"The youngest of the three great Sisters--who was born blind--spins the future of the whole human race. And what I am spinning is as familiar to my fingers as to my thoughts."
"What is it?"
"My shroud. But I do not think that Adalo, son of Adalger, came hither to question Waldrun concerning her thoughts of death. Do you seek my son? Suomar has not yet returned from the Council."
"I do not seek him--he sends me. The Council--last night on Odin's Mountain--resolved to destroy all the houses and harvests." The youth's noble, handsome countenance beamed with the fierce menacing joy of battle as he added: "The Romans are coming."
"They will not tarry long," said the old woman, calmly going on with her spinning. "I have often seen them dash forward in all the pride of strength, and soon sink feebly back again."
"You women, those unable to bear arms, the slaves, and the cattle are to be received in two fortresses far away from the lake--one on Odin's Mountain in the west, the other among the eastern marshes. We shall form two divisions: one stationed in the east, the other in the west. Your son is assigned to the eastern band; he was sent directly from the council to the swamps. The troop will go through the fords there and strengthen the breastwork of logs around the meadows to prevent the entrance of the Italians."
"Then we must hasten eastward to the morasses. We shall be nearer to him there."
Adalo hesitated. His face again crimsoned and he cast a keen glance at the door of the house ere he began: "That was his first idea--and by the decree of the people the fugitives were thus divided. But--some one else--a friend--counselled him not to hide you in the swamps, but--on the Holy Mountain."
"You belong to the western band--on the mountain."
Adalo made no reply.