "Then, Guthrum, I may not own Ingvar for overlord.

Nor can I allow that you have more than right of conquest over us." "Plain speaking, in good sooth," he said, laughing a little, "but what I expected from Wulfric of Reedham.