At the same time both he and Bjarne Erlingssn involuntarily turned to face Sir Erling. Simon burst into laughter; he roared and roared.

Then he sank down onto the chair that Bjarne Erlingssn pulled out for him, accepted the ale bowl the young man offered him, and drank greedily.

"Why are you laughing?" asked Sir Erling sternly.

"I was laughing at Stig." Simon was leaning slightly forward, with his hands resting on the thighs of his mud-covered breeches. He gave a few more bursts of laughter. "I had thought . . . All of us here are the sons of great chieftains . . . I expected you to be so angry that such a thing could be done to one of our peers that your first response would be to ask how this could possibly happen.

"I can't say that I know exactly what the law is about such matters. Ever since my lord King Haakon died, I've been content with the idea that I owed his successor my service if he should ask for it, both in war and in peace; otherwise I've lived quietly on my manor. But now I can only think that this case against Erlend Nikulaussn has been unlawfully handled. His fellow n.o.blemen have pa.s.sed judgment on him, but I don't know by what right they condemned him to death. Then a reprieve and safe conduct were granted to him until he could meet with his kinsman, King Magnus, to see whether the king might allow Erlend to be reconciled with him. But since then the man has been imprisoned in the tower at Akers Castle for nearly a year, and the king has been abroad almost all that time. Letters have been dispatched, but nothing has come of it. And now he sends over these louts, who are neither Norwegian nor the king's retainers, and who attempt to interrogate Erlend with conduct that is unheard of toward any Norwegian man with the rights of a royal retainer-while peace reigns in the land, and Erlend's kinsmen and peers are gathering in Tunsberg to celebrate the royal wedding. . . .

"What do you think of all this, Sir Erling?"

"I think . . ." Erling sat down on the bench across from him. "I think you have told us clearly and bluntly how this matter now stands, Simon Darre. As I see it, the king can only do one of three things: He can allow Erlend to appeal the sentence that was handed down in Nidaros. Or he can appoint a new court of royal retainers and have the case against Erlend brought by a man who does not bear the t.i.tle of knight, and then they will sentence Erlend to exile, with the proper time allowed for him to leave the realms of King Magnus. Or he will have to permit Erlend to be reconciled with him. And that would be the wisest solution of all.

"It seems to me that this case is now so clear, that whoever you present it to in Tunsberg will a.s.sist you and support you. Jon Haftorssn and his brother are there. Erlend is their kinsman, just as he is the king's. The Ogmundssns will realize that injustice in this matter would be folly. You should seek out the commander of the royal retinue first; ask him and Sir Paal Eirikssn to call a meeting of the retainers who are now in town and who seem most suited to handle this case."

"Won't you and your kinsmen go with me, sir?" asked Simon.

"We don't intend to join the festivities," said Erling curtly.

"The Haftorssns are young, Sir Paal is old and feeble, and the others . . . You know yourself, sir, that they have some power, being in the king's favor and such, but . . . what importance do they have compared to you, Erling Vidkunssn? You, sir, have held more power in this country than any other chieftain since . . . I don't know when. Behind you, sir, stand the ancient families that the people of this country have known, man after man, for as far back as the legends tell us of bad times and good times in our villages. In your father's lineage-what is Magnus Eirikssn or the sons of Haftor of Sudrheim compared to you? Is their wealth worth mentioning compared to yours? This advice you have given me-it will take time, and the Frenchmen are already in Oslo, and you can bet that they will not yield. It's clear that the king is attempting to rule Norway according to foreign customs. I know that abroad there's a tradition for the king to ignore the law when he so chooses, if he can find amenable men among the knighthood to support him. Olav Kyrning has sent letters to those n.o.blemen he could find to join him, and the bishop has promised to write as well. But you could end this dispute and unrest at once, Erling Vid kunssn, by seeking out King Magnus. You are the foremost descendant of all the old n.o.blemen here in Norway; the king knows that all the others would stand behind you."

"I can't say that I've noticed that in the past," said Erling bitterly. "You speak with great fervor on behalf of your brother-in-law, Simon. But don't you understand that I can't do it now? now? If I do, people would say . . . that I step forward the minute pressure is put on Erlend and it's feared he might not be able to hold his tongue." If I do, people would say . . . that I step forward the minute pressure is put on Erlend and it's feared he might not be able to hold his tongue."

There was silence for a moment. Then Stig asked again, "Has Erlend . . . talked?"

