Frithiof at Chess
Frithiof was sitting with Bjorn in his hall at Framnas 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:
"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."
"Take heed, Bjorn," cried Frithiof, "thy King is in danger! A pawn,
indeed, may save him; pawns are lightly sacrificed!"
Hilding, who well understood the double meaning of these words,
continued:
"Let not thine anger master thee, my son! Against King Ring the princes
may be weak; against thy single arm 'twere otherwise."
Frithiof smiled.
"So thou dost threaten my castle, Bjorn!" he said. "But rest thee
assured it will be well guarded."
"In Balder's Grove," began Hilding once more, "Ingeborg doth weep the
whole day long. Will not even her prayers move thee?"
"Ha! Bjorn, 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!"
"Wilt thou give me no answer, nor yet end thy game?" asked Hilding,
indignantly.
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."
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!"
Then mounting his horse, he rode thoughtfully away.