He sat alone when I came in, and he smiled when he
saw me. I would have it remembered that Hakon was far older than
his years, and that we forgot what his age was, for, indeed, he was
wiser than most men even then.
"Malcolm," he said, "I want you to do somewhat for me. You will
have to leave me, and maybe it is not an easy matter which I have
in hand for you. Yet it is likely that you are the only man whom I
can set to do it."
"If that is so, King Hakon, needs must I undertake it," I answered,
lightly enough.
"It is a matter which was forced on you once; but now you shall
have your choice whether you will undertake it with your free will
or not."
He spoke gravely, but his eyes had the light of a jest in them, and
I had to smile.
"This sounds a terrible matter, King Hakon," said I. "Let me know
the worst of it."
"Someone has to take Gerda back to her own place and turn out
Arnkel for me. Thereafter, he will have to hold the land for me
quietly, and make ready for a rising for me if need is. I think
there will be little trouble, but I do not know what men of his own
this Arnkel may have. Will you do it?"
"Seeing that the care of a lady is in the matter, I will not, for
shame's sake, say that I will do it with a light heart," I
answered.
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