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Rh and in coloring. I have told my messengers to seek out the noble chief, Sir Eogan O’Niall, praying him by our former bond of friendship to send me these artists. Then shall the ‘Crane’ be nobly adorned to glide over the waters that I may meet and overcome this Raud, that thou sayest hath struck terror to my own people.”

“It were a good commission, my King, and I willingly will bear it.” The archer’s voice was full and round, in his hearty approval of Olaf’s warlike intentions.

“Go, then, to the builders, Einar, and learn how soon they may furnish my ships; and to-night I will hold council with the earl-folk and find out what money we may use, and I will bid them burnish up their war coats, against our meeting Raud.”

When the thanes gathered that evening to discuss with Olaf his sudden resolve to meet the viking Raud in a sea fight, Earl Sigvalde was not among them. The recent coldness of this thane to Olaf was openly remarked. Although he had made scarcely any more objection to the king’s marriage to Gudrun than the others, it was understood that this was the cause of their alienation. To this must also be added Earl Sigvalde’s keen sense of injury that Olaf should have forgotten all his and Aastrid’s many years of service.

Lady Aastrid was deeply grieved at her husband’s changed feelings towards Olaf, for the earl had thrown aside his show of friendship and spoke harshly and bitterly of the king. The noble dame would sigh