“‘The peasant’s son might claim, perchance, our sister: but never shall the defiler of a temple win her hand. Speak, Frithiof! Hast thou not broken Balder’s peace? Hast thou not forced thy way into his holy temple, despite the law which so forbids? Answer yea or nay!’
“‘My life’s happiness,’ I answered, ‘hangs upon a word. Yet fear not, Helge; neither for Valhalla’s joys nor all this earth’s delights would I forswear myself. Yea; in Balder’s temple I have seen thy sister, but in no wise did I offend the pure and gentle god. Our prayers to him did waken holy thoughts within our hearts and led me here to offer peace to thee.’
“More I could not speak, for a murmur of horror ran through the circle; the warriors, paled by superstition, drew back from me as I were smitten with the plague; thy brother’s was the victory.
“At last he spoke: ‘By the laws of our fathers, mine is the right to sentence thee to banishment or death: but rather will I emulate in mildness that god whose sanctuary thou hast violated. Hearken then to my decree. Far to the westward lies a group of islands ruled by Augantyr. King Bele long ago did lay him under tribute, and this he faithfully remitted so long as our royal father was alive. Since Bele’s death he has refused it. Go thou and collect this tribute, as atonement for thy crime!’
“Then he added sneeringly: ‘’Tis said this Augantyr is hard-handed and sits brooding o’er his gold like Fafner, the famed dragon slain by Sigurd. But who could withstand our second Sigurd’s prowess? Truly this is far other work than seeking maids in Balder’s holy grove! Here till the Summer comes again we’ll wait for thy return, bringing fresh glory and—above all else—the tribute! But shouldst thou fail in this—thou shalt be doomed as coward, branded and banished forever from thy native land!’
“So ended his words; the assembly was dissolved, and the warriors dispersed in silence.”
“But what is now thy purpose, Frithiof?”
“Have I a choice? This very day I depart to redeem my honor.”
“And leave me here?”
“Nay, come with me, my Ingeborg!”