Chapter II. The Gifts of Two Heroes.
I will not say that my steps did not falter when we came to whencewe could see the mound. But it was lonely and still and silent; noshape of warrior waited our coming.
"Almost do I fear to go nearer," said Kolgrim.
"Put fear away, comrade," said I; "we shall fare ill if we turn ourbacks now."
"Where you go I go," he answered, "though I am afraid."
"The next best thing to not being afraid is to be afraid and not toshow it," I said then, comforting myself also with a show of wisdomat least. "Maybe fear is the worst thing we have to face."
So we went on more swiftly, and at last were on the tongue of landon the tip of which the mound stood. Still, since we could not seethe open doorway, which was towards the water, the place seemed notso terrible. Yet I thought that by this time we should have seenSigurd, or maybe heard his voice from the tomb. So now I dared tocall softly:
"Jarl Sigurd, here is one, a friend's son, who will learn what youwill."
My voice seemed to fill all the ring of mountains with echoes, butthere was no answer. All was still again when the last voice cameback from the hillsides.
Then I went nearer yet, and passed to the waterside, where I couldlook slantwise across the doorway. And again I called, and waitedfor an answer that did not come.
"It seems that I must go even to the door, and maybe into themound," I said, whispering.
"Not inside," said Kolgrim, taking hold of my arm.
But I had grown bolder with the thought that the hero seemed notangry, and now I had set my heart on winning the sword of which thejarl had told me, and I thought that I dared go even inside thetomb to speak with Sigurd.
"Bide here, and I will go at least to the door," said I.
So I stepped boldly before it, standing on the heap of newly-fallenearth that had slipped from across it. The posts and lintel of thedoor were of stone slabs such as lay everywhere on the hillsides,and I stood so close that I could touch them. The doorway was notso high that I could see into it without stooping, for it waspartly choked with the fallen earth, and I bent to look in. But Icould only see for a few feet into the passage, as I looked fromlight to darkness.
"Ho, Jarl Sigurd! what would you? Why have you opened your doorthus?"
Very hollow my voice sounded, and that was all.
"Sigurd of Orkney--Sigurd, son of Rognvald--I am the son of Vemundyour friend. Speak to me!"
There was no answer. A bit of earth crumbled from the broken sideof the mound and made me start, but I saw nothing. So I steppedaway from the door and back to my comrade, who had edged nearer theplace, though his face showed that he feared greatly.
"I think that the mound has been rifled," I said. "Sigurd wouldhave us know it and take revenge."
"No man has dared to go near that doorway till you came, RanaldVemundsson," Kolgrim answered. "Now I fear that he plans to lureyou into the mound, and slay you there without light to help you.Go no further, maybe you will be closed up with the ghost."
That was not pleasant to think of, but I had seen nought to make mefear to go in. There was no such unearthly light shining within themound as I had heard of in many tales of those who sought to speakwith dead chiefs.
"Well, I am going in," I said stoutly; "but do you hide here, andmake some noise that I may know you are near me. It is the silencethat frays me.
"What can I do?" he said. "I know no runes that are of avail. Itwould be ill to disturb this place with idle sounds."
That seemed right, but I thought I could not bear the silence--silenceof the grave. I must know that he was close at hand. Then a thoughtcame to me, and I unfastened the silver-mounted whetstone that hungfrom my belt and gave it him.
"Whet your sword edge sharply," I said. "That is a sound a heroloves, for it speaks of deeds to be done."
"Ay, that is no idle sound," he said, and drew his sword gladly.The haft of the well-known blade brought the light into his eyesagain. I drew my own sword also.
"If you need me, call, and I think I shall not fail you," hewhispered. "It shall not be said that I failed you in peril."
"I know it," I answered, putting my hand on his shoulder.
Then I went boldly, and stepped into the passage. The whetstonesang shrill on the sword edge as it kissed the steel behind me, andthe sound was good to hear as I went into darkness with my weaponready.
I half feared that my first step would be my last, but it was madein safety. Very black seemed the low stone-walled passage beforeme, and I had to stoop as I went on, feeling with my left handalong the wall. The way was so narrow that little light could passmy body, and therefore it seemed to grow darker as I went deeperinto the mound's heart.
Five steps I took, and then my outstretched hand was on the postthat ended the passage, and beyond that I felt nothing. I had cometo the inner doorway, and before me was the place where Sigurd lay.Yet no fiery eyes glared on me, and nothing stirred. The air washeavy with a scent as of peat, and the sound of the whetstoneseemed loud as I stood peering into the darkness.
