Johnston McCulley

“ A man has the right to his individual belief. However, there is no need of this continual strife."
The king ceased speaking, and the jarls waited for his further words, knowing that he had some. And finally Olaf looked down at them again, and his voice was more gentle when he spoke.
"It is our wish that you seal a pact of friendship, here and now," he said. "Svend the Bloody, and you, Harald the Just, clasp hands before me. Differences in religion you may have, but let us have no other differences. Your thralls must not fight. Your men-at-arms must not attack one another." ”

“ Svend said quickly. "I do not allow my men to carry tales. I fight my own battles. Never have I asked help of the king."
"Nor did it come from me," Harald said firmly. "I, too, can fight my own battles!"
"Yet I have the word," Olaf told them, with something of sternness in his manner. "A man of my own reported on the situation. It is my wish that this strife cease. We gain nothing by fighting among ourselves. It is my prayer that this land be a Christian land, but I know the thing cannot be done in a moment. ”

“ Another jarl was approaching from the opposite side. He, too, sent forward thralls with rich presents. He, too, had dignity in his bearing, and behind him came men-at-arms richly weaponed, and glorious maidens. ”