"No," replied Simon impatiently. "He has kept silent. And I think he'll continue to do so. Erling Vidkunssn," he implored, "he's your kinsman-you were friends."

Erling took a few deep, heavy breaths.

"Yes. Simon Andressn, do you fully understand exactly what what Erlend Nikulaussn has brought upon himself? He wanted to dissolve the royal union with the Swedes-this form of rule that has never been tested before-which seems to bring more and more hardship and difficulty to Norway for each year that pa.s.ses. He wanted to go back to the old, familiar rule, which we know brings good fortune and prosperity. Don't you see that this was the plan of a wise and bold man? And don't you see that now it would be difficult for anyone else to take up this plan after him? He has ruined the chances of the sons of Knut Porse-and there are no other men of royal lineage the people can rally around. You might argue that if Erlend had carried out his intentions and brought Prince Haakon here to Norway, then he would have played right into my hands. Other than deliver the boy into the country, these . . . young fellows . . . wouldn't have been able to do much without the intervention of sober-minded men who could handle all the rest that needed to be done. That's how it is-I can vouch for it. G.o.d knows I've reaped few rewards; rather, I've had to set aside the care of my own estates for the ten years I've endured unrest and toil, strife and torment without end-a few men in this country have understood as much, and I've had to be satisfied with that!" He pounded his hand hard against the table. "Don't you understand, Simon, that the man who took such great plans onto his shoulders-and no one knows how important they might have been to the welfare of all of us here in Norway, and to our descendants for many years to come-he set them all aside, along with his breeches, on the bed of a wanton woman. G.o.d's blood! It could be he deserves to pay the same penance Audun Hestakorn did!" Erlend Nikulaussn has brought upon himself? He wanted to dissolve the royal union with the Swedes-this form of rule that has never been tested before-which seems to bring more and more hardship and difficulty to Norway for each year that pa.s.ses. He wanted to go back to the old, familiar rule, which we know brings good fortune and prosperity. Don't you see that this was the plan of a wise and bold man? And don't you see that now it would be difficult for anyone else to take up this plan after him? He has ruined the chances of the sons of Knut Porse-and there are no other men of royal lineage the people can rally around. You might argue that if Erlend had carried out his intentions and brought Prince Haakon here to Norway, then he would have played right into my hands. Other than deliver the boy into the country, these . . . young fellows . . . wouldn't have been able to do much without the intervention of sober-minded men who could handle all the rest that needed to be done. That's how it is-I can vouch for it. G.o.d knows I've reaped few rewards; rather, I've had to set aside the care of my own estates for the ten years I've endured unrest and toil, strife and torment without end-a few men in this country have understood as much, and I've had to be satisfied with that!" He pounded his hand hard against the table. "Don't you understand, Simon, that the man who took such great plans onto his shoulders-and no one knows how important they might have been to the welfare of all of us here in Norway, and to our descendants for many years to come-he set them all aside, along with his breeches, on the bed of a wanton woman. G.o.d's blood! It could be he deserves to pay the same penance Audun Hestakorn did!"

He grew calmer.

"Otherwise I have no reason to begrudge Erlend his release, and you mustn't think I'm not angry about what you have told us. I think if you follow my advice, you'll find plenty of men who will support you in this matter. But I don't think I can help you enough by joining you that I would approach the king uninvited for the sake of this cause."

Simon got to his feet stiffly and arduously. His face was gray-streaked with fatigue. Stig Haakonssn came over and put his arm around his shoulders. Now he would have food; he hadn't wanted any servants in the room before they finished talking. But now he ought to regain his strength with food and drink, and then rest. Simon thanked him, but he wanted to continue on his way shortly, if Stig would lend him a fresh horse, and if he would give his servant, Jon Daalk, lodging for the night. Simon had been forced to ride on ahead of his man the night before because his horse couldn't keep up with Digerbein. Yes, he had been traveling almost all night; he thought he knew the road to Mandvik so well, but he had lost his way a couple of times.

Stig asked him to stay until the next day; then he would go with him at least part of the way. Well, he might even accompany him as far as Tunsberg.

"There's no reason for me to stay here any longer. I just want to go over to the church. Since I'm here on the estate, I want to say a prayer at Halfrid's grave, at least."

The blood rushed and roared through his exhausted body; the pounding of his heart was deafening. He felt as if he might collapse; he was only half awake. But he heard his own voice saying evenly and calmly, "Won't you go over there with me, Sir Erling? Of all her kinsmen, I know she was most fond of you."

