enlisted in the service of the king."

She broke off and turned to Sigurd. "Hersir Sigurd," she said,
looking keenly into the steward's face, "I have noticed many times
that you take a more than common interest in this boy. Even now,
when he has broken the law of the land, it is you who take it
upon yourself to plead his cause. It must surely be that you have
powerful reasons for keeping him from harm. Whose son is he? Of
what kin is he? It is but right that I should know."

Sigurd demurred, remembering that it was forbidden by the law of
the land that any king born person should live in Gardarike, except
with the king's permission. He thought that it would go very ill
with himself if Olaf's kingly birth should be known.

"Lady, I cannot tell you," he murmured.

"Would you then rather that the boy should die?" she asked with
anger in her tone.

"Not so," answered Sigurd, drawing himself up to his full height.
"If the boy is to be condemned to death, then I will offer to take
the punishment in his stead."

The queen glanced at him quietly.

"If that be so," said she, "then the sacrifice of your own life
can only be taken as showing that you count the boy of more value
to the world than yourself." She paused for a moment, then added:
"I am your queen, Hersir Sigurd, and I command you to tell me what