“I, King,” answered old Hokosa, lifting his spear, “for I care not whether I live or die.”
“Go to, boaster!” cried another. “Who among us cares whether he lives or dies when the king commands?”
“That we shall know to-morrow,” said Hokosa quietly, and the soldiers laughed at the retort.
“So be it,” said the king, and while silently and swiftly he led off the regiments, keeping in the shadow of the huts, Hokosa and his hundred men posted themselves behind the weakened fence and wall. Now, for the fourth time the attacking regiment came forward grimly, on this occasion led by the prince himself. As they drew near, Hokosa leapt upon the wall, and standing there in the bright moonlight where all could see him, he called to them to halt. Instinctively they obeyed him.
“Is it Hafela whom I see yonder?” he asked.
“Ah! it is I,” answered the prince. “What would you with me, wizard and traitor?”
“This only, Hafela: I would ask you what you seek here?”
“That which you promised me, Hokosa, the crown of my father and certain other things.”
“Then get you back, Hafela, for you shall never win them.. Have I prophesied falsely to you at any time? Not so—neither do I prophesy falsely now. Get you back whence you came, and your wolves with you, else shall you bide here for ever.”
“Do you dare to call down evil on me, Wizard?” shouted the prince furiously. “Your wife is mine, and now I take your life also,” and with all his strength he hurled at him the great spear he held.