I moved forward, and somewhat rattled under my foot, and I started.Then my fear left me altogether, for I had trodden on dry bones,and shuddered at the first touch of them in that place. I had facedfear, and had overcome it; maybe it was desperation that made mecool then, for it was certain now that I must be slain or elsevictor over I knew not what.
So I took one pace forward into the chamber, and stood aside fromthe doorway; and the grey light from the passage came in and filledall the place, so that it fell first on him whom I had come toseek--Jarl Sigurd of Orkney.
And when I saw, a great awe fell upon me, and a sadness, but noterror; and in my heart I would that hereafter I might rest asslept the hero where the hands that had loved him had placed him.
Into the silent place came once more with me the clank of mail andweapons that he had loved, and from without the song of the keensword edge whispered to him; but these could not wake him.Peacefully he seemed to sleep as I stood by his side, and I thoughtthat I should take back no word of his to the jarl, his brother,whom both he and I loved.
They had brought the great carven chair on which he was wont to siton his ship's quarterdeck, and thereon had set the jarl, as thoughhe yet lived, and did but sleep as he sat from weariness afterfight, with helm and mail upon him. Shield and axe rested on eitherside of him, ready to hand, against the chair; and behind him,along the wall, were his spears, ashen shafted and rune graven.
His blue, fur-trimmed cloak was round him, and before him was alittle table, heavy and carved, whereon were vessels for food,empty now save for dust that showed that they had been full. Andacross his knees was his sword, golden hilted, with a great yellowcairngorm in the pommel, and with gold-wrought patterns from end toend of the scabbard--such a sword as I had never seen before. Hisright hand held the hilt, and his left rested on the shield's rimbeside him; and so Sigurd slept with his head bowed on his breast,waiting for Ragnaroek and the last great fight of all.
The light seemed to grow stronger as I looked, or my eyes grew usedto it, and then I saw that the narrow chamber was full of things,though I minded them afterwards, for now I was as in a dream,noting only the jarl himself. Costly stuffs were on the floor, andmail and helms and more weapons. Gold work there was also, and inone corner lay the dried-up body of a great wolf hound, coiled asin sleep where it had been chained. Another had been tied by thepassage doorway, where I had stepped on it; and below a spar thatstood across a corner lay a tumbled heap of feathers that had beena falcon.
Many more things there were maybe, but this I saw at last--that thejarl's right foot rested on the skull of a man whose teeth had beenlong and tusk-like. It was the head of the Scot whose teeth hadbeen his death.
Now the sword drew my eyes, for Einar bade me ask for it, else Ithink I had gone softly hence without a word, so peaceful seemedthe dead. And as I looked again, I saw that the hand holding thehilt was dry and brown and shrunken, so that one mi
ght see all thebones through the skin, and at first I was afraid to ask.
At last I said, and my mouth was dry:
"Jarl Einar, your brother, bids me ask for sword Helmbiter, greatSigurd. Let me take it, that he may know how you rest in peace."
But Sigurd stirred not nor spoke; and slowly I put out my hand onthe sword to take it very gently, but his grasp was yet firm on it.Then, as I bent to see if it had tightened when I would draw thesword away, I could see beneath the helm the face of the dead,shrunken indeed and brown, but as of one at rest and beyond anger.
Once more then I took the jarl's sword in my right hand, and raisedhis hand with my left, putting my own weapon by against the wall.And then the hilt slipped from the half-open fingers, and the swordwas mine, and my hand held the jarl's. And it seemed to me that hegave it me, and that I must thank him for such a gift. The swordthough it was sheathed, was not girt to him, and its golden-studdedbelt was twisted about it, and it was no imperfect giving.
So I spoke in a low voice:
"Jarl Sigurd, I thank you. If my might is aught, the sword will beused as you would have used it. Surely I will say to Einar that yourest in peace, and we will come here and close your mound again inall honour."
I set back his hand then, and it seemed empty and helpless, not asa warrior's should be. So I ungirt my own weapon--a good plainsword that I had won from a viking in Caithness--and laid it in theplace of that he had given me. And as I put the thin fingers on itshilt, almost thinking that they would chose around it, a ringslipped from them into my hand, as if he would give that also, andI kept it therefore.
