Then we rode hard for the lives of all who were in the town, and as I went I thought also that we rode to the death of the brave, honest jarl who was beside me, saying nothing, but never letting his horse falter. Just as bravely rode Thora.
In an hour we were at the gates, and I rode straight to the king's house, and sought him on urgent business.
Ethered of Mercia came out to me.
"What is it, Ranald?" he said. "The Witan is set now."
I told him in few words, and his face changed.
"It seems impossible in frost and snow," he said.
"Ay; but there are proofs," I said, pointing through the great doorway.
There was my party, and Kolgrim was binding a wound on Harek's arm of which I knew nought till that moment, and the led horses and spoils were plain enough to say all.
Then Ethered mad
