“Ho, there, priests of the Christ-faith!”
“What would you, viking?” It was Maoliosa himself that spoke.
“Why do you come here among us, you that are Maoliosa?”
“To win you and yours to God, pagan.”
“Is it madness that is upon you, old man? We have swords and spears here, if we lack hymns and prayers.”
All this time Olaus kept a wary watch inland and seaward, for he feared that Maoliosa came because of an ambush.
Truly the old monk was mad. He had told his Culdees that God would prevail, and that the pagans would melt away before the Cross.
The ebb-tide was running swift. Even while Sweno spoke, the birlinn touched a low sea-hidden ledge of rock.
A cry of consternation went up from the white-robes. Loud laughter came from the vikings.
“Arrows!” cried Olaus.