Ethics For Biomedical Engineers 1st Edition Jong Yong Abdiel Foo
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- 5. Ethics for Biomedical Engineers JongYong Abdiel Foo Stephen J.Wilson · Andrew P. Bradley Winston Gwee · Dennis Kwok-WingTam
- 6. Ethics for Biomedical Engineers
- 8. Jong Yong Abdiel Foo • Stephen J. Wilson Andrew P. Bradley • Winston Gwee Dennis Kwok-Wing Tam Ethics for Biomedical Engineers
- 9. ISBN 978-1-4614-6912-4 ISBN 978-1-4614-6913-1 (eBook) DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-6913-1 Springer New York Heidelberg Dordrecht London Library of Congress Control Number: 2013937951 © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2013 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. Exempted from this legal reservation are brief excerpts in connection with reviews or scholarly analysis or material supplied specifically for the purpose of being entered and executed on a computer system, for exclusive use by the purchaser of the work. Duplication of this publication or parts thereof is permitted only under the provisions of the Copyright Law of the Publisher’s location, in its current version, and permission for use must always be obtained from Springer. Permissions for use may be obtained through RightsLink at the Copyright Clearance Center. Violations are liable to prosecution under the respective Copyright Law. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. While the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication, neither the authors nor the editors nor the publisher can accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made. The publisher makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein. Printed on acid-free paper Springer is part of Springer Science+Business Media (www.springer.com) Jong Yong Abdiel Foo Electronic and Computer Engineering Division School of Engineering Ngee Ann Polytechnic Singapore, Singapore Andrew P. Bradley School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering The University of Queensland St Lucia, QLD, Australia Dennis Kwok-Wing Tam Electronic and Computer Engineering Division School of Engineering Ngee Ann Polytechnic Singapore, Singapore Stephen J. Wilson School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering The University of Queensland St Lucia, QLD, Australia Winston Gwee Electronic and Computer Engineering Division School of Engineering Ngee Ann Polytechnic Singapore, Singapore
- 10. v Preface The need for engineering has moved from merely increasing productivity in the earlier days to almost all facets of life in the present world. The applications of technical knowledge and skills have also widened beyond the conventional engi- neering disciplines that can include the electrical, the electronic and the mechanical. Moreover, one needs to recognise that such applications often involve the marriage and/or selective adoption of principles from the aforementioned engineering disci- plines. Presently, one good example would be the discipline of biomedical engineer- ing. It is evident that biomedical engineering plays a vital role in the advances of both the medical sciences and the life sciences disciplines. Particularly, engineering principles are increasingly sought in areas such as enhancing the quality of life for patients and in the delivery of therapeutic treatments. With the proximity of bio- medical engineering work to the human body, ethical practices of the biomedical engineering professionals in the workplace become just as important as those of other healthcare professionals including the medical doctors, the allied health and the nurses. The once dogmatic belief that the study of ethics is of lesser relevance to the engineering professionals is soon becoming a dwindling past. With a number of high profile global incidents involving technological glitches, there is a growing sentiment that ethical topics need to be incorporated into engineering curriculum at the universities and colleges, as well as continual education programmes for exist- ing engineering professionals. Likewise, this is applicable to the biomedical engi- neering discipline. In fact, it is more imperative for the biomedical engineering professionals to be better equipped with the understanding of acceptable practices and behaviours in their care for human lives, just as much as the other healthcare professionals. Broadly, the work involving a biomedical engineering profession can be revolved around a few major areas that include clinical engineering, medical instrumentation, implants and data mining. Therefore, it is essential for the bio- medical engineering professionals and students to better appreciate the greater role
- 11. vi this profession plays in the workplace and the responsibilities that tagged with such a role. It is hoped that through this book, it provides the necessary materials to pre- pare and equip the biomedical engineering professionals and students for the aforementioned purposes. Singapore, Singapore Jong Yong Abdiel Foo Preface
- 12. vii Contents 1 Ethical Practices and Engineering ......................................................... 1 Jong Yong Abdiel Foo 2 Ethics and Biomedical Engineering Practice and Research: Origins of Principles and Consent.......................................................... 21 Stephen J. Wilson and Jong Yong Abdiel Foo 3 Ethical Considerations in Clinical Engineering.................................... 37 Winston Gwee 4 Ethics of Biomaterials for Implants ....................................................... 59 Dennis Kwok-Wing Tam and Oliver Faust 5 Ethics and Data Mining in Biomedical Engineering ............................ 77 Andrew P. Bradley 6 Whistle-Blowing: An Option or an Obligation? ................................... 99 Jong Yong Abdiel Foo Index................................................................................................................ 117
