XI
BRYNJULF’S WIFE
“Tell me again of her beauty, Kark,” Earl Haakon bade his thrall.
They were sitting together upon the deck of his ship in the Fiord of Gauldale. With his son Erlend, the earl was on his annual journey through the provinces that paid him tribute. When the earl and his thralls went ashore to collect the taxes, Erlend remained in command of the ship and guarded the booty already gathered. Since the sacrifice of Erling and the consequent anger and estrangement of Earl Erik, Erlend was the only son whom Haakon could keep near him.
As the overlord was speaking to Kark, Erlend watched him anxiously.
“What boots the woman’s beauty to thee, my father? Is she not Brynjulf’s wife?”
“A dog of a peasant!” the old earl answered. “What right has my vassal, my thrall almost, to the most beautiful woman in Norway? I only say, I will see this wife of Brynjulf. After all, she may not be fairer than Thora.”
“She will not be fair for long if Thora’s sharp nails find her face. But see thou, my father. Our
