Part 12 (1/2)
”I am doing so; but I also consider the firmness of the Roman camp.”
”But meanwhile our foes are strengthening themselves too. Their proud galleys already lie anch.o.r.ed opposite in Arbor; they will soon bring fresh cohorts over.”
”Let them do so.” The old Duke laughed softly; his look expressed a grim, mysterious joy. ”Meanwhile,” he added after a pause, ”I will send an envoy to the foe to-morrow.”
”Send me!” exclaimed Ebarbold eagerly.
”No. Adalo, you will go.”
”He! He will not bring back peace.”
”No, but keen scrutiny, and--” he whispered to the youth--”perhaps Bissula.”
”Thanks! Thanks!”
”I,” cried Ebarbold wrathfully, ”would surely bring home to our people--”
”Subjection!” said the Duke. ”That is just what you must not do. If the Italians reject fair proposals, then I will ask the Council of the people, the whole army, for its decision--”
”I know in advance,” Ebarbold angrily interrupted, ”what they will determine, guided by you, you disciple of Odin, you giver of victims to Zio! But your decision is one thing; it is another--”
He checked the word on his tongue and hesitated.
”That you will do, you wish to say. King of the Ebergau! I warn you, Ebarbold. Your father was a gallant hero; he fell by my side twenty winters ago in the murderous battle against Julian. Remembering him, I once more warn you: beware!”
”Look to yourself,” cried Ebarbold angrily. ”You are not my guardian!”
Springing up, he rushed out of the tent.
CHAPTER XXI.
Adalo, too, rose hastily. ”Will you let him go in this threatening mood? Shall I follow?”
But the Duke remained unmoved. ”I fear no danger from this man.” A shudder ran through the youth's limbs and he started, as the old chief, lightly raising the spear, added: ”He is dedicated to Odin.”
”You will--?”
”Not I. He will--must sacrifice himself. Do not wonder. Wait.”
”And the news about the Goths, Duke? Were you in earnest? Or did you merely wish to encourage the faint-hearted Ebarbold?”
”Aha, do you credit me with such craft in the good work?” asked the old man, smiling?
”You are Odin's favorite.”
”It is as I said. One of the men in our ranks has been serving in the army of the other Emperor; he came home on leave of absence, and said that such countless throngs of Goths had crossed the Danube and were a.s.sailing that Emperor so closely that he certainly could not march here to his young nephew's a.s.sistance. Nay, the nephew's whole army will perhaps be compelled to hasten to the uncle's relief. Because I knew this I permitted, nay, commanded our young leaders to cross the frontier early this spring to renew the war. But do you keep silence about it. And open your eyes wide in the Roman camp to-morrow: do not think only of the child, much as I hope you may see her, perhaps ransom her, or save her by stratagem. For, by Frigga's girdle, she is lovely!
and I would fain see the fairest ornament of our land at liberty again.”
Adalo clasped the Duke's right hand; but the latter withdrew it, adding sternly: