I think it was then that Freydisa returned; at least, I recall her tallform standing near the stone of sacrifice, gazing at us both, a strangesmile on her face.
"Have you withstood?" she said. "Then, truly, you are in the way ofvictory and have less to fear from woman than I thought. All thingsare ready as you commanded, my lord Olaf, and there remains but tosay farewell, which you had best do quickly, for they plot your deathyonder."
"Freydisa," I answered, "I go, but perchance I shall return again.Meanwhile, all I have is yours, with this charge. Guard you yonderwoman, and see her safe to her home, or wherever she would go, and toSteinar here give honourable burial."
Then the darkness of oblivion falls, and I remember no more savethe white face of Iduna, her brow stained with Steinar's life-blood,watching me as I went.
BOOK II
BYZANTIUM