But this of which Osritha spoke was that which Holy Writ will by no means suffer us to do--to eat of a sacrifice to idols knowingly, for that would be to take part therein.

Nor might I pretend that the holy sign was as the signing of Thor's Hammer.
"Halfden," I said, having full trust in him, "I may not do this.

I may not honour the old gods, for so should I dishonour the White Christ whom I serve." "This is more than I can trouble about in my mind," said Halfden; "but if it troubles you, I will help you somehow, brother Wulfric.
But you must needs come to the sacrifice." "Cannot I go hunting ?" "Why, no; all men must be present.

And to be away would but make things worse, for there would be question." Then I strengthened myself, and said that I must even go through with the matter, and so would have no more talk about it.

But Osritha kept on looking sadly at me, and I knew that she was in fear for me.
Now presently we began to talk of my home and how they would mourn me as surely lost.