It was the way in which Heidrek's crew were wont to deal with captives when they had no hope of ransom from them.
That I and my men should join such a crew was not to be thought of, if for a moment I had half wondered if I ought to save the lives of these courtmen of ours by yielding.

Both I and they would be shamed, even as Dalfin had said.
So I made no answer, and Heidrek was turning away with a shrug of his broad shoulders, while the men were only waiting his word to end the affair.

Then Asbiorn, whose face was white and pitying as he looked at us, gripped his father by the arm and faced him.
"I will not have it thus," he said hoarsely.

"The men are brave men, and it were shame to slay them.

Give them to me." Heidrek laughed at him in a strange way, but the men yelled and made a rush at us, sword in hand.