'
'I look to be no blencher in the battle,' said Face-of-god; 'that is
not the fashion of our kindred, whosoever may be before us. Yea, and
even were it thy blade, O mighty warrior of the Wolf, I would do my
best to meet it in manly fashion.'
As he spake he half drew forth Dale-warden from his sheath, looking
steadily into the eyes of Folk-might; and the Sun-beam looked upon
him happily. But Folk-might laughed and said:
'Thy sword is good, and I deem that thine heart will not fail thee;
but it is by my side and not in face of me that thou shalt redden the
good blade: I see not the day when we twain shall hew at each
other.'
Then in a while he spake again:
'Thou must pardon us if our words are rough; for we have stood in
rough places, where we had to speak both short and loud, whereas
there was much to do. But now will we twain talk of matters that
concern chieftains who are going on a hard adventure. And ye women,
do ye dight the Hall for the evening feast, which shall be the feast
of the troth-plight for you twain. This indeed we owe thee, O guest;
for little shall be thine heritage which thou shalt have with my
sister, over and above that thy sword winneth for thee.
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