"They have only one, I hear," Ebarbold remarked, "the child of a small farmer."
"No matter, she is a free maiden, a daughter of our race," cried Adalo, with blazing eyes. "She has a right to the protection of her people."
"Protection? A captive! What can we--"
"Release her with the sword--or avenge her."
"Commence, for the sake of one woman, the conflict which will destroy the people?"
"You are right," said the Duke slowly. "Women as well as men must be sacrificed for the welfare of the nation. Let her stay where she is--little Bissula."
"What, Bissula?" asked Ebarbold, startled. "Albfledis, whom they call Bissula? The beautiful red elf?"
"You know her?" Adalo asked.
"Who has not heard of her? She is talked of along the whole shore of the lake, and in such a way that the listener is anxious to see her. I too grew curious and tried to get a look at her lately, at the last sun-festival. It is a pity about her. By Freya's eyes, a great pity! But peace is worth more."
"Certainly," said Hariowald, "and victory still more."