"Shall we then march to King Bue?"

"Alas!" said Thorar, "in these evil days he cannot entertain you
all. Many of his people have fled to the woods already, and--to
tell the truth--he, too, would feel ill at ease if he saw so brave
a force come nigh him; for he is old, and his spirit is broken.
But a following of twenty men or so he will gladly entertain. The
others I shall have feasted here in the town at my own cost, and
with them I shall leave my two young sons"--he indicated, as he
spoke, the two lads. "They are my only children, and them I shall
willingly give you as hostages till your return, that I may save
my country from fire and sword. Though," he added, with a grave
smile, "if men speak truth, Estein Hakonson can make good his
coming or going against most."

"Be it as you will," replied Estein; "but if--" He paused, and
looked sternly at Thorar.

"If a king's word and mine are not sufficient, and my only sons
satisfy you not, I can but add my oath--though most men would deem
it needless."

Thorar spoke with dignity and a touch of haughtiness, and Estein
replied simply and courteously,--

"I shall come."

He turned to Helgi and said,--

"No fighting will there be, Helgi; but I have known you welcome