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Updated: August 28, 2024
Helgi, in whose blue eyes there danced a light that was never kindled by water, rallied him on his absence of mind. "Drink deeper, Estein!" he cried. "Laugh, O king! Look, there sits Ketill, the married man; methinks he looks thirsty. Ketill! drink with me to your wife." "The trolls take my wife!" thundered Ketill, who, it may be remembered, had espoused a wealthy widow.
That is a trial which I would fain make, and then we can see what the gods would do with me." "To fight an enemy and capture him afterwards is common enough, but to capture him first and then fight him seems the act of a madman," answered Helgi. "Then I am a madman," replied Estein, and with that he turned away and walked forward to consult Ketill.
I knew not also whether you and Helgi had fallen into their hands, and in case ill had happened to you, it seemed best to take vengeance on the chance." "Then since I need no revenge, let the slaying cease," said Estein, "though in truth the treacherous dogs ill deserve mercy." "As you list," replied Ketill; "yet there is one here who would be better out of the world than in it."
"Great prince," replied the fellow, "the Jemtlanders were never a warlike race. Even the king, I hear, is prepared to fly." A contemptuous murmur rose from the Norsemen. "Let us begin by hanging this man," said Ketill, "and then fire, fire through the country!" "I shall see first whether he has spoken the truth," answered Estein. "Bind him, and bring him on."
Steel rang on steel as every armed warrior there clashed his approval. By all the gods whose names he could remember Earl Sigvald swore that the true Estein was come back, and King Hakon exclaimed joyfully, "There speaks my son at last. Prepare yourself then, Estein. Ill tidings have been changed to good." "And you, Ketill," said Estein, turning to his former companion, "will you come with me?"
"Where is Ketill?" cried Estein, as they reached the boat. The man in charge had seen nothing of him. "May werewolves seize him!" exclaimed Helgi. "He has had time enough to tear the long ships plank from plank." "We have no time to wait for him; it is his fault if he be left," said Grim. "That knowledge would doubtless comfort him," replied Estein; "but nevertheless I shall wait."
The respect due to rank in Norway was little more than the proud Norseman chose to pay, and it was with small deference to his prince that Ketill answered, "You are fey, I think, Estein. I shall not lose my ship that you may the sooner feed the fishes." "Are you, too, afraid? By the hammer of Thor! I think you are in league with Liot. I shall make these cravens row."
We could not escape them if we would, and I would not if I could. Have you seen aught of the other ships?" "We parted from Ketill yesterday, and I fear me he has gone to feed the fishes. I have seen nothing of Asgrim and the rest. I think with you, Estein, that the bottom here will make as soft a resting-place for us as elsewhere. Fill the beakers and serve the men!
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