Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/224

 216 CHRONICLE OF THE SAGA VII. was in labour. Soon after she brought forth a female child, which appeared to be rather weak. Then the priest baptized the infant, and Stein held it at the baptism, at which it got the name of Thora; and Stein gave it a gold ring. Kagnhild promised Stein her perfect friendship, and bade him come to her when- ever he thought he required her help. Stein replied that he would hold no other female child at baptism, and then they parted. Now it was come to the time when Stein required this kind promise of Ragnhild to be fulfilled, and he told her what had happened, and that the king's wrath had fallen upon him. She an- swered, that all the aid she could give should stand at his service; but bade him wait for Thorberg's* arrival. She then showed him to a seat beside her son Eystein Orre, who was then twelve years old. Stein presented gifts to Ragnhild and Eystein. Thor- berg had already heard how Stein had conducted himself before he got home, and was rather vexed at it. Ragnhild went to him, and told him how matters stood with Stein, and begged Thorberg to receive him, and take care of him. Thorberg replies, " I have heard that the king, after sending out a message- token, held a Thing con- cerning the murder of Thorgeir, and has condemned Stein as having fled the country, and likewise that the king is highly incensed; and I have too much sense to take the cause of a foreigner in hand, and draw upon myself the king's wrath. Let Stein, there- fore, withdraw from hence as quickly as thou canst." Ragnhild replied, that they should either both go or both stay. Thorberg told her to go where she pleased. " For I expect," said he, " that wherever thou goest thou wilt soon come back, for here is thy importance greatest." Her son Eystein Orre then stood forward, and said he would not stay behind if Ragnhild goes.