That was not a matter to be settled by one or two victories on either side, nor might one see how it would end.

Yet I was glad, for of all things I feared that Ingvar might be our master in the end, and this seemed to say that it was none so certain.
More men came in after that, hastening the going to the front of those who would, for not all the Danes among us would stir from their new homes, saying that they had done their part, and knowing that what they left others might take.
And in ten days' time Cyneward came to me saying that there were two longships coming in from the open sea.
"Let the pilots go out to them," I said; for it was of no use withholding this help from the Danish ships, little as we liked to see them come.

So I forgot the matter.
Then again Cyneward ran to me in haste, and with his eyes shining.
"Master, here is Halfden's ship.

Come and see!" Gladly I went out then, and when I saw those two ships my heart leapt up with joy, for it was indeed my own ship that was leading, and I thought that Halfden would be in her.
So soon as she was in the river she made for our wharf, and that was not the wont of the Danes, who mostly went on past us up the river to where the great towns were.

And at once when she was alongside I went on board, and at sight of me half her crew came crowding round me, shouting and shaking my hand; for they were our old crew, the same who had fought beside me and had backed me at the Ve.