- 13. 1 J.Y.A. Foo et al., Ethics for Biomedical Engineers, DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-6913-1_1, © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2013 Keywords Moral and social obligations • Ethical principles and theories • Best practices • Regulatory bodies • Professional societies • Education institutions • Healthcare establishments The Need for Ethics Traditionally, engineering has been regarded as a profession which acquires and applies scientific knowledge and technical know-how to the designing and develop- ing of machineries, materials, devices or structures to improve the daily lives of people. In particular, the principles of engineering have been applied extensively in many sectors of the industry and society. Global recognition of engineering contri- butions is evident with the establishment and growth of many prominent multina- tional corporations like the General Electric Company and the Siemens AG that focus on engineering-related businesses. It is believed that these multinational cor- porations are investing most of their resources on research and development efforts to further enhance their scientific and technical capabilities. Similarly, many devel- oped countries such as Singapore are also setting aside a substantial portion of their gross domestic product in technological research and development (The Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council 2010). While the advancement of technology has brought about many improvements and conveniences to the lives of people, it can also inflate the damages to human lives when mishaps involving technology occur. This may have to do with the general view that all necessary precautions are taken before any work is carried as illustrated in Fig. 1.1. Chapter 1 Ethical Practices and Engineering Jong Yong Abdiel Foo J.Y.A. Foo () Electronic and Computer Engineering Division, School of Engineering, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, 535 Clementi Road, Singapore, Singapore 599489 e-mail: faj2@np.edu.sg
- 14. 2 With the turn of the millennium, there is increasing public awareness of adverse events involving engineering failures that lead to lives being lost or those that can potentially cost lives. The key focus is not so much about the technical failure itself, but rather it is when the occurrence of such events is due to the negligence of people, especially those who could have made a difference in the outcome of the event. An example would be the collapse of the Nicoll Highway when there was an on-going construction of an underground tunnel for the mass rapid transit project in Singapore in April 2004 (The Straits Times 2004). Besides the intensive amount of the dam- ages caused, the public’s outcry was on the death of human lives and injuries that could have been avoided. More recently in the aviation industry, the Rolls-Royce Group was in the spotlight for the Trent 900 engines developed for the Airbus A380 aircrafts (BBC News 2010). Although no human lives were lost, there were ques- tions of whether due diligence was exercised by the Rolls-Royce engineering team on the suitability of the Trent 900 engine on the Airbus A380. Obviously, the inci- dent has also left the Rolls-Royce Group to manage the many financial, business and media implications. In the midst of these adverse events, the job of an engineering profession is no longer just evolving around the technical know-how and development. Figure 1.2 shows the typical skillsets acquired through a conventional engineering program. From this figure, it can be seen that the area of ethics has not been evident. However, more promotion and assertion of ethical practices within the engineering profession are gradually increasing globally. Teaching ethics had been widely seen as a niche area to be taught only in humanities schools or courses. However, society as a whole is moving away from this dogmatic view because ethical practices in any profession seem to become more imperative. Professional ethics for engineering is gaining grounds to be recognised as an area to be taught in engineering-related formal Fig. 1.1 A typical construction site where the general assumption is that due diligence has been taken by all parties involved before any work is being carried J.Y.A. Foo
- 15. 3 education in both the universities and colleges. The word “ethics” as defined by the online Oxford Dictionary is the moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity (Oxford University Press 2011). More specifically, ethics for engineers can be defined as a field of applying a system of moral princi- ples to the practice of engineering. It examines and sets the obligations of engineers not only to their clients but also to the engineering profession and the society as a whole. From an academic point of view, ethics for engineers is closely associated to topics such as the philosophy of science, the philosophy of engineering and the eth- ics of technology. In short, learning ethics may be one of the many soft skills an engineering student is required to have as illustrated in Fig. 1.3. Presently, there are many disciplines within the engineering field and it would be impossible to adequately cover all these disciplines in this book. In view of this, the book will focus mainly on the discipline of biomedical engineering. Compared to most conventional engineering disciplines, biomedical engineering is a relatively new discipline where engineering principles are adopted in the design concepts and methodological approaches for the disciplines of medicine and biology. Biomedical engineering not only poises to be multidisciplinary but more importantly also com- bines the knowledge of the aforementioned disciplines to enhance healthcare diag- nosis, monitoring and therapy. Due to the nature of biomedical engineering work, Fig. 1.2 The typical technical skills a person is expected to obtain through a conventional engi- neering program Fig. 1.3 An engineer in the twenty-first century needs to be competent not only in technical skills but also increasing the soft skills such as communication and creativity. Ethics is widely seen as part of the soft skills an engineering professional requires 1 Ethical Practices and Engineering
