battle-axe."

"I could not do much in the way of teaching you, Osgod, seeing as
yet I am myself but a learner, but I should be glad, in truth, to
have you with me, and it would be good for me to keep up my practice
in arms. I shall feel almost like a stranger there, and should like
to have one I know with me. I could ask Earl Harold to let me have
a horse for you from his stables, where he has two or three score
doing nothing."

"With your favour, sir, I would rather trust to my own feet. I am
a stout walker, and though I shall not be able to keep up with you,
I think that each night I can get to the hostelrie where you may
put up; but, if not, it matters little, I can make my way after you
and join you there--that is, if my father will give me permission
to go."

"You may as well go sooner as later," the smith said. "Since you
have taken into your head that you will be Master Wulf's man, I see
not that it will benefit you remaining in the forge. You know enough
now to mend a broken rivet and to do such repairs to helm and armour
as may be needed on an expedition; therefore, if the young thane
is minded to take you I have naught to say against it."

"Then so shall it be," Wulf said, "I shall see my Lord Harold before
I start, and will tell him that you are minded to be my man, and
that I am minded so to take you. He will not object, I am sure, but
it were best to ask him, since, when I return to court, I shall
have you about me."