No Northman fears death, for he knows that a joyous time awaits him; but I am bound to say that your Christians meet death to the full as calmly.

Well, each his own way, I say, and for aught I know there may be a Christian heaven as well as the Halls of Odin, and all may be rewarded in their own way for their deeds." Bijorn and his party now rose to take leave.

"I will come across to your tent in the morning," Siegbert said, "and we can then discuss what payment I shall make you for this young Saxon.

I fear not that you will prove over hard to your old comrade." After Bijorn had departed Siegbert assigned to Edmund a place in his tent as an honoured guest.

Slaves brought in bundles of rushes for the beds.