Now, as I have said, none but Withelm thought twice
about these things; but in the end the love of the
marsh folk was a thing that was needed, and that Withelm
had learned somewhat of their faith was the greatest
help that could be, as will be seen.
True are the words of the Havamal, the song of the
wisdom of Odin, which say, “One may know and
no other, but all men know if three know.”
Therefore for all these years my father told none
of us the secret of Havelok’s birth; and when
Arngeir married my sister Solva he made him take oath
that he would not tell what he knew to her, while she,
being but a child at the time of the flight, had forgotten
how this well-loved brother of hers came to us.
But it happened once that Grim was sick, and it seemed
likely that he would die, so that this secret weighed
on him, and he did not rightly know what to do for
the best, Havelok at the time being but seventeen,
and the time that he should think of his own place
not being yet come. At that time he told Arngeir
all that he foresaw, and set things in order, that
we three should not be backward when need was.
He called us to him, Havelok not being present, and
spoke to us.
“Sons,” he said, “well have you
all obeyed me all these years, and I think that you
will listen to me now, for I must speak to you of
Havelok, who came to us as you know. Out of his
saving from his foes came our flight here; and I will
not find fault with any of the things that happened,
for they have turned out well, save that it seems that
I may never see the land of my birth again, and at
times I weary for it. For me Denmark seems to
lie within the four square of the ancient stones;
but if you will do my bidding, you and Havelok shall
see her again, though how I cannot tell.”
Then I could hardly speak for trouble, but Withelm
said softly, “As we have been wont to do, father,
so it shall be.”
“Well shall my word be kept, therefore,”
Grim said, smiling on us. “Listen, therefore.
In the days to come, when time is ripe, Arngeir shall
tell you more of Havelok your foster-brother, and there
will be signs enough by which he shall know that it
is time to speak. And then Havelok will need
all the help that you can give him; and as your lord
shall you serve him, with both hands, and with life
itself if need be. And I seem to see that each
of you has his place beside him—Radbard
as his strong helper, and Raven as his watchful comrade,
and Withelm as his counsellor. For ‘Bare
is back without brother behind it,’ son Radbard
and ‘Ere one goes out, give heed to the doorways,’
son Raven; and ‘Wisdom is wanted by him who
fares widely’ son Withelm. So say the old
proverbs, and they are true. No quarreller is
Havelok; but if he must fight, that will be no playground.
Careful is he; but he has met with no guile as yet,
and he trusts all men. Slow to think, if sure,
are so mighty frames as his becomes, even when quick
wit is needed.”
