"I won this helm in Russia," smiled the King, "so see that the dragon bears his face ever toward my foes!"
Sigurd was overjoyed with the gift, which was a helm worthy a king, and thanked Olaf most sincerely. The next day he was given a command in the court-men, or bodyguard, and took up his new duties.
A week later the first snow fell, but as Astrid had given up all hope of reaching home before spring, she did not mind greatly. Indeed, Olaf's court was a pleasant one, and both Sigurd and Astrid enjoyed themselves immensely.
Queen Gyda became very fond of Astrid, who was a favorite with all because of her sunny disposition and gay heart. Sigurd's wound soon healed, and by Yuletide both had adjusted themselves to their new surroundings.
Sigurd grew much attached to King Olaf. Olaf was high-tempered, but just, and in warlike exercises no one could equal him. Often he would go down to the harbor, bid his men row out a warship, and then while the oars were out walk along them. Not content with this, he would sometimes juggle knives or balls, keeping his balance perfectly.
He took great interest in "Fairhair," for Sigurd's nickname could not be left behind, and himself added to the store of sword-tricks the boy had learned in the school at Jomsborg.
Yuletide passed, and a few weeks later a ship drove into the bay, to the astonishment of everyone, for the ships of that day did not often venture on voyages in winter. The new arrivals were from Norway, and were traders.
It happened that Ulf had not heard of the ship, and as he sat at meat that evening he leaped to his feet suddenly.
"What is that man who just passed the door?" he exclaimed. The King darted a swift, keen look at the captain, and replied:
"That is Thorir Klakke, who arrived to-day from Norway with his brother Ketil, bearing news and goods for trading."