one nation, and this was good. But now nothing would suit him but
that he should once more divide his great realm into many provinces.
He therefore created all his sons kings, and gave to each his portion
of the country, on condition that after his own death they should
all acknowledge Erik Bloodaxe their overlord.

"But no sooner had this unwise course been taken than the sons began
to quarrel more wildly than ever. There was but one son among them
who was wise enough to enjoy his share in contentment and keep
peace. This was Olaf, the son of Queen Swanhild. To him King Harald
had given the country of Viken, in the south of Norway. Olaf was
the father of Triggvi, and the grandfather of the boy who is now
before you."'

Allogia's eyes were now fixed upon young Olaf, who sat at his ease
in front of her with his arm resting on the back of the bench and
his fingers playing idly with his long gold curls.

"Truly did I guess," said she, "that the boy had kingly blood in
him. Such silken hair, such clear soft skin, and beautiful blue
eyes could not possibly have come of lowly birth. And now do I
well believe that it was he whom the king's mother meant when, at
the yuletide feast, she spoke of the child who was destined to be
brought up here in Holmgard, and who was to grow to be a famous
prince." She smiled softly on the boy as she said this. "And now,
hersir," she added, "we will hear the rest of your saga."

Sigurd rose from the bench and began to pace slowly to and fro with
his hands clasped behind his back.