Then for a minute I stood before Jarl Sigurd, waiting to see if hehad any word; but when he spoke not, I lifted the sword and salutedhim.
"Skoal to Jarl Sigurd; rest in peace, and farewell."
Then I went forth softly, and came out into sunshine; for the windwas singing round the hilltops, and the dun mist had gone. Then Iwas ware that the sound of the stone on the sword edge had longceased, and I looked for Kolgrim.
He was lying on the grass in the place where I had left him, but hewas on his face, and the sword and whetstone were flung aside fromhim. At first I feared that he had been in some way slain becauseof his terror; but when I came near, I saw that his shouldersheaved as if he wept. Then I stood over him, treading softly.
"Kolgrim," I said.
At that he looked up, and a great light came into his face, and hesprang to his feet and threw his arms round me, weeping, yet with astrong man's weeping that does but come from bitter grief.
"Master," he cried, "O master I thought you lost--and I dared notfollow you."
"I have met with no peril," I said, "nor have I been long gone."
"More than two hours, master, have you been in that place--two longhours. See how the sun has sunk since you left me!"
So indeed it seemed, though I knew not that I had been so long. Ihad stayed still and gazed on that strange sight without stirringfor what seemed but a little while. Yet I had thought long thoughtsin that time, and I mind every single thing in that dim chamber,even to the markings on the stones that made its walls and roof andfloor.
"See," I said, "Jarl Sigurd has given me the sword!"
Kolgrim gazed in wonder. There was no speck of dust on the broadblade as I drew it, and the waving lines of the dwarf-wrought steeland gold-inlaid runes were clear and bright along its middle forhalf its length. For the mound was very dry, and they had coveredall the chamber with peat before piling the earth over it.
"Let us go back to Jarl Einar; he will fear for us," I said,sheathing the sword and girding it to me.
So we went across the meadow, and even as we went a blast of coldwind came from, over the mountains, and with it whirled the blackthunderclouds of the storm that had been gathering all day. We ranto an overhanging rock on the hillside and crept beneath it, whilethe thunder crashed and the lightning struck from side to side ofthe firth, and smote the wind-swept water that was white with foam.
"Master," said Kolgrim, "the Jarl Sigurd is wroth; he repents thesword gift."
But I did not think that he had aught to do with this. For, as anyhill-bred man could tell, the storm had been brewing in the heat,and was bound to come, and would pass to and fro among the hillstill it was worn out.
Nevertheless, when it passed away in pouring rain that swept like ahanging sheet of moving mist down the glens from the half-hiddenmountains, and the sun shone out brightly again over the clear-cutpurple hillsides and rippling water, I looked at the mound inwonder. For it was closed. We had sought shelter in a place nearthat whence we saw the mound in coming, and could see the fallenside, though not the doorway, looking across its front. And now theslope of the bank seemed to have been made afresh, as on the daywhen Sigurd had been closed in, years ago. None could say, savethose who had seen it, where the opening into the grave-chambermight be.
Now both the opening and closing of Sigurd's grave mound seem verystrange to me. Thord and the scalds will have it that he himselfwrought both. As for me, I know not. In after days I told this toAlfred the king when he wondered at my sword, and he said that hethought an earthquake opened and washing rain closed the mound, butthat it happened strangely for me. I cannot gainsay his wise words,and I will leave the matter so.
Thereafter Kolgrim and I went back to Einar, who yet waited for us.Glad was he to see us return in safety; but both he and Thord werespeechless when they saw the jarl's sword girt to me and the jarl'sgolden ring on my hand. Neither they nor any one else will believethat I met with no peril; and the tale that the scalds madehereafter of the matter is over wonderful, in spite of all I maysay. For they think it but right that I should not be over boastfulof my deeds.
But Jarl Einar looked on sword and ring, and said:
"Well have you won these gifts. My brother is in peace in hisresting place now. I hold that he called for you."
So we went back to the ships, and there for many days the menstared at Kolgrim and me strangely. They say I was very silent forlong, and it is likely enough. Moreover, Einar was wont to say thatI seemed five years older from that day forward.
We went no more to the place of the mound, for it seemed to need nocare of earthly hands. Nor were any wishing to go to so awesome aplace, and we left the firth next day, for the men waxed uneasythere.
But on that day Einar gave me the great ship that we had taken fromHalfdan, the king's son, saying that he would add to Sigurd'sgiving. Also he bade me choose what men I would for her crew,bidding me thank him not at all, for I was his foster son, and aking by birth moreover.
