who it was that brought you here."

"Nay, nay," she said. "I came of myself. But my father waits you, Olaf."

So I went to where the lord Athalbrand Fork-beard was dismounting, and
greeted him, lifting my cap.

"What!" grumbled Athalbrand, who seemed to be in an ill temper, "are
you Olaf? I should scarcely have known you again, lad, for you look more
like a wisp of hay tied on a stick than a man. Now that the flesh is
off you I see you lack bone, unlike some others," and he glanced at the
broad-shouldered Steinar. "Greeting to you, Thorvald. We are come here
through a sea that nearly drowned us, somewhat before the appointed
time, because--well, because, on the whole, I thought it best to come. I
pray Odin that you are more glad to see us than I am to see you."

"If so, friend Athalbrand, why did you not stop away?" asked my father,
firing up, then adding quickly: "Nay, no offence; you are welcome here,
whatever your humour, and you too, my daughter that is to be, and you,
Steinar, my fosterling, who, as it chances, are come in a good hour."

"How's that, Lord?" asked Steinar absently, for he was looking at Iduna.

"Thus, Steinar: These men"--and he pointed to the three
messengers--"have but just arrived from Agger with the news that your
father, Hakon, and your half-brothers are all drowned. They say also
that the folk of Agger have named you Hakon's heir, as, indeed, you are
by right of blood."

"Is that so?" exclaimed Steinar, bewildered. "Well, as I never saw my
father or my brothers, and they treated me but ill, I cannot weep for
them."

"Hakon!" broke in Athalbrand. "Why, I knew him well, for in my youth we
were comrades in war. He was the wealthiest man in Jutland in cattle,
lands, thralls and stored gold. Young friend, your luck is great," and
he stared first at Steinar, then at Iduna, pulling his forked beard and
muttering words to himself that I could not catch.

"Steinar gets the fortune he deserves," I exclaimed, embracing him.
"Not for nothing did I save you from the bear, Steinar. Come, wish my
foster-brother joy, Iduna."

"Aye, that I do with all my heart," she said. "Joy and long life to
you, and with them rule and greatness, Steinar, Lord of Agger," and she
curtsied to him, her blue eyes fixed upon his face.

But Steinar turned away, making no answer. Only Ragnar, who stood by,
burst into a loud laugh. Then, putting his arm through mine, he led me
into the hall, saying:

"This wind is ove