"In Sigurd's hand is his sword Helmbiter. I think he will give that to the man who dares speak to him, for he will know that it goes into brave hands. Ask him for it bravely."
"Put me ashore, therefore, before my courage goes," I said; and they pulled the boat to the bank where I could step on a rock and so to shore. And when I was there, Kolgrim rose up and followed me without a word.
"Bide here for two hours, jarl, and maybe I will return in that time," I said. "Farewell."
So I turned away as they answered me, thinking that Kolgrim held the boat's painter. But he came after me, and I spoke to him:
"Why, Kolgrim, will you come also?"
"You shall not go alone, Ranald the king's son; I will come with you as far as I dare."
"That is well," I answered, and with that wasted no more words, but climbed the hillside a little, and then went steadily towards where the mound was, with Kolgrim close at my shoulder, and the jarl and Thord looking fixedly after us till we were out of sight.
[Chapter II]. The Gifts of Two Heroes.
I will not say that my steps did not falter when we came to whence we could see the mound. But it was lonely and still and silent; no shape of warrior waited our coming.