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186 him wed the daughter of Thane Gormo, the white-faced Freda; and she openly scorns me that I bow not and simper to the king as the silly maidens do. But for all that, my mother, he looks upon me oftenest. I wot he hath the viking spirit to conquer me.”

“And thou, Gudrun, what dost thou think of a king’s wooing?”

“I should think full well of his crown, and of my place beside him over all Norway. That would even be better than the place he took from me, for I would indeed be queen, then. Between Olaf Tryggevesson, and Ironbeard’s daughter, thou knowest, my mother, there could be no love.”

Ingrid was listening intently. A dark look came over her evil face. “Gudrun, I will make thee so full of magical beauty that this viking cannot withstand thee. Then if thou wilt listen to him, as a maiden to her lord, thou canst wed him and revenge all our wrongs.”

Gudrun did not answer.

Ingrid went on: “Then thou wouldst be a queen. He is but a viking after all; and thou, with thy strong will and thy dark beauty, thou wouldst change him to thy will. Thou couldst make him thy slave, with thy beauty, and my power. Then, girl,” lowering her voice, “thou couldst find the moment to put the dagger in his heart, and give thy father the throne of Norway.”