Björn was delighted and willing to risk his life for his freedom, for where is the man that does not love to be free?
“Wilt thou stand still and not shrink, if I shoot at the nut?” asked Ivar.
“Certainly,” said Björn, who had witnessed the skill of Ivar, and therefore had great confidence in his aim.
“Then Ulf shall stand at thy side,” replied Ivar, “and see if I hit the nut.”
Ulf assented, and Ivar made ready and took aim. The arrow flew swiftly, and skipped over the crown of Björn’s head and under the nut, and Björn was not wounded. The nut rolled backward from his head, but the arrow went much farther.
When Yngvi asked if the shot had hit the nut, Ulf replied: “Better than hit; for he shot under the nut, and it rolled down, and he harmed not Björn.”
This extraordinary feat of Ivar was greatly applauded, and by none more than by Randalin. Björn the slave was made free.
After this, Ivar took his sword, and handled it equally well with the right and the left hand, and moved it so swiftly that it seemed as if there were three swords in the air at a time. Then he threw his sword high up, caught it with his left hand, having the shield in his right hand, and dealt a terrific blow upon a shield which a man held for the purpose, before the people could see what he was about to do. The enthusiasm of Randalin was unbounded when she saw the great skill of Ivar.
Then came the leaping games. Many leaped as well backward as forward, more than their height, in full war apparel, and the championship was undecided when Ivar came forward in full war dress, with helmet, chain-armor, sword, and shield, and leaped far above his height, which was nearly six feet, and then leaped backward quite as high as he had done forward. This feat was cheered tumultuously, and all agreed that to Ivar should be awarded the championship.