"You are Thoralf the Tall." Now, from aft came two ladies hastily, brought by Thoralf's message, from the after cabin under the raised deck of the ship, and the little throng parted to let them reach us.

One was the wife of this Thoralf, and the other his daughter, and they looked pityingly at Gerda as they came, with all kindness in their faces.
And when the elder lady saw that she seemed distressed at all the notice paid her, she took Gerda into her arms as might a mother, and so drew her away with her to her own place gently, with words of welcome.

And that was a load off my mind, for I knew that Gerda was in good hands at last.
Hakon watched them go gravely, and then turned to Bertric and greeted him as an old and most welcome friend, and so Bertric made me known, and I also was well greeted.

Then Hakon turned to Asbiorn, who stood by, watching all this quietly.
"Who is this prisoner of yours, Malcolm ?" he asked.

"You have not taken his sword from him, as I see." "He is Asbiorn Heidreksson, King Hakon," I answered.