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Rh hinds, and all to gratify a sea-king’s vanity that brooks the deeds of no other viking in his hearing.”

“How now, Jarl Sigvalde? Didst thou not thyself complain that Olaf was forgetting how to fight, and that he was letting this Raud steal all his viking fame?”

“I may have said something of that import, Thorgills, it matters not. I am no longer in the council or confidence of the king.”

“By thy own fault, Jarl Sigvalde. Olaf would gladly welcome thee back.”

“I crave not his welcome, and I will not seek it. My Lord Thorgills, there are other kings who can reward their friends, and King Olaf, great as thou dost hold him, may go out viking once too often. I bid thee good-day;” and leaving Thorgills depressed with his dark hints, the earl departed.