I heard the sound of a woman's dress, and looked up, thinking to see Freydisa.

But this woman was not Freydisa; it was Iduna! Yes, Iduna's self! I rose to my feet and stood still.

She also stood still, on the farther side of the stone of sacrifice whereon that which had been Steinar was stretched between us.

Then came a struggle of silence, in which she won at last.
"Have you come to save him ?" I asked.

"If so, it is too late.