"Erling," I said, "do you mind that tale which Thrond tells concerning a damsel set afloat?"
"Ay, more than mind it--I saw it done! She went from our village. I was a well-grown lad of fourteen then. Now I know what you would say. It is the word of Thrond that this Quendritha, whom men fear so, is she. He says so, since you spoke to him."
"Have you breathed a word thereof to any one?" I asked, with a sort of cold fear coming on me.
I had no mind to die of poison.
"Not likely; here of all places. I mind what that maiden was in the old days. From all accounts she has but held herself back somewhat here. But had you had aught to do with her, I should have warned you, master."
I set my hand on his shoulder.
"I know you would. Now you will see the queen tomorrow. Tell me, then, if this is indeed she."
"Ay, I shall know her well enough. What I fear is that she may know me!"
Grim as his voice was, that made me laugh.
"Seeing that you were but a lad when she last set eyes on you--and now you are ten years older than myself, bearded and scarred moreover--I do not fear that for you in the least."