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Rh Thorgills was silent, and after a pause Olaf continued: “Thou dost think, my true scald, because thy young Irish wife is fair and gentle and faithful, that these qualities belong to all maidens. See how the maid Gudrun did use me, and but for my quick arm, I had been dead from her hands. It is pleasing to think of youth and beauty and fair faith, but now my care for my kingdom seems to point to this Swedish woman, who may help to make it stronger. Thou must go, my Thanes.”

After they had left, Olaf turned to his harper. “Queen Sigrid hath told my messengers that she is not unwilling to have me come to Konghelle, and in a few days I will set out with some attendants to journey to the border of Sweden where I may meet this queen. Konghelle is not many days’ journey, and is on the border of Queen Sigrid’s own land. Before I go, Thorgills, I would that thou shouldst go and give to the queen this golden ring. I have worn if upon my finger since I broke the statue of Thor at Hlade. The ring was upon the idol when it fell, so I will send it to Sigrid as a pledge of my faith to her and to show her how the old gods have fallen. She is yet a heathen, but she will join me in my Christian faith when we are wed.”

Thorgills took the ring in his hand. “My King,” he said musingly, “a woman hath often strange fancies and the years of her life do but bring her more, when a man parts with his fancies for wisdom. See,