The guard laughed. “You are a stranger in Ulf’s kingdom, monk, if you think a man needs to be a criminal in order to die. But, in truth, the king knows nothing of it.”
“What is the man’s name?” said Sigurd.
“I know not.”
“Did you see his face or hear his voice?”
“No; why should we? We could believe those who brought him here.”
“And were they the king’s officers?”
“The king’s that is now,” said the guard.
“Why?” exclaimed Sigurd; “what do you mean? Is not Ulf the king?”
“No,” said the man. “When you went out two hours ago he was, but now Sigurd is king.”
“False villain!” cried Sigurd, catching the fellow by the throat; “thou art a traitor like all the rest.”