He didn't look at the other man, but he could sense him stiffen. After a moment he heard through the rushing and ringing sound of his own blood the clear and courteous voice of Erling Vidkunssn.

"I'll gladly do so, Simon Darre. It's miserable weather," he said as he buckled on the belt with his sword and threw a thick cape around his shoulders. Simon stood as still as a rock until the other man was ready. Then they went out the door.

Outside, the autumn rain was pouring down, and the fog was drifting in so thick from the sea that they could barely see more than a couple of horse-lengths into the fields and the yellow leafy groves on either side of the path. It was not far to the church. Simon went to get the key from the chaplain at the parsonage nearby; he was relieved to see that new people had come since the days when he lived there, so he could avoid a long chat.

It was a small stone church with only one altar. Distractedly Simon looked at the same pictures and adornments he had seen so many hundreds of times before as he knelt down a short distance from Erling Vidkunssn near the white marble gravestone; he said his prayers, crossing himself at the proper times, without fully taking notice.

Simon didn't understand how he'd been able to do it. But now he was in the thick of it all. What he should say, he wasn't sure-but no matter how sick with fear and shame he felt, he knew he would attempt it all the same.

He remembered the white, ill face of the aging woman lying in the dim light of the bed, and her lovely, gentle voice on that afternoon when he sat at her bedside and she told him. It was a month before the child was due, and she expected that it would take her life-but she was willing and happy to pay so dearly for their son. That poor boy who now lay under the stone in a little coffin at his mother's shoulder. No, no man could do what he intended. . . .

But he thought of Kristin's white face. She knew what had happened, when he returned from Akersnes that day. Pale and calm, she spoke of it and asked him questions; but he had looked into her eyes for one brief moment, and he didn't dare meet them again. Where she was now or what she was doing, he didn't know. Whether she was at the hostel or with her husband, or whether they had persuaded her to go out to Skogheim . . . he had left it in the hands of Olav Kyrning and Sira Ingolf. He lacked the strength to do more, and he didn't think he could waste any time.

Simon didn't realize that he was hiding his face in his hands. Halfrid . . . it's not a question of sin or shame, my Halfrid. And yet . . . What she had told her husband-about her sorrow and her love, which had made her stay with that old devil. One day he had even killed the child she carried under her heart, but she stayed because she didn't want to tempt her beloved friend.

Erling Vidkunssn was kneeling with no expression on his colorless, finely shaped face. He held his hands in front of his chest, with the palms pressed together; from time to time he would cross himself with a quiet, tender, and graceful gesture, and then put his fingertips together as before.

No. It was too terrible for any man to do. Not even for Kristin's sake could he do that. that. They stood up together, bowed to the altar, and walked back through the church. Simon's spurs rang faintly with every step he took on the flagstone floor. They had still not said a word to each other since leaving the manor, and Simon had no idea what might happen next. They stood up together, bowed to the altar, and walked back through the church. Simon's spurs rang faintly with every step he took on the flagstone floor. They had still not said a word to each other since leaving the manor, and Simon had no idea what might happen next.

He locked the church door, and Erling Vidkunssn walked on ahead across the cemetery. Under the little roof of the churchyard gate, he stopped. Simon joined him, and they stood there for a while before heading back out into the pouring rain.

Erling spoke calmly and evenly, but Simon sensed the stifled, boundless rage that was menacing deep inside the other man; he didn't dare look up.

"In the name of the Devil, Simon Andressn! What do you mean by . . . referring to . . . that?"

Simon couldn't say a word.

"If you think you can threaten me so that I'll do what you want because you've heard some false rumors about events that supposedly occurred, back when you were hardly weaned from your mother's breast . . ." His fury was snarling closer to the surface now.

Simon shook his head. "I thought, sir, that if you remembered the woman who was better than the purest gold, then you might have pity for Erlend's wife and children."

Sir Erling looked at him. He didn't reply but began to sc.r.a.pe moss and lichen off the stones of the churchyard wall. Simon swallowed and then moistened his lips with his tongue.

"I hardly know what I was thinking, Erling. Perhaps if you remembered the woman who endured all those terrible years, with no solace or help except from G.o.d alone, then you might want to help many other people-because you can! Since you couldn't help her . . . Have you ever regretted riding away from Mandvik on that day and leaving Halfrid behind in the hands of Sir Finn?"

