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Updated: June 27, 2025
Alwin had fresh cause to be grateful to the fate that had changed their stations. His place was on the foot-stool before Leif's high-seat, guarding the chief's cup. It was an honorable place, and one from which he could see and hear, and even speak with Sigurd when anything happened that was too interesting to keep to himself. Among Leif's men there were many temptations to consult together.
Do you boast of your deed?" the young Viking interrupted hotly. "What is to hinder my biting now?" He had leaped the flames, and his hand was on the other's throat before he finished speaking. But the thrall fought him off with unusual boldness. "It is unadvisable for you to injure Leif's property, Sigurd Haraldsson," he panted. "My life is of value to him now. You are not yet out of disgrace.
It was a litter of rock, very barren, and full of white foxes. They found plenty of fish, and laid in a good store; but that was no country in which to settle, so they left it, going south before a good northerly wind. In two days' sailing they made out a land ahead, full of trees and dense undergrowth. That was certainly Leif's Markland.
Sigurd looked at her critically. "It does not appear to me that you are very well dressed for a feast," said he. "Where are the bracelets and gold laces suitable to your rank? It looks ill for Leif's generosity, if that is the finest kirtle you own." "That is unfairly spoken," Helga answered quickly. "He would dress me in gold if I wished it; it is I who will not have it so.
In the spring they sailed again from thence, and returned to Greenland. Leif's Vineland voyage was now a subject of frequent conversation in Greenland, and his brother Thorwald was of opinion that the country had not been sufficiently explored. He, accordingly, borrowed Leif's ship, and, aided by his brother's counsel and directions, commenced a voyage in the year 1002.
Yet the messengers Thorhild had hastily despatched had brought back nearly a score of chiefs and their families; and what with their additional attendants, and Leif's band of followers, and Eric's own household, there were few empty places along the walls. According to custom, Eric sat in his high-seat between two lofty carved pillars midway the northern length of the hall.
"How was I to know that Norman writing would be of assistance to you? When did you ever tell me of your need?" Though his gaze continued to hold the Norman for awhile, Leif's grip on his shoulder slowly relaxed. Then, gradually, his eyes also loosened their hold. Finally he burst into a loud laugh and slapped him on the back. "By the edge of my sword, your wit is as nimble as a rabbit!" he swore.
He turned away, as one quite innocent of the barb in his words. An audible murmur passed down the line of Leif's men. No one doubted that this was Thorhall's trap to avenge the slights upon his son. Would the chief let this also pass by? Though their faces remained set to the front, their eyes slid around to watch him. Leif drew himself up haughtily and also very quietly.
"In my district I am not spoken of as amiable, just now. Yet there is little need to take it heavily, my foster-sister. I have done nothing that is dishonorable, should I dare to come before Leif's face if I had? It will blow over in time to come." Helga leaned from her saddle to press his hand in a friendly grasp.
"It has come to my mind to try whether I can remember the words of that French song which we heard together in Rouen," he said lightly to Sigurd Haraldsson who sat by him. "Was it not thus that the first line ran?" Almost with the weight of a blow, Leif's hand fell upon his shoulder.
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