"Only my pride," I said ruefully, as I put down the sword and shield.
Thor strode around the table to me. His bearded red face and little eyes were twinkling with jovial expectation.
"You look like a wrestler, Jarl from the outlands," he boomed. "Will you try a fall with me?"
"Aye, a match between Thor and the outland Jarl!" the audience shouted.
"Jarl Keith hasn't rested!" Freya cried indignantly to the Hammerer. "It's not fair!"
"I'm ready," I said coolly to Thor. I realized to the full that the chances of my overcoming the giant were infinitesimal. But I realized, too, that all this was a kind of hazing which these Vikings gave to any newcomer. Thor tossed aside his hammer. We faced each other, hands extended, seeking a grip.
I was a fair wrestler, and I knew that my only chance was to overcome Thor by a quick trick that he might not know.
As the giant grabbed for me, I slipped past him. Leaping to his back, I got a half-nelson on him before he could expect it.
A mighty shout went up from the watchers as they saw the Hammerer claw furiously to pull me loose. Furiously I hung on.
With one sturdy arm against the back of his heavily cabled neck, and my legs braced, I strained to force his huge head downward. For a moment I thought I had a chance to win the match. Then a bull-roar of rage came from Thor.