So when I knew that this would please him, I chose Thord for myshipmaster, and Kolgrim for marshal, as we call the one who hascharge of the ordering of the crew. And I chose a hundred good menwhom I knew well, so that indeed I had the best ship and followingin Norway, as I thought. At least there were none better, unlessHarald Fairhair might match me.
Now there was one thing that pleased me not at this time, and thatwas that Kolgrim, my comrade, never called me aught but "master"since I came from Sigurd's presence--which is not the wont of ourfree Norsemen with any man. Nor would he change it, though I wasangry, until I grew used to it in time.
"Call me not 'master,' Kolgrim, my comrade," I said; "it isunfittinq for you."
At last he answered me in such wise that I knew it was of no moreuse to speak of it.
"Master of mine you are, Ranald the king, since the day when youdared more than I thought man might, while I lay like a beatenhound outside, and dared not go within that place to see what hadbecome of you. Little comradeship was mine to you on that day, andI am minded to make amends if I can. I think I may dare aughtagainst living men for you, though I failed at that mound. I willgive life for you, if I may."
I told him that what he had done was well done, and indeed he hadhad courage to go where none else had dared; for I had ties offriendship that made me bold to meet Jarl Sigurd, and might gotherefore where he might not. It was well that he did not come
intothe presence of the dead.
"Therefore we are comrades, not master and man," I said.
"Nay, but master and man--lord and thrall," he answered.
So I must let him have his way, but he could not make me think ofhim as aught but a good and brave comrade whom I loved well.
They hailed me as king when I went on board my ship for the firsttime with my own men, as I have said. Then our best weapon smithasked for gold from the men, and they gave what they had--it was inplenty with us of Einar's following--and made a golden circletround my helm, that they might see it and follow it in battle.
It was good to wear the crown thus given willingly, but in the endit sent me from north to south, as will be seen. That, however, isa matter with which I will not quarrel, for it sent me to Alfredthe king.
We had left the firth two days, cruising slowly northward, when oneship came from the north and met us, not flying from our fleet, butbearing up to join us. And when she was close, there came a hail totell Einar that she bore a messenger from Harald the king in peace,and presently we hove to while this messenger went on board theJarl's ship.
Then it seemed that Einar had been right, and that Harald would laya fine on the islands for Halfdan's slaying, and so give them backto Einar to hold for him. The messenger was Thiodolf, Harald's ownscald, and he put the matter very plainly before the jarl, so thathe thought well of the offer, but would nevertheless not trusthimself in the king's power before all was certain, and confirmedby oath. Whereon Thiodolf said that one must see the king on theJarl's part, and so I seemed the right man to go, as the jarl'sfoster son and next in command to him.
"Nevertheless," said Thiodolf, "I would not advise you to sail inHalfdan's ship, for that might wake angry thoughts, and troublewould come especially as Halfdan took her without leave when he wasoutlawed."
So I took the Jarl's cutter, manning her with enough men of my owncrew; and Kolgrim came with me, and we sailed to Kirkwall incompany with Thiodolf the scald.
Then when Thiodolf took me into his presence, I saw Harald Fairhairfor the first time, as he sat to receive Einar's messenger in thegreat hall that Sigurd had built and which we had dwelt in. Then Ithought that never before could have been one more like a king.Hereafter, when sagamen will sing of a king in some fancied story,they will surely make him like King Harald of Norway. I myself havelittle skill to say what he was like beyond this--that never had Iseen a more handsome man, nor bigger, nor stronger. King-like hewas in all ways, and his face was bright and pleasant, though itwas plain that it would be terrible if he was angry, or with thelight of battle upon it.
The hair, whence he had his name, was golden bright and shining,and beard and eyebrows were of the same colour. But his eyes wereneither grey nor blue altogether, most piercing, seeming to lookstraight into a man's heart, so that none dared lie to him.
I think that it is saying much for King Harald that, though hisarms and dress were wonderfully rich and splendid, one cared onlyto look on his face; and that though many men of worth were on thehigh place with him, there seemed to be none but he present.
When the scald told the king who I was, and what was my errand,with all ceremony, he looked fixedly at me, so that I was ashamed,and grew red under his gaze. Then he smiled pleasantly, and spoketo me. His voice was as I thought to hear it--clear and steady, andyet deep.
