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The day was still young when the council of war came to an end, and as they had more than sufficient time to reach the hall of Liot before night, the bows were turned to the open sea, that they might better escape observation. Once they had got some miles from land they turned southwards, and striking the sail, to make as little mark as they could, moved slowly under oars alone.
Liot was the outcome of the most vivid and masterful form of paganism and the most vital and uncompromising form of Christianity. For nearly eight hundred years the Borsons had been christened, but who can deliver a man from his ancestors?
The pagan in Liot was not dead; and the same fight between the old man and the new man that made Paul's life a constant warfare found a fresh battle-ground in Liot's soul. He began his devotions in the spirit of Christ, but they ended always in a passionate arraignment of Bele Trenby through the psalms of David.
The house was full of company and merry-making, and she was forced to fall into the mood expected from her. Women do such things by supreme efforts beyond the power of men. And Karen's smiles showed nothing of the shadow behind them, even when Liot questioned her about her visit. "She is a bad woman, Liot," answered Karen, "and she said many temper-trying words."
In a few minutes Liot also wished to stand still; for the moon came from behind a cloud and showed him plainly that the wayfarer was Bele Trenby. The recognition was mutual, but for once Bele was disposed to be conciliating.
At midnight both men stood up. "The tide serves," said Liot, softly, holding out his hand. And Paul clasped it and answered: "God be with thee, Liot." "We shall meet no more in this life, Paul." "Then I tryst thee for the next life; that will be a good meeting. Fare thee well. God keep thee!" "And thee also." "Then we shall be well kept, both of us." That was the last of Shetland for Liot Borson.
A grim smile stole over Estein's face, and presently he stopped beside Grim, and said, "Know you where Liot sleeps in this hall of his?" "Ay; I was forced to follow him for two years, and I know well his sleeping chamber." "Can you lead us to it in the dark?" Grim looked at him doubtfully before answering. "I think so," he said at length. "But are you sure?" The pilot looked round him.
"As you know, kinsman," answered Liot, "I have ever hated Bele, and that with reason. Often I have said it were well if he were hurt, and better if he were dead; but at this time I will say no word, good or bad. If the man lives, I have nothing good to say of him; if he is dead, I have nothing bad to say." "That is wise.
Here is a gift for you," and with that he hurled a spear with so true an aim that, if Osmund had not stooped like a flash, his share in the fight would have come to an end there and then. As it was, the missile struck another man between the shoulders and laid him on the deck. "Forward! forward!" cried Liot. "Forward, Vikings! forward, the men of Liot and Osmund!"
Wherever Liot and Karen had learned each other, the lesson had been perfected. At their third meeting he asked her to be his wife, and she answered with simple honesty, "That is my desire." This betrothal was, however, far from satisfactory to Karen's aunt; she could bring up nothing against Liot, but she was ill pleased with Karen.
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