I hope that you will win, because it was wrong and unfair of Sweyn to force this battle upon you; and I hate him for it! I shall pray Odin to give you victory.

You don't believe in him, I know; still my prayers can do you no harm." "Thank you," Edmund said.

"I shall pray to One greater and better than Odin.

But weep not any longer, for I trust neither of us will be killed.

I shall do my best to guard myself, and shall try not to slay him; for this fight is not for my nation or for my religion, but concerns myself only." The following morning the Northmen assembled.