"So, Ranald Vemundsson, you are worthy of your father. It may bethat you bear me ill will on his account, but I would have youforget the deeds done that Norway might be one, and the happiertherefor."
"Had my father been slain in fair fight, lord king," I said, "noill will had been thought of. It has not been in my mind that youbade Rognvald slay him as he did. And that Jarl is dead, and thefeud is done with therefore. Jarl Einar is my foster father,moreover."
"That is well said," answered Harald. "But I thought Sigurd musthave fostered you; he was ever a close friend of Vemund's."
I did not know why the king thought this, though the reason was atmy side; so I only said that my mother had given me to Einar'skeeping, and the king said no more at that time about it.
After that I gave the Jarl's messages, and the king heard them wellenough, though it seemed to Einar that the weregild to be paid wasover heavy, and he had bidden me tell Harald that it was so.Therefore the king said that he would give me an answer on themorrow, and I went away into the town well pleased with his kindlyway with me.
There was a feast made for me that night, and after it I must sitstill and hear the scalds sing of the deeds of Harald the king,which was well enough. But then Thiodolf rose up and sang a greatsaga about the winning of Sigurd's sword, wherein it seemed that Ihad fought the dead jarl, and bale fires, and I know not what. Hehad heard strange tales from Einar's men, if they told him all thathe sang.
Some men may be pleased to hear their own deeds sung of, with moreadded thus; but I was not used to it, and the turning of all eyesto me made me uncomfortable. But Harald had paid no sort of heed towhat they sang of him, and so I tried to look at my ease, and gavethe scald a bracelet when he ended.
"Overmuch make you of that matter, scald," said I quietly.
He laughed a little, and answered:
"One has to fill in what a warrior will not tell of himself."
Now the men shouted when I gave Thiodolf the bracelet, and Haraldlooked quickly at me. Then I thought that maybe I had overdone thegift, though Einar had ever told me that a good scald deserved goodreward, and Thiodolf was well known as the best in Norway. It was aheavy ring, silver gilt, and of good design, that I took from thesame viking whose sword I gave to Sigurd.
"Overpaid am I," the scald said, putting it on his arm.
"You are the first who has ever sung of me," I answered; "and thevoice and tune were wonderful, if the saga was too strong for me."
Then Harald smiled again, and praised Thiodolf also, and I thoughtno more of the matter. The feast was pleasant enough in the hall,full of Harald's best men and chiefs, though it seemed strange tosit as a guest in Einar's house.
Now on the next morning I was to speak with the king about Einar'sbusiness, and I went to him unarmed, as was right, save for helmand Sigurd's sword. He was in the jarl's own chamber, and with himwere Thiodolf and a young scald named Harek, who sat with thingsfor writing before him, which was what I had never seen before.
We talked for some time, and all went well for peace; but one moremessage was to go and come between the king and Einar, and so Isaid I would sail at once.
"Not so much need for haste but that you can bide here for a day ortwo," Harald said. "I will not have you complain of my hospitalityhereafter. And Thiodolf and Harek here want to learn more aboutSigurd's sword and its winning."
"If I tell them the truth, I shall spoil their saga, lord king!" Isaid, laughing.
"Trust the scalds to mind you do not," he answered. "There aretimes when I have to ask them which of my own doings they aresinging about now. But is there no wonder in the tale?"
So I told him just how the matter was. And when he heard of thenoise, and the stroke with which the ships were smitten, he said,looking troubled, as I thought:
"Sigurd is stronger now that he is dead than when he lived. We feltthat stroke even here."
But when I told how I had seen the dead jarl, his face grewthoughtful, and at last he said:
"So shall I lie some day in a grave mound. It is passing strange tothink on. I would that if one comes to my side he may step gentlyas you, Ranald Vemundsson."
"Else will that comer fare ill," said Thiodolf.
The king glanced up at him, and his face changed, and he said,smiling grimly:
"Maybe. I think none will win my sword from me."
Then he had Kolgrim sent for, and Thord, and they told him trulywhat they had seen, and how they had fared in the matter.
"You are a truth teller, Kolgrim the Tall," Harald said. "Now ifyou will leave Einar's service and come and be of my courtmen, Iwill speak to the jarl and make matters right with
him, and itshall be worth your while."
Then my comrade answered plainly:
"I am no jarl's man now, King Harald; I belong to King Ranald here,and I will not leave him."
"So," said Harald, knitting his brows suddenly, "we have two kingsin the room, as it seems; and you dare choose another instead ofme."
