"
"Thanks, Ulf. It is something to have learned that he is here. As to his
disguise, he may by this time have changed it. Still, I will be on my
guard, and will take care that no cowled monk approaches too closely to the
king. Take your place here at the gate and watch all who come in and out,
and if you see aught suspicious send in a soldier, whom I will place by
your side, to fetch me out."
One of the men was accordingly placed with the boy with orders to come to
Wulf, whether at the table or in the king's room, the moment Ulf told him
to do so. When the others went into the banquet Wulf posted two men just
outside the door, and placed the other three back against the wall nearest
to the king's chair. Here, standing against the arras, they were concealed
from the sight of the guests by the crowd of servitors passing to and fro.
"Stand with your hands on your daggers," Wulf said to them, "and watch
every man who approaches the king, no matter of what degree he may appear.
Be ready to spring forward in an instant if you see his hand go to his
dagger."
The bishop and king sat next to each other in the centre of the table on
the dais; on either side were the king's thanes, abbots and other
dignitaries of the church, and the nobles of the country. Wulf and Beorn
had begged to be excused from supping, and permission had been readily
granted by the king, as he knew that the bishop would be glad at having two
extra seats at his disposal; and they also, standing back by the wall,
closely scrutinized the movements of the attendants.
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