prowess, for high mind and stout heart; wherewith he was far more
abundantly gifted than any man of the northern parts of the wide
world.

So Sigurd waxed in King Hjalprek's house, and there was no child
but loved him; through him was Hjordis betrothed to King Alf, and
jointure meted to her.

Now Sigurd's foster-father was hight Regin, the son of Hreidmar;
he taught him all manner of arts, the chess play, and the lore of
runes, and the talking of many tongues, even as the wont was with
kings' sons in those days. But on a day when they were together,
Regin asked Sigurd, if he knew how much wealth his father had
owned, and who had the ward thereof; Sigurd answered, and said
that the kings kept the ward thereof.

Said Regin, "Dost thou trust them all utterly?"

Sigurd said, "It is seemly that they keep it till I may do
somewhat therewith, for better they wot how to guard it than I
do."

Another time came Regin to talk to Sigurd, and said --

"A marvellous thing truly that thou must needs be a horse-boy to
the kings, and go about like a running knave."

"Nay," said Sigurd, "it is not so, for in all things I have my
will, and whatso thing I desire is granted me with good will."