The women screamed and shrank back against the walls of the hall, hiding behind the tables.

We had naught to fear from the thralls here, for they were shouting for Gerda.
One of Eric's men leaned over to Arnkel and spoke to him.

Then he shook his head and scowled at him, and stood up and raised his hand.
"Here," he said, when a silence fell, "I am a stranger, and it seems to me that there is matter for a fight, unless somewhat is set straight.

What is this tale brought up against your lord?
I have heard how Thorwald was set to sea in his ship." Then old Gorm answered in a voice which shook with wrath: "And with him, bound in the funeral chamber, with burning peat piled round it, Arnkel set the Lady Gerda to burn at sea, even as you see her.
But for chance she had never stood in Arnkel's way more.

She is Thorwald's heiress." In the silence which followed Gerda spoke again.