"Greeting to you, Thorvald.

We are come here through a sea that nearly drowned us, somewhat before the appointed time, because--well, because, on the whole, I thought it best to come.

I pray Odin that you are more glad to see us than I am to see you." "If so, friend Athalbrand, why did you not stop away ?" asked my father, firing up, then adding quickly: "Nay, no offence; you are welcome here, whatever your humour, and you too, my daughter that is to be, and you, Steinar, my fosterling, who, as it chances, are come in a good hour." "How's that, Lord ?" asked Steinar absently, for he was looking at Iduna.
"Thus, Steinar: These men"-- and he pointed to the three messengers--"have but just arrived from Agger with the news that your father, Hakon, and your half-brothers are all drowned.

They say also that the folk of Agger have named you Hakon's heir, as, indeed, you are by right of blood." "Is that so ?" exclaimed Steinar, bewildered.

"Well, as I never saw my father or my brothers, and they treated me but ill, I cannot weep for them." "Hakon!" broke in Athalbrand.