Harek who, as befitted a scald, was a good leech, said that the jarl knew almost as much of the craft as he.
Now, in the early morning, when the light was grey, I woke, hearing the rattle of arms and the quiet passing of the word as the men changed guard, and I thought I would go round the ramparts; and then Odda woke also.

The rest slept on, for they had taken their turns on watch--Heregar with his arm round the pole of the standard, and his sword beneath his head.
Odda looked at me as we sat up stiffly, and spoke what was in his mind and mine also.
"I have a mind to send Osmund to Hubba, and ask him to let the women go hence.

There is nought to eat today." "There is enough kept for them," I said; for Heregar had seen to that, and none had grudged a share.
"Ay," he answered; "but what are we to do?
Are we to be starved like rats here ?" "There are the half-dozen horses," I said.
"And nought to cook them withal.

I would that the king would come." "It is in my mind that he cannot," I answered; "there has been some move of the other host." Now that was true, for Guthrum's great following had suddenly swept down towards Bridgwater, and that could not be left.

They were camped now at the foot of the hill, watching there as Hubba watched us.
Then some one came, stepping lightly, but with clank of mail, towards us; and I glanced round, thinking that some message was brought from the ramparts.