"The story of the White Christ?" said Wulnoth. "Oh, Wyborga, I have heard that tale, but it seems to me an idle saga and fit for nithings." "Wulnoth," said Wyborga gravely, "there was one in yonder camp of murderers who was not a nithing, and yet who believed in that tale." "The Saxon King!" he said. "Ah, Wyborga, I dare not ask thee how thou dost know that, for thou knowest so many things, thou woman of mystery. But this I say--that King was a brave man, and they who put him to shame are cowards even though they are brave in the war game." "Tell me how he died, Wulnoth," said Wyborga. "Tell me all." And he obeyed, while Wyborga listened with bent head and with many a sigh. "So does the Lord desire of His people," she said when he finished, "and so does Edmund gain a better crown than the golden one of earth." "I understand not your words," Wulnoth made answer. "They are still dark with mystery--all the world is a puzzle to me now, and where to seek for Guthred the Prince I know not. Cannot you speak clearly to me, Wyborga?" "Edgiva spoke clearly, Wulnoth, but you could not understand her tale." "But that was of the White Christ," he cried. "Does everything refer to Him?" And Wyborga said-- "Everything is to Him." Then there was silence for a space, and Wulnoth spoke again and asked of Edgiva; and Wyborga made reply and inquired whether he would like to see her. "To see Edgiva, O Wyborga!" he cried. "I would do anything to see my Princess again." And Wyborga nodded. "Now I will test thee, Wulnoth, and there shall be nothing of dishonor in my request. Tell me first, where is the body of the King?" This Wulnoth told to her, and then Wyborga said-- "Now listen, Wulnoth. Thou art to stand here without moving, and there will come to thee a man. Him thou must lead stealthily into the camp, and if any meet thee, thou must pass him off as a companion. Canst thou do this?" "Easily can it be done, Wyborga, for the camp is feasting now, and only the watchers are at their posts." "That is good, then," the wise woman replied. "Now thou must guide this man, asking no questions, to the place where the dead King is thrown, and thou must help him to bear the body without the camp. Wilt thou do this?" "Yea, Wyborga, for there is no harm in it; and if, as I suppose, this man is the King's man, seeking to do honor to the dead, then will I gladly do it. But how may I see Edgiva?" "When thy work is done the reward shall be sure, Wulnoth. The man who will go with thee will tell thee how and when thou shalt see the Princess." But then an angry suspicion came to Wulnoth, and he cried-- "O Wyborga, of old the Princess told me that she had a Lord. Now is this man her lord, or was the dead King her lord, that she is in his country?"