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Frithiof Saga

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<h2 id="c7"><span class="h2line1">Chapter VII</span> <br/><span class="h2line2">Frithiof at Chess</span></h2> <p>Frithiof was sitting with Björn in his hall at Framnäs before a splendid chessboard, the squares of which were alternate gold and silver, when Hilding entered. Greeting the old man kindly, Frithiof led him to the high-seat and bade him refresh himself with a horn of mead till he and his adroit adversary should have finished their match. But without waiting, Hilding began:</p> <p>“I come on behalf of the two princes, Helge and Halfdan, to pray you to make peace with them. King Ring has declared war and they fear for the kingdom.”</p> <p>“Take heed, Björn,” cried Frithiof, “thy King is in danger! A pawn, indeed, may save him; pawns are lightly sacrificed!”</p> <p>Hilding, who well understood the double meaning of these words, continued:</p> <p>“Let not thine anger master thee, my son! Against King Ring the princes may be weak; against thy single arm ’twere otherwise.”</p> <div class="pb" id="Page_49">49</div> <p>Frithiof smiled.</p> <p>“So thou dost threaten my castle, Björn!” he said. “But rest thee assured it will be well guarded.”</p> <p>“In Balder’s Grove,” began Hilding once more, “Ingeborg doth weep the whole day long. Will not even her prayers move thee?”</p> <p>“Ha! Björn, wouldst thou attack the Queen, dearer to me than life from childhood’s hour? The most precious piece in all the game is she, and her I will save, cost what it may!”</p> <p>“Wilt thou give me no answer, nor yet end thy game?” asked Hilding, indignantly.</p> <p>Then Frithiof arose, and grasping his old master’s hand, said earnestly: “Nay, be not angry with me, father, but hearken to my firm resolve. Say to Bele’s sons that never will he whose honor they have tarnished be their vassal.”</p> <p>Hilding was silent for a space before he replied: “I must e’en perform my duty; yet neither can I blame thee for thy resolution. Odin will guide all for the best!”</p> <p>Then mounting his horse, he rode thoughtfully away.</p> <div class="pb" id="Page_50">50</div> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />

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