sprang out of my couch, and I seized my sword and kissed the cross of the hilt and brandished it on high, and hurled back the challenge of Thor. So I have sworn out of my dream to be the champion of the Christ. But I am a sinful man, and the burden of my sins seems too heavy, since I have sworn my vow. I would crave to be shrived of my sins, and when at the altar to-morrow, thou, my father, wilt give me the Bread of Life, at the mass, then will I consecrate anew my life, my sword, and my kingdom to the Christ.”
Olaf knelt down and made the humble confession of his sins; and with fatherly tenderness Bishop Sigurd admonished him, and pardoned him in the name of the Christ, whose champion he had sworn to be. Following the king’s example, and that they might partake of the Holy Eucharist on the morrow, all of the Christian crew made confession of their sins. Thorgills had knelt to Father Breasal, and was now leaning over the side of the ship softly repeating his prayers. When Fiachtna left her to kneel at Bishop Sigurd’s feet, Maidoch walked over to the place where Father Meilge sat. She knelt down, and began the recital of the simple failings of her girl’s soul.
“And now, my child, thou wilt say, often and often, ‘Thy will, not mine, O Lord, be done.’”
Maidoch’s voice broke in a sob. “I cannot, my father, I cannot. I will serve the Christ and His
