en thrust
through me. "Steinar! Oh! surely not with my brother Steinar," I gasped,
and staggered against the door-post, where I stood like one who has been
struck helpless.

Ragnar sprang at the messenger, and, dragging him from his horse, would
have killed him had not some stayed his hand. My father, Thorvald,
remained silent, but his half-brother, the dark-browed priest of Odin,
lifted his hands to heaven and called down the curse of Odin upon the
troth-breakers. The company drew swords and shouted for vengeance,
demanding to be led against the false Athalbrand. At length my father
called for silence.

"Athalbrand is a man without shame," he said. "Steinar is a viper whom
I have nursed in my breast, a viper that has bitten the hand which saved
him from death; aye, you men of Agger, you have a viper for your lord.
Iduna is a light-of-love upon whom all honest women should spit, who has
broken her oath and sold herself for Steinar's wealth and rule. I swear
by Thor that, with your help, my friends and neighbours, I will be
avenged upon all three of these. But for such vengeance preparations
must be made, since Athalbrand and Steinar are strong. Moreover, they
lie in an island, and can only be attacked by sea. Further, there is
no haste, since the mischief is done, and by now Steinar the Snake and
Iduna the Light-of-love will have drunk their marriage-cup. Come, eat,
my friends, and not too sadly, seeing that if my house has suffered
shame, it has escaped worse shame, that of welcoming a false woman as
a bride of one of us. Doubtless, when his bitterness is past, Olaf, my
son, will find a better wife."

So they sat down and ate the marriage feast. Only the seats of the bride
and bridegroom were empty, for I could not take part in that feast, but
went alone to my sleeping-place and drew the curtains. My mother also
was so overcome that she departed to her own chamber. Alone I sat upon
my bed and listened to the sounds of that marriage feast, which more
resembled such a one as is given at funerals. When it was finished I
heard my father and Ragnar and the head men and chiefs of the company
take counsel together, after which all departed to their homes.

So soon as they were gone Freydisa came to me, bringing food and drink.

"I am a shamed man, Freydisa," I said, "and can no longer stay in this
land where I have been made one for children to mock at."

"It is not you who are shamed," answered Freydisa hotly. "It is S