"Frey has never had so much gold as this. You are fortunately come. He shall have the cloak and you too."
"You are mistaken," said Gunnar. "But in order to make sure, I will go and ask him."
With these words he stepped sharply forward and went up the steps to the temple before any one could stop him. The curtains opened and a young woman came out and stood before them, closing them behind her.
She was frightened, but bore herself with great dignity. She could not check the shortness of her breath, however; nor the scare in her eyes. She was not tall, and she was very young; she was dressed in blue which had red embroidery round the neck. Her black hair was plaited, and on her head she had a double band of gold wire with thin leaves of flat gold between the wires. Gunnar saw that she was a very pretty girl, and thought that he could deal with her if he had the chance.
He saluted her civilly and told her what was the matter. "This old man wishes to cut my throat," he told her, "and I, on the other hand, am strongly against it. I have come to appeal to you or to Frey against such a breach of hospitality."
She did not answer him at first; but her eyes were upon his own, and her lips moved as if she was uncertain what to say.
Presently she said, "Who are you, and whence do you come?"
He said, "My name is Gunnar Helming, and I am from Norway over the mountains of the West. I am outland-faring as you see, and have no friends in these parts, unless you are inclined to be one."
She hesitated, but had already made up her mind. "I will send the people away," she said, "and then we will ask Frey."
Gunnar said, "I am sure that Frey will be guided by you"; but she had not waited to listen to that, being already down the steps and among the people.