- 16. 4 the impact of this discipline to human lives is more apparent and immediate per se. In other words, adverse events involving medical devices usually attract much pub- lic attention. For example, the harmful side effects of using Medtronic’s Infuse Bone Graft in spinal fusion surgery were kept under wraps by the corporation. However, independent clinical studies have shown otherwise and there were many public questioning about the safety and efficacy of that product being used on patients (Carragee et al. 2011a, b). The much-drawn public’s responses are under- standable as this could possibly be due to the various war crimes devaluing human lives that have scarred the world. Examples in particular would be the extensive use of unconsented human subjects in medical experiments during the Nazi’s Holocaust (Katz 2011; Harran et al. 2000) and the Japanese’s army Unit 731 (Williams and Wallace 1989) during the World War II. Since the work of biomedical engineering does involve some experimentation on human lives directly or indirectly, the gen- eral public would also pay more attention on the development of this field. Figure 1.4 shows experimental apparatus used in a respiratory-related study. With the proximity to human lives, a biomedical engineering professional can intervene with procedures involving medical instrumentations or devices. In other words, it is more than just performing a job of technical nature but rather there are moral and social obligations in the decisions made by a biomedical engineering professional. Understanding ethical practices can provide biomedical engineering professionals with a new set of awareness which will be required for them to man- age the subtle responsibility given to them. It is also vital to recognise that the application of ethical measures will vary from people to people, even among co- workers. Therefore, the approach the biomedical engineering professional adopts is never completely technical but must continue to incorporate a wide array of moral Fig. 1.4 As the work a biomedical engineering professional involves is closely related to human lives, knowing the ethical implications becomes important. The development of apparatus like those in the picture for respiratory measurements needs much more special attention as compared to apparatus developed for machineries J.Y.A. Foo
- 17. 5 and societal perspectives, without sacrificing sound science and good design principles (Martin et al. 2005). In a nutshell, the essence of ethics is about protecting and enhancing life. In this regard, it is then important that every biomedical engi- neering professional has a foundation in the topic. It is hoped that this book gives a biomedical engineering professional the tools necessary to recognise and approach ethical issues with the understanding that application of these tools may often not reach any consensus, even amongst other healthcare workers which can include fel- low biomedical engineering professionals. However, the main thing one needs to understand is the context of ethics first to oneself, then how this is applicable in a specific circumstance and how that circumstance should not affect one’s decision. Ethical Principles and Ethical Theories Decision making is part and parcel of life where different individuals adopt a variety of tools in the process of making a decision. However, it is rare for one to instanta- neously identify a situation that has an ethical implication. Yet this awareness is a crucial first step and therefore recognising the moral context of a situation must precede any attempt to solve it. There are ethical principles and ethical theories available that form the foundations of ethical analysis. To begin with, the correlation between ethical principles and ethical theories needs to be established. Let us start with the latter. Ethical theory is the viewpoints from which guidance can be obtained in the formation of a decision. Each theory emphasises different points such as anticipating the possible outcome and following one’s obligations to fellow human beings in order to reach an ethically correct decision. In addition, for an ethical theory to be of any use, that theory must be directed towards some common goals. Ethical principles are the common goals that each theory tries to achieve in order to be deemed as useful. The few common goals can include beneficence, least harm, respect for autonomy and justice (Beauchamp and Childress 2008; Ridley 1997). Perhaps, one of the most widely used frameworks is the Beauchamp and Childress’ Four Principles. It provides a broad consideration of ethical issues especially in a medical setting which biomedical engineering is part of. The Four Principles are general guides that leave considerable room for judgement in specific cases and they are beneficence, justice, non-maleficence and respect for autonomy as shown in Fig. 1.5 (Beauchamp and Childress 2008; Walrond 2005). First, the principle of beneficence guides the ethical theory of doing what is good. Specifically, this can mean balancing of the benefits of treatment against the risks and costs involved. The intervention of an emergency department physician in the treat- ment of a suicidal patient is an example of this principle. The physician acts to save the life of the suicidal patient with the belief that the patient’s life is compromised and that he cannot act in his own best interest at that point of time. Second, the principle of justice requires the ethical theory to prescribe consistent actions such as distribut- ing benefits, risks and costs fairly to all in similar positions. Cases with extenuating circumstances must contain a significant and vital difference from similar cases so as 1 Ethical Practices and Engineering
