See, what are these arms I wear?
They will prove it, for they came thence, and are her gift." "Aye," he sneered in a harsh voice, "you took them at the same time you took the girl.
"To your arms, men, and see that these robbers do not escape." The courtmen sprang at their weapons, and there was uproar enough.
For a moment I could not tell what might come, and my hand was on my sword hilt, though I would not draw the weapon yet.

Then came Gerda's clear voice again.
"To me, Gerda's men," she cried, and her sword flashed out.

"He lies, and you know it." Three men led a rush down the hall to us, and one was lame.

They were my Caithness men who had escaped from Asbiorn here.

After and with them were a dozen older courtmen of Thorwald's.