The first son of Lodbrok
took the land before ever this Angle's kin had seen it. He built the tower
that stands on it, and the name it bears to this day is the name of his
giving. Under Guthrum, a weak-kneed son of his lost it to the English Alfred,
and we fell out of our fortunes with the tipping of the scales, and Angles
have sat since then in the seat of Lodbrok's sons. But now the scales have
risen again. Under Canute, Ivarsdale, with all other English property, comes
back to Danish hands. By all the laws of war, my kinsman's inheritance should
be my share of the spoil."
Ending roundly, he drew himself up in an attitude of bold assurance. Wherever
a group of scarlet cloaks made a bright patch upon the human arras, there was
a flutter of approval. Even the braver of the English nobles, who for
race-pride alone might have supported Sebert in a valid claim, saw nothing to
do now but to draw away, with a silent interchange of shrugs and headshakes,
and leave him to his doom.
In the shadow of his hand, Canute nodded slowly. "By all the laws of war," he
affirmed, "your kinsman's inheritance should be your share of the spoil."
Again an approving murmur rose from Danish throats; and Rothgar was opening
his lips to voice a grateful answer, when a gesture of the royal hand checked
him.
"Recollect, however, that just now I am not only a war-chief, but also a
law-man.
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