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- 19. SONG OF ATLI. From their camp among the beech and chestnut woods of Roncesvalles, the invaders directed their march across the mountain spurs and down the valley of the Zubiri, between hills clad to the summit with beech and ash. The land was grandly beautiful; yet, with all its magnificence, even the vikings hailed with joy the distant walls and towers of Pampeluna. Word was passed back along the great serpent line of warriors winding down out of the mountains, and all pressed forward with renewed vigor, that they might pitch camp near the burg of the Navarrese. The rearguard had need of haste to win this end, for the sun was already half down the sky when Hardrat's horsemen deployed on the bank of the Arga, opposite Pampeluna. Close at the heels of the horse came the royal guard of vikings, whose long limbs kept them with ease in the wake of the riders. They did not halt upon the river's bank, but followed the king and his retinue across the stream to the foot of the height upon which rose the walls of the burg. The battlements were crowded with a swarm of Christian townfolk, interspersed with groups of swarthy warriors, whose chain- mail and wide turbans told of the Saracen domination. All were gazing across at the ingathering host of Northerners,--the dreaded Franks, famed alike among Christian Navarrese and Moslem Moors for rapacity and fierceness. It was as though the sheep had called in the wolf-pack against the shepherd. In profound silence the townfolk stared at the horde of their skin-clad allies, and from the depths of
- 20. their hearts sent up a wordless prayer that the peril might pass them by. Karl gazed up steadily at the closed gate of the burg and at the silent watchers above. By my father's sword, this is cold greeting, he muttered. We have marched swiftly, sire, suggested Count Anselm. May it not be that Count Kasim is taken unawares by your coming? He will do well not to wait for our knock, said Karl, grimly. So! here is ground more level. Halt! Raise the standard. Roland unfolded the banner, and pushed forward to the left of the king, while behind the two the courtiers spread out in line to right and left, all eager to see and hear what should follow. At the word to halt Liutrad had wheeled about, bearing a command from Olvir; and the vikings, as they came up, opened out their ranks wider than the line of the Franks. Karl turned in his saddle and looked inquiringly from the warriors to their leader. But the expression of the Northman's face cleared away his doubt. There was a smouldering fire in Olvir's eyes as he watched for the appearance of his kinsman, but the stern lines of his mouth told of perfect self-control. The king turned to Eggihard. Wind your horn, he commanded. We shall see if these Southland folk are dumb. But as the steward raised his silver trumpet, a great mass of Saracen spearmen, with Vali Kasim in the lead, burst from a grove not two bow-shots away, and swooped down upon the royal party in wild disarray, screaming and yelling like madmen, and urging their swift horses to the utmost speed.
- 21. Karl, who had been forewarned as to the Saracen custom of honoring a superior by feigned attacks, wheeled his horse, and gazed calmly at the approaching whirlwind of riders. But there was one among his liegemen who lacked his faith in the blinking vali. Hardly had the Moslems burst from their covert when Olvir stood up in his stirrups and made a sign to his vikings. The response was a deep muttering roar, that merged into the clash and tread of rushing warriors. Before the Franks could comprehend the movement, they found themselves in the heart of the viking wedge, fenced about by a sevenfold line of warriors. At the point of the wedge they could see the Norse sea-king on his red mare, calmly facing the charge of the turbaned spearmen; while beside him stood Floki the Crane, smiling in grim anticipation as he balanced his terrible halberd. Behind them, Liutrad loosened the great axe in his belt, and plucked a dart from the sheaf which he grasped with the staff of his earl's banner. The Saracens were within a bow-shot, and coming like the wind,--lances levelled, scimetars brandished, and burnouses flying,-- when Olvir drew Al-hatif and raised the blade overhead. Instantly a rustling, tinkling sound swept over the wedge behind him. Slingers raised their slings; bowmen notched their arrows. Then the king's voice rang out like a trumpet: Hold, men, on your lives! Down with your weapons! But the vikings looked to their earl. The blade still glittered above his bright figure, and they stood waiting, heedless of the Frank. By the King of Heaven! swore Karl; only to pause and stare with his courtiers. At a word from Olvir, Liutrad had sent a dart
- 22. curving high through the air. The missile flashed down and stuck upright in the dry ground, over a hundred paces distant. Fifty yards farther, it would have fallen upon the head of Kasim Ibn Yusuf. Whatever had been the purpose of the Arab, he saw how fully the Northern giants were prepared to meet him, and he understood on the instant the menace of the dart. The shaft was yet quivering from its fall when he flung up his hand and uttered a piercing cry. A hundred voices caught up the wild note and shrieked it back to their owner's swiftly following fellows. Up went the levelled lance- tips, sinewy hands drew hard on the bridle-reins, and the mass of flying horsemen came to a halt within the space of a few yards. As the Saracens came to a stand, Karl forced a way through the close-set ranks of the vikings, his cheeks flushed and eyes flashing angrily. Way! he commanded. Ho; aside, men! Give heed, Lord Olvir! Olvir half wheeled Zora and faced the angry king as the white stallion leaped clear of the foremost vikings. For a moment Karl glared down on the Northman, his powerful features stern with the dark menace of offended majesty. Olvir, who had looked only for praise of his ready defence, drew himself up, and met the king's stare with a bitter smile. Look and bearing alike goaded Karl to fury. He grasped the hilt of his sword, and his great body quivered. But the spasm passed. He bent forward and said coldly: How is this, Dane? Neither you nor your followers give ear to my command. Does the stooping hawk heed the lure? rejoined Olvir, as coldly. You chose us for shieldburg, lord king. As such-- Answer me, by Saint Michael! Would you have struck my ally?
