And at last she smiled faintly, saying: "King Ranald, they say my warrior has fought well." "It had been strange had I not, Thora," I said.
"I think I should have hated my own kin had you fallen," she said then.
"Ay," said Osmund, "war sees strange chances, and a man's thoughts are pulled in many ways.

Many a time have I seen Dane fight with Dane on the old shores; and I can welcome a victor heartily, even if it is my own kin who have been beaten.

Presently we Danes will fight for our new homes in England against such a landing from beyond seas as you have met." There was some scratch on my shield arm that drew Thora's eyes at this time, and as the jarl spoke she came quickly to me, taking some light scarf she had from her dress at the same moment.
"You are hurt," she said; "though it is little.

Let me bind it for you." I suffered her to do so, saying nothing, but smiling at her, while the colour came brightly into her face as she wrought.

The jarl smiled also, turning away presently as some new shouting came up from the fort gateway, where men welcomed those who bore back the spoils from the slain.
Then Thora had finished, and I put my arm round her and kissed her once.
"My lady," I said, "it was worth the wound that you should tend it." And so she looked up at me frankly, and we knew well what had grown up between us since the day when we had ridden together into Wareham streets..