"But I didn't do that!" Erling's voice was now scathing. "Because I know that she she never . . . but I don't think never . . . but I don't think you you can understand that! For if you fully understood for a single moment how proud she was, that woman who became can understand that! For if you fully understood for a single moment how proud she was, that woman who became your your wife . . ." He laughed angrily. "Then you would never have done this. I don't know how much you know-but I'll gladly tell you this: Haakon was ill at the time, and so they sent wife . . ." He laughed angrily. "Then you would never have done this. I don't know how much you know-but I'll gladly tell you this: Haakon was ill at the time, and so they sent me me to bring her home to her kinsmen. She and Elin had grown up together like sisters; they were almost the same age, although Elin was her father's sister. We had . . . it so happened that whenever she came home from Mandvik, we were forced to meet quite often. We would sit and talk, sometimes all night long, on the gallery to the Lindorm chamber. Every word that was spoken she and I can both defend before G.o.d on Judgment Day. Then maybe to bring her home to her kinsmen. She and Elin had grown up together like sisters; they were almost the same age, although Elin was her father's sister. We had . . . it so happened that whenever she came home from Mandvik, we were forced to meet quite often. We would sit and talk, sometimes all night long, on the gallery to the Lindorm chamber. Every word that was spoken she and I can both defend before G.o.d on Judgment Day. Then maybe He He can tell us why it had to be so. can tell us why it had to be so.

"And yet G.o.d rewarded her piety in the end. He gave her a good husband as consolation for the one she had had before. Such a young whelp you were . . . lying with her serving maids on her own estate . . . and making her raise your b.a.s.t.a.r.d children." He flung far away the ball of moss he had crushed in his hand.

Simon stood motionless and mute. Erling sc.r.a.ped off another patch of moss and tossed it aside.

"I did what she she asked me to do. Have you heard enough? There was no other way. Wherever else we might have met in the world, we would have had . . . we would have had . . . Adultery is not a nice word. The shame of blood is much worse." asked me to do. Have you heard enough? There was no other way. Wherever else we might have met in the world, we would have had . . . we would have had . . . Adultery is not a nice word. The shame of blood is much worse."

Simon gave a stiff little nod. He could see that it would be laughable to say what he was thinking. Erling Vidkunssn had been in his early twenties, handsome and refined; Halfrid had loved him so much that she would have gladly kissed his footprints in the dewy gra.s.s of the courtyard on that spring morning. Her husband was an aging, portly, loathsome farmer. What about Kristin? It would never occur to her now to think there was any danger to anyone's salvation if she lived together with her brother-in-law on the same estate for twenty years. That was something Simon had learned well enough by now.

Then he said quietly, almost meekly, "Halfrid didn't want the innocent child her maid had conceived with her husband to suffer in this world. She She was the one who begged me to do right by her as best I could. Oh, Erling Vidkunssn-for the sake of Erlend's poor wife . . . She's grieving herself to death. I didn't think I could leave any stone unturned while I searched for help for her and all her children." was the one who begged me to do right by her as best I could. Oh, Erling Vidkunssn-for the sake of Erlend's poor wife . . . She's grieving herself to death. I didn't think I could leave any stone unturned while I searched for help for her and all her children."

Erling stood leaning against the gatepost. His face was just as calm as always, and his voice was courteous and cool when he spoke again.

"I liked her, Kristin Lavransdatter, the few times I've met her. She's a beautiful and dignified woman. And as I've told you many times now, Simon Andressn, I'm certain you'll win support if you follow my advice. But I don't fully understand what you mean by this . . . strange notion. You can't mean that because I had to let my uncle decide my marriage, underaged as I was back then, and the maiden I loved most was already betrothed when we met . . . And Erlend's wife is not as innocent as you say. Yes, you're married to her sister, that's true; but you you are the one, not I, who has caused us to have this . . . strange conversation . . . and so you'll have to tolerate that I mention this. I remember there was plenty of talk about it when Erlend married her; it was against Lavrans Bjrgulfsn's will and advice that the marriage was arranged, but the maiden thought more of having her own way than of obeying her father or guarding her honor. Yes, she might well be a good woman all the same-but she are the one, not I, who has caused us to have this . . . strange conversation . . . and so you'll have to tolerate that I mention this. I remember there was plenty of talk about it when Erlend married her; it was against Lavrans Bjrgulfsn's will and advice that the marriage was arranged, but the maiden thought more of having her own way than of obeying her father or guarding her honor. Yes, she might well be a good woman all the same-but she was was allowed to marry Erlend, and no doubt they've had their share of joy and pleasure. I don't think Lavrans ever had much joy from that son-in-law; allowed to marry Erlend, and no doubt they've had their share of joy and pleasure. I don't think Lavrans ever had much joy from that son-in-law; he he had chosen another man for his daughter. When she met Erlend she was already betrothed, that much I know." He suddenly fell silent, glanced at Simon for a moment, and then turned his face away in embarra.s.sment. had chosen another man for his daughter. When she met Erlend she was already betrothed, that much I know." He suddenly fell silent, glanced at Simon for a moment, and then turned his face away in embarra.s.sment.

