our weapons. That nothing be laid to our charge under
any law, military or civil, by the State or private persons, for
this night's slaying and tumult, and that in guarantee thereof twelve
hostages of high rank, upon whose names we have agreed, be given into
our keeping. That we retain our separate stations in the service of the
Empire, or have leave to quit that service within three months, with the
gratuity of a quarter's pay, and go where we will unmolested. But
that, in return for these boons, we surrender the person of the Empress
unharmed, and with her that of the General Olaf, to whom a fair trial
is promised before a military court. That with her own voice the Augusta
shall confirm all these undertakings before she leaves our ranks. Such
is the offer, comrades."

"And if we refuse it, what?" asked a voice.

"This: That we shall be ringed round, and either starved out or shot
down by archers. Or, if we try to escape, that we shall be overwhelmed
by numbers, and any of us who chance to be taken living shall be hanged,
sound and wounded together."

Now the leaders of the Northmen consulted. Irene watched them for
awhile, then turned to me and asked,

"What will they do, Olaf?"

"I cannot say, Augusta," I answered, "but I think that they will offer
to surrender you and not myself, since they may doubt them of that fair
trial which is promised to me."

"Which means," she said, "that, whether I live or die, all these brave
men will be sacrificed to you, Olaf, who, after all, must perish
with them, as will this Egyptian. Are you prepared to accept that
blood-offering, Olaf? If so, you must have changed from the man I
loved."

"No, Augusta," I answered, "I am not prepared. Rather would I trust
myself into your power, Augusta."

The conference of the officers had come to an end. Their leader advanced
and said,

"We accept the terms, except as to the matter of Olaf Red-Sword. The
Empress may go free, but Olaf Red-Sword, our general whom we love, we
will not surrender. First will we die."

"Good!" said Jodd. "I looked for such words from you."

Then he marched out, with his companions, and again met Stauracius and
the two generals of the Greeks. After they had talked a little while he
returned and said,

"Those two officers, being men, would have agreed, but Stauracius,
the eunuch, who seems in command, will not agree. He says that Olaf
Red-Sword must be surrendered with the Empress. We answered that in th