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yield.” Jun joined the crowd as it erupted in cheers, the vikings
raising their weapons in salute.
A warrior clad in both leather and mail stepped for-
ward, longsword and dagger strapped to his hips and an enor-
mous axe slung behind him. Boiled and stretched leather had
been formed into guards that were strapped over his shoulders
and reached almost to the edges of his helm. He raised his
hands and waited for the cheers to calm. Finally he put his hand
on Ragnar’s shoulder and spoke. “As speaker for the thane, I
declare the holmgang at an end. Ragnar has proven himself
through combat, and will be recompensed with three silver
marks. . .once his opponent awakens. With that, the closing of
this matter shall be recognized by both gods and men. So say
the Laws of Odin.”
“I thank you, Gudrek, and I thank the gods,” said
Ragnar, nodding his head solemnly.
“But there is one more matter,” said the thanesman,
and Ragnar looked up, puzzled. Reaching into a pouch on his
belt, Gudrek withdrew a medallion, a silver disk engraved with
crossed sword and hammer inside a ring of runes. Jun noticed
that both Gudrek and Sigard wore similar medallions, as did
others in the crowd. “Ragnar’s show of courage and ability
against this village’s most skilled warrior has this day earned
him the greatest honor we can bestow.” Ragnar bowed his head
and Gudrek hung the medallion around his neck. “Today he
takes his place among the greatest warriors of this tribe. Today
he joins the Odinsblade!” As the assembled Vikings cheered
again, Jun watched Sigard rise to his feet and angrily push his
way into the crowd.
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