Burning red with shame, Simon bowed his head, but he said in a low, firm voice, "Yes, she was betrothed to me."

For a moment they stood there, not daring to look at each other. Then Erling tossed away the last ball of moss, turned on his heel, and stepped out into the rain. Simon stayed where he was, but when the other man had gone some distance into the fog, he turned and signaled to him impatiently.

Then they walked back, just as silently as they had come. They had almost reached the manor when Sir Erling said, "I'll do it, Simon Andressn. You'll have to wait until tomorrow; then we can travel together, all four of us."

Simon looked up at the other man. His face was contorted with shame and grief. He wanted to thank him, but he couldn't. He had to bite his lip hard because his jaw was trembling so violently.

As they entered the hall, Erling Vidkunssn touched Simon's shoulder, as if by accident. But both of them knew that they dared not look at each other.

The next day, as they were preparing for the journey, Stig Haakonssn wanted to lend Simon some clothes-he hadn't brought any with him. Simon looked down at himself. His servant had brushed and cleaned his garments, but they were still badly soiled from the long ride in the foul weather. But he gave a slap to his thighs.

"I'm too fat, Stig. And I won't be invited to the banquet anyway."

Erling Vidkunssn stood with his foot up on the bench as his son attached his gilded spur; Erling seemed to want to keep his servants away as much as possible that day. The knight gave an oddly cross laugh.

"I suppose it wouldn't do any harm if it looked as if Simon Darre had spared nothing in the aid of his brother-in-law, coming right in from the road with his bold and pleasing words. He has a finely tailored tongue, this former kinsman of ours, Stig. There's only one thing I fear-that he won't know when to stop."

Simon's face was dark red, but he didn't reply. In everything that Erling had said to him since the day before, he had noticed this scornful mocking, as well as a strangely reluctant kindness, and a firm will to see this matter through to the end, now that he had taken it on.

Then they set off north from Mandvik: Sir Erling, his son, and Stig, along with ten handsomely outfitted and well-armed men. Simon, with his one servant, thought that he should have had the sense to arrive better attired and with a more impressive entourage. Simon Darre of Formo shouldn't have to ride with his former kinsmen like some smallholder who had sought their support in his helpless position. But he was so weary and broken by what he had done the day before that he now felt almost indifferent to whatever outcome this journey might bring.

Simon had always claimed that he put no faith in the ugly rumors about King Magnus. He was not so saintly a man that he couldn't stand some vulgar jesting among grown men. But when people put their heads together, muttering and shuddering over dark and secret sins, Simon would grow uneasy. And he thought it unseemly to listen to or believe such things about the king, when he was a member of his retinue.

Yet he was surprised when he stood before the young sovereign. He hadn't seen Magnus Eirikssn since the king was a child, but he had expected there would be something womanish, weak, or unhealthy about him. But the king was one of the most handsome young men Simon had ever set eyes on-and he had a manly and regal bearing, in spite of his youth and slender build.

He wore a surcoat patterned in light blue and green, ankle-length and voluminous, cinched around his slim waist with a gilded belt. He carried his tall, slender body with complete grace beneath the heavy garment. King Magnus had straight, blond hair framing his handsomely shaped head, although the ends of his locks had been artfully curled so they billowed around the staunch, wide column of his neck. The features of his face were delicate and charming, his complexion fresh, with red cheeks and a faint golden tinge from the sun; he had clear eyes and an open expression. He greeted his men with a polite bearing and pleasant courtesy. Then he placed his hand on Erling Vidkunssn's sleeve and led him several steps away from the others, as he thanked him for coming.

They talked for a moment, and Sir Erling mentioned that he had a particular request to make of the king's mercy and good will. Then the royal servants set a chair for the knight before the king's throne, showed the other three men to seats somewhat farther away in the hall, and left the room.

