ed, and some more; and it may be so. Their
graves are everywhere over the hill where they fell. When the tide
rose we were gone; and Hubba's men sought the body of their chief,
and raised a mound over it. But they had no mind to stay on our
side of the river, and they went to the Polden Hills, and laid the
land waste far and wide, even to holy Glastonbury, until they
joined Guthrum's force at Edington.

Now one may know in what wise Etheldreda the brave shield maiden
met us, as we came back from that hard-won field, with words of
praise and thanks. But Thora stood not with her as we passed
through the fort gates, where she waited on the rampart with the
Lady Alswythe. Nor had she watched the fight at all, being torn
with sorrow and fear alike.

I found her presently, while the men made litters whereon to bear
our wounded to safety, having cleansed the stains of war from my
armour. King Harald's mail had kept me from wound worth
notice--though, indeed, I hardly know how it was that I was unhurt
thus. Kolgrim would not use his arm for many days, and Harek was
gashed in arm and thigh also.

When Osmund heard my tread, he started up from where he sat beside
Thora, looking away towards the hills to which we were going, and
greeted me warmly.

"It was a good fight, Ranald, and well won," he said.

Then Thora turned slowly, and looked at me fearfully, as if she
feared me. I was grieved, and would have gone away; but she drew
nearer, and the fear went from her eyes when she saw that I was
safe, knowing little of what I had been through. 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 smilin