"
"So, Wulfric," said Thormod quickly, "she will have fled. The
steward will have seen to that. No use her biding here when the
ship came."
So I thought, but I was torn with doubt, not knowing if time for
flight had been given, or if even now some party of Jomsburgers
might not be following hard after her. I must go into the hall and
find out, whatever the risk, for it was certain that it held the
rest of the pirates.
"Leave men here to guard the gates," I said to Thormod. "Needs must
that we see more of this."
Ten men stayed at the gate, lest Jomsburgers lurked in the houses
to fall on us, and we went across to the great porch. The door was
open, nor could we see much within; and there was silence.
"Stand by," said Thormod, and picked up a helm that lay at his
feet.
He hurled it through the door, and it clanged and leapt from the
further wall across the cold hearthstone. Then there was a stir of
feet and click of arms inside, and we knew that the hall was full
of men.
I know not what my thoughts were--but woe to any pirate who came
within my reach.
"Show yourselves like men!" shouted Thormod, standing back.
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