Without even thinking, Simon had a.s.sumed the bearing and demeanor he had learned in his youth. He had relented and agreed to borrow from Stig a brown silk garment so that his attire was no different from what the other men wore. But he sat there feeling as if he were in a dream. He was and yet he was not the same man as that young Simon Darre, the alert and courtly son of a knight who had carried towels and candles for King Haakon in the Oslo castle an endless number of winters ago. He was and was not Simon the owner of Formo who had lived a free and merry life in the valley for all these years-largely without sorrows, although he had always known that within him resided that smoldering ember; but he turned his thoughts away from this. A stifled, ominous sense of revolt rose up inside the man-he had never willfully sinned or caused any trouble that he knew of, but fate had fanned the blaze, and he had to struggle to keep his composure while he was being roasted over a slow fire.

He rose to his feet along with all the others; King Magnus had stood up.

"Dear kinsmen," he said in his young, fresh voice. "Here is how I view this matter. The prince is my brother, but we have never attempted to share a royal retinue-the same men cannot serve us both. Nor does it sound as if this was Erlend's intention, although for a while he might continue as sheriff under my rule, even after becoming one of Haakon's retainers. But those of my men who would rather join my brother Haakon will be released from my service and be permitted to try their fortune at his court. Who they they might be-that's what I intend to find out from Erlend's lips." might be-that's what I intend to find out from Erlend's lips."

"Then, my Lord King," said Erling, "you must try to reach agreement with Erlend Nikulaussn regarding this matter. You must keep the promise of safe conduct which you have made, and grant your kinsman an interview."

"Yes, he is my kinsman and yours, and Sir Ivar persuaded me to promise him safe conduct. But he did not keep his promise to me, me, nor did he remember our kinship." King Magnus gave a small laugh and then placed his hand on Erling's arm once more. "Dear friend, my kinsmen seem to live by the saying we have here in Norway: that a kinsman is the worst enemy of his kin. I am quite willing to show mercy to my kinsman, Erlend of Husaby, for the sake of G.o.d and Our Lady and my betrothed; I will grant him his life and property and lift the sentence of banishment if he will be reconciled with me; or I will allow him proper time to leave my kingdoms if he wishes to join his new lord, Prince Haakon. This same mercy I will show to any man who has conspired with him-but I want to know which of my men residing in this country have served their lord falsely. What do you have to say, Simon An-dressn? I know that your father was my grandfather's faithful supporter, and that you yourself served King Haakon with honor. Do you think I have the right to investigate this matter?" nor did he remember our kinship." King Magnus gave a small laugh and then placed his hand on Erling's arm once more. "Dear friend, my kinsmen seem to live by the saying we have here in Norway: that a kinsman is the worst enemy of his kin. I am quite willing to show mercy to my kinsman, Erlend of Husaby, for the sake of G.o.d and Our Lady and my betrothed; I will grant him his life and property and lift the sentence of banishment if he will be reconciled with me; or I will allow him proper time to leave my kingdoms if he wishes to join his new lord, Prince Haakon. This same mercy I will show to any man who has conspired with him-but I want to know which of my men residing in this country have served their lord falsely. What do you have to say, Simon An-dressn? I know that your father was my grandfather's faithful supporter, and that you yourself served King Haakon with honor. Do you think I have the right to investigate this matter?"

"I think, my Lord King . . ." Simon stepped forward and bowed again, "that as long as Your Grace rules in accordance with the laws and customs of the land, with benevolence, then you will never find out who these men might be who tried to resort to lawlessness and treason. For as soon as the people see that Your Grace intends to uphold the laws and traditions established by your ancestors, then surely no man in this kingdom would think of breaking the peace. Instead, they will hold their tongues and acknowledge what for a time it may have been difficult to believe-that you, my Lord, in spite of your youth, can rule two kingdoms with wisdom and power."

"That is so, Your Majesty," added Erling Vidkunssn. "No man in this country would think of refusing you allegiance over something which you lawfully command."

"No? Then you think that Erlend may not have incited betrayal and high treason-if we look closer at the case?"

For a moment Sir Erling seemed at a loss for a reply, when Simon spoke.

