Johnston McCulley

“ Outside the door, Eric the Dumb stretched his great body on guard. He, too, was dreaming of his new position in the world of men. Two thoughts were paramount in his slow working mind. One was that when the proper time came Svend the Bloody should be made to pay for murdering the thrall the day the ship had come. And the other that Eric the Dumb should serve the Ax Thrower with his life, and guard him from harm.
Finally the great hall was still. The thralls had finished their work and were sleeping, and all but a few of the warriors had prepared for the journey of the coming day. ”

“ Human or lamb, yet must we have our sacrifice. Stand back!"
He continued the ritual, and men sprinkled the blood over their heads. And then Svend, furious, threw open the door of the chamber, and stalked into the great hall, followed by the others. Straight to the door of Edvard's chamber he went, and hurled it open.
A single torch was burning within. It showed Edvard Haakonsson as he raised his head sleepily and then struggled out of the furs, pretending to reach for his weapons.
"What is this?" he cried.
"It is nothing, kinsman," Svend the Bloody replied. ”

“ He tugged while the perspiration stood out upon his brow, while his breath came in painful little gasps, and after a time he groaned and ceased his struggling. He knew that it would avail him nothing. He could only wait for the end. ”

“ Human blood it would be this time with which the warriors would sprinkle themselves. And Svend himself would act as priest, since there was none other handy. Priests of Odin were scarce since King Olaf had forbidden sacrifices.
"It is time!" Svend said. "Summon the men, but let them come quietly."
Magnus and the three who had made Eric captive went to do his bidding. The chosen ones were waiting for the signal. One by one they slipped across the great hall, and through the door of the sacrificial chamber. ”

“ Again he listened, and heard another man enter the chamber. The time was scant, he knew. His dagger came out, and he slashed at the things, at the same time warning Eric, by a pressure of his other hand, to keep quiet.
Again he slashed. Eric started to rise, but Edvard thrust him back. But finally the thongs were cut, and he pulled the man off the stone table and toward him. Eric tugged at the gag, but Edvard Haakonsson motioned him to silence, and led the way to the little door. They slipped through it, and into the night.
"Go into the woods' " Edvard commanded. "Let no man see you! ”