trees, breaking their fast with an early meal. "Tyrker bids you come and
serve the food."

"If it please me?"

"My dear lord, I pray you give over all bitterness. I pray you be
prudent toward them. I have not been a shield-maiden's thrall for nearly
a year without learning something."

"Poor little dove in a hawk's nest! Certainly I think you have learned
to weep!"

"You need not pity me thus, Lord Alwin. It is likely that my mistress
even loves me in her own way. She has given me more ornaments than she
keeps for herself. She would slay anyone who spoke harshly to me. What
is it if now and then she herself strikes me? I have had many a blow
from your mother's nurse. I do not find that I am much worse than
before. No, no; my trouble is all for you. My dearest lord, I implore
you not to waken their anger. They have tempers so quick,--and hands
even quicker."

Remembering his encounter with Egil the evening before, Alwin's eyes
flared up hotly. But he would make no promises, as he arose to answer
the summons.

The little maid carried an anxious heart to her task of mending Helga's
torn kirtle.

No one seemed to notice the young thrall when he came among them and
began to refill the empty cups. The older men, sprawling on the