The sight of so vast an armament appalled him. How it happened that these foreign ships were riding at anchor off his own island was a thing that passed his comprehension. Aasta was the first to break the silence of wonderment. "My lord," said she, "there is more in this than the dying words of your kinsman William foretold. And right wise were you to bid me put on this fisher maid's disguise. Give me your dirk, Earl Kenric, lest I meet misfortune, and I will take my creel of fish and offer it for sale among the people. It may be that in speaking with the islanders I shall hear that which the mere sight of these ships cannot explain." Then Kenric returned to the boat, bringing back the basket of fish, which he gave to Aasta together with his dirk. "You will trust me, my lord?" she asked. Kenric smiled. "To the end," said he. "But what is your plan, Aasta?" "That you remain with the boat, my lord, while I journey to the village, wherever it may be found. Not long shall I be, and I beg you not to leave the cave till I return." Taking the fish creel over her back she went away. Passing up the ravine and mounting to the heights, she had not gone far when she saw a party of warriors sitting round a camp fire. She went boldly towards them. "So please you, my masters," she began in the Norse tongue, "I have brought you some good fresh fish if so be you would buy them from a poor body." "Show us your fish, girl," said one of the men, rising. Then looking into the basket he added, "What want you for them?" "Four cakes of bread," said she. "Good," said the warrior. "Let us have them; for with so many mouths to fill all food is welcome." Slowly Aasta took out the fish and laid them on the grass. Yet no man spoke. She touched the nearest man on the elbow. "Lend me your knife, my master, that I may gut the fish," said she boldly. The man took out his knife, and as he handed it to her she saw his face and recognized Earl Sweyn of Colonsay. One by one she took up the fish and slowly trimmed them on a flat stone, waiting in the hope of hearing the warriors speak. "When holds King Hakon his council?" one presently asked of another. "Tonight -- on Rudri's return," was the reply. "And where?" "Why, here on the heath, after sundown," said another. "'Tis no time for delay. Bute and Arran have yet to be conquered ere we assail the mainland of Scotland." "Ay," said the first speaker, "methinks there will be few Scots left in Bute for the next moon to smile upon. Bairns, women, and men, they all are doomed!" Aasta now began to work quicker -- so quickly that in a very few minutes the fish were all ready for cooking. Then taking her four bread cakes she slung the basket over her head and sauntered away.