His friend tried to force a laugh, but it came hard.

"Nay, rather seek a sword for Liot Skulison, for I see we are
nearing the holm."

"I had forgotten Liot," said Estein. "We will loose his bonds, and
let him choose his weapons."

He found Liot sitting in the waist bound hand and foot. His eye
was as firm as if he had been in his own hall, and he looked up
indifferently as Estein approached.

"Do you remember me, Liot?" asked his captor.

"Ay, Estein. You, methinks, are one of the bairns I thought I had
slain. Well was it for you that the Orkney tides run strong. But
the luck has changed, I see; and you were a bold man, Estein
Hakonson, to change it as you did. Why did you not burn us out?"

"Because I wanted you alone."

"Ay, torture is a pleasant game for the torturers. How do you
intend that I shall die?"

"By my sword, if the gods will it. In an hour, Liot, we fight to
the death. Our battle-ground is yonder holm, the weapons you may
choose yourself; and meanwhile I shall loose your bonds, and if
you wish to eat or drink you may."