- 23. Olvir's black eyes flashed defiance straight into the eyes of the king. By Thor! he cried. By Thor and the White Christ! Had Kasim my kinsman charged past yonder spear, he and a host of his swart hounds should have fared hence to Loki's daughter! Karl's brows met over the long, arched nose, and his nostrils quivered. But the last word rang in his ear,--daughter! daughter! Suddenly he found himself regarding the affair from an entirely different point of view. Had not the young Dane good cause to mistrust the Saracen? Was he not charged with the safety of his king and of all the royal party,--officials and unarmed priests,--above all, the maidens? Olvir was not slow to heed the sudden return of friendliness which lighted the king's face; but his own retained its gloom. He was sore to the heart with the injustice which had been done him. Karl perceived his bitter look, yet reached out his hand, and the Northman could not do other than take it. Holding fast the slender fingers in his great palm, the king turned in his saddle and called aloud: Hearken, my liegemen! Before all, I give thanks to Lord Olvir, who most ably has proved his charge. If any had doubt as to the trueness of our guard, they may now feel assured. No longer may any doubt! cried Roland, spurring forward through the viking ranks. Olvir glanced about; but at the moment the royal standard dipped to the breeze, and he failed to see Roland's face. He turned back to the king with a look that was grave without bitterness, and met the Frank's parting grip with a responsive clasp.
- 24. CHAPTER XXI O, for my Sigurd I shall have death, Or my fair, my lovely Laid in mine arms. LAY OF SIGURD. At a sign from their earl the vikings opened their ranks for the Frank lords, who came pushing to the front, followed by the curious maidens. As Olvir made a place for Rothada's litter close in the rear of her father, Vali Kasim rode forward in advance of his band, with half-a-dozen attendants. Look, Lord Olvir! exclaimed the girl. What strange, gay warriors; and the beautiful horses! The chief's is like your Zora. Her blood-kin,--the swiftest breed in all Arabia, replied Olvir, his eyes fixed upon Kasim Ibn Yusuf. But the Franks were more interested in the vali's attendants. In their midst the Berbers led three mules, two of which were burdened with packs, while the third bore an unarmed greybeard, whose yellow gown marked him out as a leech. At a dozen paces from the great Karolah the vali and his followers sprang off and salaamed to the dust; and Kasim, advancing, cried out in broken Frankish: Blessed be the day that I
- 25. behold the mighty Karolah! The mountains shake at the tread of his coming; all men rejoice to see his glorious face! We fail to hear them, replied Karl, dryly; and he glanced up at the silent folk on the battlements of the burg. The edge of Kasim's green turban again swept the ground, and he answered readily: Mute with awe, the men of Pampeluna gaze upon the mighty Sultan of the Afranj. They wait for him to speak in kindness. Then will his faithful slaves rejoice. The king's face relaxed its sternness. It is well. What have you here? The lowly gifts of a slave, who would lay them at the feet of his glorious lord. Saint John the Meek! muttered Karl, and he made an impatient gesture. Have your will, man. The leech spoke a word to his fellows, who led the pack-mules forward. From one they unloaded and set out before the king a number of finely wrought silver vases, packed to the brim with precious spices. Costly as were these gifts, they met with little comment from the Franks; but when from the pack of the second mule the Berbers drew off roll after roll of gorgeous silks, none could restrain an expression of admiration. Among the most eager to view the silks was Fastrada; and her cries of delight as Worad led her litter-mules farther forward instantly drew upon her the blinking gaze of Vali Kasim. Though the Arab had seen her but once before,--at the royal pavilion on the Garonne,--he remembered her perfectly. He now stared with lustful eyes at her soft beauty.
