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Within the house might have been seen two exceedingly handsome matrons such as one may see in Norway at the present time who called each other Hilda and Ada, and who vied with a younger Hilda and Ada in their attentions upon two frail but cheery old women whom they called "Granny Heff" and "Granny Ast". How very unlike and yet how like were these to the Herfrida and Astrid of former days!
However, the cause is a good one, and to say truth, I am not sorry that they had the goodness to pitch on thee and me to carry out the plan." Thus conversing they arrived at Ulfstede, where Herfrida met them at the door, and was soon informed of their mission.
Thus admonished, Thorer quickly left the forge; and a few seconds later the clanking tread of armed men was heard as Erling's followers took their way to the fiord. "Now I will to the hall, my son, and pray that thou mayst fare well," said Herfrida, once more kissing the forehead which the youth lowered to receive the parting salute.
It was therefore with unusual interest that Herfrida asked about her son's dream. "Relate it, my son."
When his wounds were healed, Ulf married a fair girl of the Horlingdal district, and went to reside there, but his change of abode did not alter his title. He was always spoken of as Ulf of Romsdal. He and his old enemy Haldor the Fierce speedily became fast friends; and so was it with their wives, Astrid and Herfrida, who also took mightily to each other.
While the father and son strolled in the wood conversing earnestly, a noisy animated scene was presented in the great hall of Haldorstede; for in it were assembled, besides the ordinary household, the family from Ulfstede, a sprinkling of the neighbours, Gunhild and her men, Guttorm Stoutheart, and Solve Klofe, with Kettle Flatnose, Thorer the Thick, and the chief men who had arrived from the recent viking cruise; all of whom were talking together in the utmost excitement, while the fair Herfrida and her daughters and maids prepared a sumptuous meal.
That it was likely to go ill with their friends, however, was soon made known by Finn, who returned in hot haste to warn them to prepare for flight. "Be sure," said Dame Herfrida, "that there is no need to flee until Haldor or Erling come to tell us to get ready." "That may be so," said Finn; "but if Haldor and Erling should chance to be slain, ill will it be for you if ye are not ready to fly."
It may be good luck in great things, it may be only in small matters; perhaps soon, perhaps a long time hence: I know not." "Wilt thou not wait for midday meal?" said Herfrida. "No, mother; this roll will suffice till night." "And then thou wilt come home ravening, and have mara again." "Be it so.
"What thinkest thou of the dream?" said Herfrida to a wrinkled old crone who sat on a low stool beside the fire. The witch-like old creature roused herself a little and said: "Good luck is in store for the boy." "Thanks for that, granny," said Alric; "canst say what sort o' good luck it is?" "No; my knowledge goes no further.
His conqueror returned to have his wounds dressed by the bride for whom he had fought so long and so valiantly on that bright summer morning. Thus it was that King Haldor of Horlingdal, surnamed the Fierce, conquered King Ulf of Romsdal, acquired his distinctive appellation, and won Herfrida the Soft-eyed for his bride.
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