Frey and His Wife

by Maurice Hewlett

Ogmund was one of the first of the chieftains in those parts to submit himself to King Olaf's baptism.

The king received him coldly and put him on one side. "I will consider of it," he said, "but first I wish to see old Battle-Glum, who is a man after my own heart."

Battle-Glum was brought before him, and refused to have anything to do with Christianity. "I am an old man now," he said, "looking out for my end. It is late for me to change my opinions. Thor is the god I worship, and in that faith will I die. It matters very little to me whether I die at your hands, or in my bed. I have settled all my affairs. Wigfus will take Thwartwater after me. He is young and can follow what gods he pleases. So also can Ogmund, my foster-son."

"Wigfus your son," said the king, "is a Christian already; but Ogmund your foster-son is not. He is here at hand, and I will have him in before you that you may know something about him before you die."

Ogmund was brought in, and Sigurd also was present. Sigurd said, "The last time you were in Drontheim you left something behind you which I desire to give back. But there is some doubt left open which of two things is yours, and I would have you settle it, Ogmund."

Ogmund said that he would do so with pleasure.

Then Sigurd said, "You left a dead man lying in his blood, and a cloak."

Ogmund Dint said that he left no cloak, "and as for the man, I slew him fairly."

Sigurd said, "You left two cloaks, one in the water with a great stone in it, and one on the back of my brother Gunnar. Here they are. Which do you say is yours?"