afraid. So I asked her what was amiss, and it was not easy to get an
answer at first. But at last she told me that she had escaped from the
burning of the king's town, and would fain be taken across the sea into
some place of peace. So I cheered her by saying that you would surely
help her; and then I took her to my house and came to you. Worn and rent
are her garments, but one may see that they have been rich, and I deem
her some great lady."

"Go and bring her here, husband," said my mother, on hearing that.

But he was already going, and at once he and Arngeir went out and down
the street. There were many other ladies and their children who had
taken refuge here with the townsfolk after the burning, and the coming
of this one was but another count in the long tale of trouble that began
on the Welsh shore with the ways of Gunnar, the church's bane.

My father was long gone, and the day was breaking when he came back. My
mother slept in the great chair before the fire, for waiting had wearied
her, but she woke as she heard Grim's footstep, and unbarred the door to
him, ready to welcome the guest that she looked for. But he was alone,
and on his face was the mark of some new trouble, and that a great one.

He came in and barred the door after him, and then sat down wearily and
ate for the first time since we had had our meal at sea; and while he
did so Leva asked him nothing, wondering what was wrong, but knowing
that she would hear in good time. And when he had eaten well he spoke.

"The lady is Eleyn the queen. She has been wandering for these many days
from place to place, sometimes in the woods, and sometimes in hiding in
the cottages of the poor folk, always with a fear of staying in one