"You, my Lord, are our king-and every man expects that you will counter lawlessness with law. But if you pursue the path that Erlend Nikulaussn has embarked upon, then men might step forward to state their names, which you are now pressing so hard to discover, or other men might begin to wonder about the true nature of this case-for it will be much discussed if Your Grace proceeds as you have warned, against a man as well-known and highborn as Erlend Nikulaussn."

"What do you mean by that, Simon Andressn?" said the king sharply, and his face turned crimson.

"Simon means," interjected Bjarne Erlingssn, "that Your Grace might be poorly served if people began to ask why Erlend was not allowed the privilege of personal security, which is the right of every man except thieves and villains. They might even begin to think about King Haakon's other grandsons. . . ."

Erling Vidkunssn swiftly turned to face his son with a furious expression.

But the king asked dryly, "Don't you consider traitors to be villains?"

"No one will call call him that, if he wins support for his plans," replied Bjarne. him that, if he wins support for his plans," replied Bjarne.

For a moment they all fell silent. Then Erling Vidkunssn said, "Whatever Erlend is called, my Lord, it would not be proper for you to disregard the law for his sake."

"Then the law needs to be changed in this case," said the king vehemently, "if it is true that I have no power to obtain information about how the people intend to show their loyalty to me."

"And yet you cannot proceed with a change in the law before it has been enacted without exerting excessive force against the people-and from ancient times the people have had difficulty in accepting excessive force from their kings," said Sir Erling stubbornly.

"I have my knights and my royal retainers to support me," replied Magnus Eirikssn with a boyish laugh. "What do you say to this, Simon?"

"I think, my Lord . . . it may turn out that this support cannot be counted on, judging by the way the knights and n.o.bles in Denmark and Sweden have dealt with their kings when the people had no power to support the Crown against the n.o.bles. But if Your Grace is considering such a plan, then I would ask you to release me from your service-for then I would rather take my place among the peasants."

Simon spoke in such a calm and composed manner that the king at first seemed not to understand what he had said. Then he laughed.

"Are you threatening me, Simon Andressn? Do you want to cast down your gauntlet before me?"

"As you wish, my Lord," said Simon just as calmly as before, but he took his gloves from his belt and held them in his hand. Then the young Bjarne leaned over and took them.

"These are not proper wedding gloves for Your Grace to buy!" He held up the thick, worn riding gloves and laughed. "If word gets out, my Lord, that you have demanded such gloves, you might receive far too many of them-and for a good price!"

Erling Vidkunssn gave a shout. With an abrupt movement he seemed to sweep the young king to one side and the three men to the other; he urged them toward the door. "I must speak to the king alone."

"No, no, I want to talk to Bjarne," called the king, running after them.

But Sir Erling shoved his son outside along with the others.

For some time they roamed around the castle courtyard and out on the slope-no one said a word. Stig Haakonssn looked pensive, but held his tongue, as he had all along. Bjarne Erlingssn walked around with a little, secretive smile on his lips the whole time. After a while Sir Erling's armsbearer came out and said that his master requested they wait for him at the hostel-their horses stood ready in the courtyard.

And so they waited at the hostel. They avoided discussing what had happened. Finally they fell to talking about their horses and dogs and falcons. By late that evening, Stig and Simon ended up recounting amorous adventures. Stig Haakonssn had always had a good supply of such tales, but Simon discovered that whenever he began to tell some remembered story, Stig would take over, saying that either the event had happened to him or it had recently occurred somewhere near Mandvik-even though Simon recalled hearing the tale in his childhood, told by servants back home at Dyfrin.

But he laughed and roared along with Stig. Once in a while he felt as if the bench were swaying under him-he was afraid of something but didn't dare think about what it might be. Bjarne Er lingssn laughed quietly as he drank wine, gnawed on apples, and fidgeted with his hood; now and then he would tell some little anecdote-and they were always the worst of the lot, but so wily that Stig could not understand them. Bjarne said that he had heard them from the priest at Bjrgvin.

Finally Sir Erling arrived. His son went to meet him, to take his outer garments. Erling turned angrily to the youth.

"You!" He threw his cape into Bjarne's arms. Then a trace of a smile, which he refused to acknowledge, flitted across the father's face. He turned to Simon and said, "Well, now you must be content, Simon Andressn! You can rest a.s.sured that the day is not far off when you will be sitting together in peace and comfort on your neighboring estates-you and Erlend-along with his wife and all their sons."

Simon's face had turned a shade more pale as he stood up to thank Sir Erling. He realized what the fear was that he hadn't dared face. But now there was nothing to be done about it.