A considerable time elapsed thus. Ever more violent and more full of pain sounded the voice of the King, who seemed to defend himself desperately against Hildebrand's arguments.
"Why does the greybeard so torture the brave hero?" cried Hildebad angrily. "It is just as if he would murder him! I will go in and help him!"
But Teja held him fast by the shoulder.
"Remain!" he cried, "he cannot be helped."
As Hildebad was struggling to get loose, the noise of voices was heard from the other end of the lane of tents; two sentries were trying in vain to stop a strong Goth, who, covered with all the signs of a long and hard ride, tried to get to the King's tent.
"Let me go, good friend," he cried, "or I will strike thee down!"
And he threateningly lifted a heavy club.
"It cannot be. Thou must wait. The leaders are with him in his tent."
"And if all the gods of Walhalla, together with the Lord Christ, were in his tent, I must go to him!"
"I know that voice," cried Earl Teja, advancing, "and the man. Wachis! what seekest thou here?"