Johnston McCulley

“ A moment she watched, then turned swiftly, her face black with rage, and reëntered the great hall.
Magnus came from his visit with Svend, and the shield maiden claimed his ear.
"The black jarl is in love with Harald's daughter," she whispered. "I have been watching them. He prefers that white face to me!"
"They are of a kind—small and soft," Magnus replied. "As we are of a kind—big and strong." ”

“ Magnus growled. "I have given orders covering everything."
"You have planned the signal?"
"I have, jarl. When you signal to me, then will I pass the signal on to the others. When we strike here in Harald's house, the men in the woods will rush in before Harald and his men-at-arms realize what is happening."
"Make certain that you forget nothing," Svend directed. "And Brynhild must be warned at the proper moment, so that the maidens may rush out of harm's way. This is an enterprise in which we must win or die! Great Thor, give us strength!" ”

“ She left him for a moment, took chunks of meat from the thralls, and walked out among the hounds. They leaped around her, but only in play. They sprang back when she commanded them, and waited until she tossed the meat.
All but one of the thralls retired, and Thyra walked back to Edvard's side.
"It seems the lifetime of a man since I have seen you," he said.
"It seems long to me, too."
"Is this the time to speak to your father?"
"We must wait," she said. "A little longer must we keep our love a secret. Wait until my father is sure that Svend the Bloody means sincere friendship. ”