"Not so, King Harald," Kolgrim answered, with all respect; "I chosebetween the jarl and my king. If there is peace between you and thejarl, I suppose we are all your men."
Now Harald's face was growing black, and I could see that his angerwas rising. But he stayed what words he was about to speak, andonly said:
"Jarl Einar is well served when he has a king in his train."
Then he rose up and turned to Thiodolf, who was looking anxious.
"Bid King Ranald to the feast tonight. He knows my words to Einarhis foster father, and I have no more to say."
So I was dismissed, and was not sorry to be outside the hall.
"Let us get down to the ship," said Thord. "Here is troublebrewing, as I think."
So we went on board, and I wished that we might go. Yet the kinghad bidden me stay, and I had no reason for what would bediscourteous at least, if it did not look like flight. What thetrouble was we could hardly understand.
In an hour's time or so I saw Thiodolf and the young scald Harekcoming along the wharf and towards our ship, which lay clear ofHarald's vessels, and next the harbour mouth. They came over thegang plank, and I welcomed them, but I saw that they had somewhatspecial to say to me.
They sat down under the after awning with me, and at once Thiodolfsaid:
"That was an unlucky speech of your comrade's just now. No mandares name himself king in Harald's presence--not even his ownsons. It is the one thing that he will not bear."
"So it seemed," said I; "and, in truth, he had enough trouble withunder kings not long since. But he knows what a sea king is--noking at all, so to speak. He need not grudge the old title."
"That is not all," Thiodolf said. "It is in his mind that he has toguard yet against risings of men of the old families of the kings,and thinks you are likely to give him trouble. Maybe the portent ofthe blow that spread from Sigurd's tomb to us has seemed much tohim. 'Here,' he says, 'is one who will gather masterless men to himin crowds because he wears Sigurd's sword and ring, and has gainedwith them the name of a hero. Already he has two of Einar's bestmen at his heels. Yet I like him well enough, and I have no faultto find with him, save that he puts a gold circle round his helmand is called king--as he would have been but for me. Go to him,therefore, and tell him to keep out of my way. I will not have twokings in Norway.'"
"Well," I said, "that is plain speaking. But I cannot help what themen call me. The king makes overmuch of the business. I am notfoolish enough to try to overturn Harald Fairhair."
"Maybe," said Thiodolf, "but those are his words. I rede you getaway quickly on the next tide."
"Ay," said Harek. "Harald is mild of mood now, because you made nosecret of what men call you. Five years ago you would not haveescaped hence at all."
"Then," said I, "I will go. I think you are right. Vemund's sontroubles Harald;" and I laughed, and added, "I have to thank youfor kindly counsel, scalds, as I think. Farewell. Tide serves atany time now, and I will get my men and be gone."
"That is wise," they answered. "Einar must find some othermessenger, if he comes not himself, after you return."
They went, and I called two or three men and sent them into thetown for their comrades who were at friends' houses and in theguest house where we were lodged, while Kolgrim made ready forinstant sailing.
The next thing that I was ware of was that there was a fight on thewharf end next the town, and men were running to it. Then I heardmy own name shouted on one part, and that of Eric, the king's youngson, on the other. So I was going to lead down twenty men to quietthe scuffle, when my people had the best of the matter, and brokethrough the throng, cheering, and came on to me. The rest did notfollow them, for they saw that I was coming, and the wharf wasclear behind them but for three of their foes who stayed where theyhad fallen.
Then another man broke away from the crowd, and came running aftermy folk. It was Harek the scald, with his head broken.
"Here are fine doings," said Kolgrim, as the men swarmed on board."What is on hand now?"
"It is not done with yet," said a man: "look at yon ship."
Then came Harek, out of breath, and pale.
"Let me on board, King Ranald, or I am a dead man," he cried.
"Come, then!" I answered; and he ran across the plank, and Kolgrimpulled it in after him. All my men were come.
Then I looked at the ship spoken of. Men were swarming into her,and were making ready to sail. But if she meant to stay our going,she was too far up the harbour, and we were already casting off theshore ropes.
"Hold on," said Thord; "here come the other scald and two men."
The crowd that was yet round the fallen men had parted to letThiodolf pass, and he came quickly. One of the men bore a chest,and the other a bale of somewhat. They gave these over the gunwaleto my people, and Thiodolf spoke to me from the wharf.
