I fear the future, that it may prove even worse than the past has been." "Then come to learn it, Olaf, for what is known need no more be feared." "I am not so sure of that," I said.

"But how can the future be learned ?" "Through the voice of the god, Olaf.

Am I not one of Odin's virgins, who know something of the mysteries?
Yonder in his temple mayhap he will speak through me, if you dare to listen." "Aye, I dare.

I should like to hear the god speak, true words or false." "Then come and hear them, Olaf." So we went up to the temple, and Freydisa, who had the right of entry, unlocked its door.

We passed in and lit a lamp in front of the seated wooden image of Odin, that for unnumbered generations had rested there behind the altar.