old families held by him
also, for they had known no other, and then there were old feuds with
Gunnar that held back some from us; but these few took part with neither
side.

So before a week was out we had a matter of six thousand men in and
about the town; and it seemed that, with so good a force, it was as well
to march on Hodulf as to wait for him. And that was good hearing for us
all, for there was not a man who did not long to be up and doing, though
to smite a blow for Havelok should be the last deed that he might do.

They made me captain of the courtmen who were Havelok's own, maybe
because I had served with Alsi, and Withelm was captain of Goldberga's
own guard. High honour was that for the sons of Grim, for there was not
one in either of these companies but was of high birth; but then we were
Havelok's brothers, and all seemed well content to serve under us. I
wanted Raven to be in my place, but he said that he was no warrior on shore.

"Just now I am Havelok's watchdog, to be at his heels always. Presently,
if he likes to give me a ship when we sail to England, that will suit me."

So Havelok made him his standard bearer; and as that would keep him at
the king's side in the thickest fight, he was well pleased. Goldberga
wrought the standard that he bore, with the help of Sigurd's wife, and
on it was the figure of Grim, sword and shield in hand, but with his
helm at his feet, as showing that he had laid it by; and on either side
of him stood Havelok and his wife, each with a crown above their heads,
as though they waited for the coming time when they should be set there
firmly by the bearing forward of this banner. Havelok bore his axe,
holding out the ring to Goldberga with the other hand, while she had her
sceptre in the left, and stretched the right hand to her husband. There
were runes that told the names of these three, for that is needful in
such work, as it passes the skill of woman to make a good likeness, nor
do I think it would be lucky to do so if it could be compassed. Wondrous
was the banner with gold and bright colours, and it was hung from a
gilded spear, ashen hafted, and long, that it might be seen afar in battle.

Now on the day when Havelok set his men in order for the march on Hodulf
word came that he was coming at last. It is likely that he knew we were
on the point of marching, and would choose his own ground on which to
wait for us. So we went to certain battle, as it seemed, and non