ore than
one stage distant from famine; and in the old days there had been but a
single remedy. Food and wealth must be won from a foray overseas. It was
years since Ironbeard had ridden Egir's road to the rich lowlands, and
the Bearsarks were growing soft from idleness. Ironbeard himself was
willing, for his hall was hateful to him since the Queen's death.
Moreover, there was no other way. Food must be found for the winter or
the folk would perish.

So a hosting was decreed at harvest-tide, for few men would be needed
to win the blasted crops; and there began a jointing of shields and
a burnishing of weapons, and the getting ready of the big ships. Also
there was a great sortilege-making. Whither to steer, that was the
question. There were the rich coasts of England, but they were well
guarded, and many of the Norland race were along the wardens. The isles
of the Gael were in like case, and, though they were the easier prey,
there was less to be had from them. There were soon two parties in the
hall, one urging Ironbeard to follow the old track of his kin westward,
another looking south to the Frankish shore. The King himself, after the
sacrifice of a black heifer, cast the sacred twigs, and they seemed to
point to Frankland. Old Arnwulf was deputed on a certain day to hallow
three ravens and take their guidance, but, though he said three times
the Ravens' spell, he got no clear counsel from the wise birds. Last
of all, the weird-wife Katla came from Sigg, and for the space of three
days sat in the hall with her head shrouded, taking no meat or drink.
When at last she spoke she prophesied ill. She saw a red cloud and it
descended on the heads of the warriors, yea of the King himself. As for
Hightown she saw it frozen deep in snow like Jotunheim, and rime lay on
it like a place long dead. But she bade Ironbeard go to Frankland, for
it was so written. "A great kingdom waits," she said--"not for you,
but for the seed of your loins." And Biorn shuddered, for they were the
words spoken in her hut on that unforgotten midsummer night.

The boy was in an agony lest he should be left behind. But his father
decreed that he should go. "These are times when manhood must come
fast," he said. "He can bide within the Shield-ring when blows are
going. He will be safe enough if it holds. If it breaks, he will sup
like the rest of us with Odin."

Then came days of bustle and preparation. Biorn was agog with excitement
and yet solemni