He would take no hand in the matter, wherein he was wise.

But those words of his came to Arnkel as a taunt, and his look at me was terrible.
"Ho, men," he shouted, "will you own an outland lord ?" "Aye, we will," said Gorm the Steward sturdily.

"Sooner than listen to a coward and would-be murderer of women." That ended the matter.

The courtmen yelled, and one or two who tried to get to Arnkel's side were seized and hurled to the ground by the men who cheered for Gerda, and I knew that the day was won.
But I watched Arnkel, for there was somewhat of madness in his look.

His hand stole down to the long dirk in his belt, and then clutched it.
Like a flash the keen blade fled across the hall, straight at Gerda as she stood fearless before him, and I was only just in time.