"Skoal, Bragi!" roared the audience, and all raised their horns.
I drank with the others. The potent mead made me a little dizzy. I nearly forgot I was Keith Masters. I was the Jarl Keith, sitting beside Freya in Valhalla, feasting and shouting.
"Now for the games," Odin announced.
A gleeful yell came from the warriors.
"What games are these?" I asked.
"Sword-play with blunted blades, and wrestling," Freya said. "As a guest, Jarl Keith, you'll take part in them, of course."
I saw everyone looking expectantly at me. Somewhat sobered, I stood up.
"I'm but a fair swordsman, lord Odin," I said, "yet I'll join in."
"Who will try sword-play with the outland Jarl?" Odin asked.
"Tyr, you are our best swordsman."