"These are gifts from Harald to Einar's foster son," he said. "Hebids me say that you have done your errand well, and that this isto prove it. Also he says that Ranald, son of Vemund, may need mailto keep his kingship withal, and so he has sent you a suit."
"That is a hard saying," I answered; "is it insult?"
"Nay, but a broad hint only. The gift is most goodly."
"Well," said I, "it is plain that he will warn me from Norway. Iwill leave you, good friend, to say for me what should be said.Maybe if I sent a message it would go wrongly from my lips."
Thiodolf laughed, and bade me farewell. He paid no heed to Harek,who sat on the deck with his back to him.
Then Kolgrim whistled shrill to his men, and we began to move downto the harbour mouth. I heard a sharp voice hurrying the men in theother ship; but they could not be ready in time to catch us.
When we were well out to sea, I asked Harek what all this wasabout.
"Your going has spoiled a plan that Eric, the king's son, had made.He wanted your sword, and thought also that to rid himself now ofVemund's son might save him trouble when the crown came to him, asit will. You were to be set on as you came from the feast tonightto the guest quarters, as if in a common broil between your men andhis. Then he found you were going, and tried to stay your men, andnext to take these gifts from Thiodolf and me, being very angry,even to trying to cut me down. Lucky for me that his sword turnedin his hand. But he would have had me slain tonight, certainly, forhe says that it was our fault that you are getting away. He fearsThiodolf, however. Now I must take service with you, if you willhave me."
It seemed to me that I was making friends with one hand and enemieswith the other, and that last rather more quickly than was well. SoI laughed, and answered:
"I suppose that if I have a scald of my own, King Harald will blameme for overmuch kingship. However, he is angry enough already, andmaybe a good friend will balance that to me. So if you will indeedcast in your lot with me, I am glad!"
So I took his hand, and more than friends have he and I been fromthat day forward.
Now, when I looked at Harald's strangely-given gifts, I had reasonto say that he was open handed. The chest held two mail shirts, oneof steel rings, gold ornamented and fastened, and the other ofscales on deerskin, both fit for a king. There were two helms also,one to match either byrnie {iv}, and a seax that was fit tohang with Sigurd's sword. As for the bale, that held furs of thebest, and blue cloth and scarlet. If Harald banished me, it was forno ill will; and it was handsomely done, as though he would fit meout for the viking's path in all honour, that men might not deem meoutlawed for wrongdoing. So I have no ill word to say against him.Five years later he would have troubled about me and my kingshipnot at all; now he must be careful, for his power was not at itsfull.
As for young Eric, I suppo
se that he boasted ever after that he hadput me to flight; but I do not know that it matters if he did.
So I came back to Durness, where I was to meet with Einar; andpeace was made between him and the king, and he thought it well togo and speak with him. Then he and I must part, and that was hard.
"Now must you go your own way, son Ranald, for Harald is too strongfor us. Maybe that is best for you, for here shall I bide in peacein Orkney; and that is not a life for a king's son--to sit at ajarl's table in idleness, or fight petty fights for scattwithholden and the like. Better for you the wide seas and the landswhere you may make a name, and maybe a kingdom, for yourself. Yet Ishall miss you sorely."
So he said, and I knew that he was right. Maybe the spirit of thesword I had won got hold of me, as they say will happen; for I hadwaxed restless of late, and I had tried to keep it from Einar. NowI hated myself for it, seeing at hand what I had longed for.
So he went north to meet Harald, and of our parting I will not saymore. I could not then tell that I should not see him again, andthat was well: but I know that when I saw the last flicker of hissails against the sky, I felt more lonely even than at thegraveside in Southmere.
Yet I was in no worse case than were many nobly-born men at thattime; for whosoever would not bow to Harald and his new laws mustleave Norway, and her bravest were seeking new homes everywhere.Some had gone to far-off Iceland, and some to East Anglia; some tothe Greek emperor, or Gardariki, and more yet to Ireland. But thegreatest viking of all, Rolf, the son of Rognvald, Einar's youngbrother, had gone to France or England, with a mighty following;for Harald had outlawed him among the first who broke his law byplundering on the Norway coasts. A good law it was, but it was new,and so went against the grain at first. Rolf had sworn to make anew kingdom for himself, and why should not I do the same?
So when I was in the open sea again, with all the world before me,as the long sea-miles passed I grew lighthearted, and many were thethoughts of great deeds to come that filled my mind.
King Alfred's Viking Page 3