For now I must leave her in our poor land, where she must be hunted maybe from hiding to biding, place to place, and in my heart grew up an unreasoning anger against Ailwin and Gunnhild, who by their secrecy had kept me from bringing her here with Olaf.
Then as I looked over this I became sure that they had seen somewhat in me which their charge could not love, so that they would keep me from her altogether.

And I made up my mind to that at last, not wondering that it was so, for I was but a warrior and a landless thane with nought to be proud of but skilful weapon play, and some scars to show that I had been in a fight or two where blows were falling.

And I minded how I had told Ailwin that I held myself free, and thought that he and Gunnhild, and maybe Hertha also, would have it so.
Yet I cared little for that, having heavier things to fill my mind than thought for a maiden whose very looks I knew not now.

At least these two had taken Hertha into their charge, denying me any part therein, and I could not blame them rightly.

I had done my best and could no more.
Then at the last moment Elfric came.
"Glad am I that you have not gone, my son," he said, as I greeted him.