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Updated: August 3, 2024
There was not likely to be hard fighting; for small as Estein's force was, the natives were badly armed and little esteemed as warriors. The country, however, was difficult, so the men marched warily, their arms ready for instant use, and a sharp watch kept all the time. The sun came out hot by day, but at nights it felt very cold and frosty.
All at once he heard himself addressed, and turning round saw a stranger at his side. The man was holding out something towards him, and when he had caught Estein's eye, he said respectfully, "I was charged to give this token to you, sire." Estein looked at him in surprise, and taking the token from his hand, glanced at it curiously.
Before his father had time to reply, Helgi sprang from his seat with a shout, and saluting Osla on the cheek, exclaimed, "First of all King Estein's friends I wish you joy! Do you remember the sheep-skin coat? I have not forgotten the maiden. Skoal to Queen Osla!"
"Some thrall's sweetheart doubtless, come to babble her complaints." "Or perhaps the bride come to claim King Estein's hand," suggested his son. In a minute Kari returned. "She will not tell her business," he said, "but begs earnestly to see the king." "Bid her begone!" cried the earl. "The king is feasting with his guests."
Helgi told him briefly how he had swum ashore to another island, and there been picked up by Ketill, the black-bearded captain of one of Estein's scattered ships; how, giving up all hope, they had sailed for the south, and after meeting head winds and little luck, returned to the Orkneys, where, from a man who had been with Margad, news of the stranger on the Holy Isle had reached their ears.
There seemed no reason why the hero of these lays should shrink from talking of his expedition, and avoid, so far as he could, the company of men. Gradually strange rumours began to spread. Helgi, who alone knew the truth, held his peace for Estein's sake, even when the ale flowed most freely.
"That will I," answered Ketill. "I want no braver leader. But the gods curse me if we roast not a few score men this time, Estein." For two days there was a turmoil of preparation round Hakonstad, and on the third Estein's two warships sailed down the fiord.
Estein's guide had been sitting before the fire, consuming a supper of cold meat, and paying little heed to the talk, but at the last words he rose, and throwing the bones on to the flames, said, "It was by no will of mine; I bear no love to the Norsemen." "Peace!" exclaimed Atli sternly. "Art thou too ungrateful for what I have done for thee, and fearless of what I can do?"
Only the four vessels bound together Estein's, Thorkel's, Liot's, Osmund's swept in an unresisting cluster towards the rocks. Liot too saw the danger, and raised his voice in a great shout: "Let not man of mine touch an oar till Estein Hakonson lie dead on yonder deck. We have yet time to slay them. Forward, Liot's men!" There was a wild and furious rush of men towards the poop.
Atli left the other man to close the door, and followed Estein up to the fire. He replied, either not noticing or disregarding the dryness of Estein's retort, "I knew well, Estein, thou wouldst come. Something told me thou wouldst not linger on my summons." "Did you then send for me to lead me into this snare?" said Estein, his brows knitting darkly.
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