he winter brought its sword-like chill,
And darkened valley, hill and field.
The realm of Thorvald fell all still,
As croplands froze and rivers sealed.

In time, though, Skadi's throne was seized,
By Spring with all her fair delights;
Erupting flowers, leafing trees,
And lengthening of Sol's warm light.

'Twas then that Denmark sailed again,
To land on Norway's deep-cut shore.
Each water-horse bore thirty men,
To land within the high-walled fjord.

The Danes came under flag of truce
To sue for peace with Norway's king.
Wise Thorgeir gave them no misuse,
But, rather, hearty welcoming.

Brave Hawart led this embassy,
The crown-prince of his father's realm.
His armor was his bravery,
For he wore neither shield nor helm.

Beside walked Haakon's second son,
Liudegast, the wordless man.
'Twas said his arms were ne'er undone
And always slept with sword in hand.

Behind, three hundred fighting men
Drew carts a-brim with hammered gold,
And scabbards great with inlaid gems,
Forged by the Danish smiths of old.

Staunch armor formed of cunning rings,
Was laid atop broad spears entwined
With serpents for the arms of kings,
And spices, fragrances and wines.

The embassy was met, in kind,
By two men and three hundred more.
The Norway hundreds stood behind,
With Signar and his king before.

Prince Hawart called, "My lord and king,
My father sends all wish for health.
Please take this pittance Denmark brings,
That pales compared to Thorvald's wealth."

"Prince Hawart," Thorvald hailed his guest,
"May Haakon live beyond my reign.
A kingdom could be counted blessed,
To live on one gift brought by Danes."

With that, King Thorvald bowed but slight,
In greetings to Liudegast.
The younger prince returned the rite,
But not a word between them passed.

Then Thorvald said, "Good princes, please,
Bring men of Denmark, one and all.
You've left the weary churning seas,
Refresh yourselves within my hall."

They sealed alliances ere long,
Then set themselves upon the boards.
With meat cut thick and drink brewed strong,
They joined the feast, six hundred four.

But Signar's heart was much oppressed,
Which Thorvald read upon his face.
He told him, "Put your thoughts to rest,
For naught but friends are in this place."

But Signar said, "I think not so,
The foe within is plain to see.
He sits, still armed from head to toe
And shames your hospitality.

"He does not drink, he does not eat,
His face is covered by his helm.
Liudegast must learn to treat
King Thorvald better in his realm."

But Thorvald laughed, "This troubles you?
Do not think ill of Haakon's son,
For he is honest, brave, and true,
And many are the battles won,

"For Denmark by Liudegast,
This master of the sword and spear.
In battle, he is unsurpassed,
For he knows neither pain nor fear."

"Renown in war precedes his name,
'Tis not the question that I pressed.
Why should Liudegast remain
At arms when he is Thorvald's guest?"

King Thorvald's face grew serious,
And grave his voice as he replied,
"'Tis not for you to question thus,
Put all such wonderings aside.

"I knew him well and knew him long
Ere war made him my mortal foe.
His armor rights a grievous wrong
Done unto him so long ago.

"His reasons are but little known,
'Mongst even men of Denmark's shores.
But they are his and his alone,
And I shall speak on it no more.