- 26. Look, earl. One might say the swart kite sees quarry; he has ceased blinking, observed Liutrad, in Olvir's ear. Let him beware, then. Once a kite caught up a weasel,--you know the tale. But this kite's plumage is not to my liking. How so? With an Arab, red bodes anger. I had it from Otkar. You look for treachery? For all evil from one who shoots viper shafts. This red cloak is no good omen. Yet I am pledged to the king to hold the poisoner in peace. Floki might pick a quarrel with him. I myself would as lief try my axe on his swaddled skull. If these swart folk fight in single combat, one of us will soon make an end of him. No, lad; he is a haughty man. He might fight me, but not my follower; and I am bound by my word. Then we must wait and watch. Ay, muttered Olvir; and he stared hard at Kasim, who, being addressed by the king, was reluctantly turning away his gaze from the Afranj maiden. When, with friendly dignity, Karl had acknowledged the vali's gifts, he turned to his daughter and her companion. The Saracen shall see how we of the North honor women, he said. Take up the silken rolls and bring them before the maidens. When the child has made her choice, the daughter of Rudulf may take what she will. Both girls cried out their delight, and Fastrada met the king's smiling look with a glance that stirred his ardent nature to the depths. A subtle change shadowed his stately features, and for a
- 27. little he gazed at the girl as Kasim had gazed. Her eyes fell before his; and while she yet held them demurely downcast, Rothada's voice rang out again in childish delight. Olvir had chosen for her a white silk, embroidered in violet and gold. At his daughter's cry, Karl turned suddenly about in his saddle and stared, frowning, at the walls of Pampeluna. The blinking vali before him saw his lips move, and caught the words which he muttered; but only Fulrad, that abbot learned in Holy Writ, might have divined his meaning,--He that ruleth himself is greater--is greater--! Olvir, though so watchful of his Saracen kinsman, noted the strange look on the king's face. But then, in common with the greater number of the Franks, his attention was drawn by Fastrada. Two rolls of scarlet silk already lay in the girl's litter; yet, not content with these, she had seized upon a gorgeous purple. Her cry of gratified vanity fixed upon her the looks of all around. Most maidens would have drooped their heads in modest shame at thus being made the centre of observation; not so the Thuringian. The rich coloring of her cheeks heightened, though not with shame, and her eyes sparkled like sapphires. Waving aside the attendants, she unrolled the purple silk, and, with a daring glance at the king, wrapped herself about in the folds of the imperial color. Many of the Franks cried out their admiration of the maiden's gracefulness; but the few who were quick enough to perceive the audacious allusion of her act took good care to preserve silence. Karl, however, maintained his stern observation of the city battlements, and the girl, foiled of her expected triumph, shifted her attack to Olvir. Here again she was to meet with disappointment.
- 28. The young Northman returned her half-defiant, half-alluring look with an indifferent glance, and recalled his attention to Rothada. The Thuringian's cheek paled. She let the folds of the purple silk slip from about her, and bowed forward in the litter, with hot eyes and thin-drawn lips, deaf to the murmured compliments of the courtiers. The strong white teeth gleamed between her tightened lips, and soon another look than suffering stole into her face. In her sudden fury, the girl raised her head to transfix the Northman with her glance; and, instead, she met the solemn gaze of Roland's blue eyes. From the giving of the silks to this decisive moment, the count had been watching her every look and action with closest attention. Until she bent her head, not even the slightest change in her expression had escaped him. And now, his gaze sharpened to the utmost keenness by the intensity of his feeling, he saw, as it were, the girl's dark troubled soul stand out bare before its lovely mask. The Frank shuddered, and crossed himself hastily. At this moment the king suddenly recalled to mind Vali Kasim, who still stood bowing before him with Oriental obsequiousness. He smiled, and raised his hand. Again we render thanks for your gifts, Count Kasim. Bismillah! I rejoice that my glorious lord is pleased. It is for me to serve him in all things. Therefore, I have brought my learned geber, Kosru the Magian, to make certain that your Majesty shall enjoy health and full strength while you honor our land with your gracious presence. Health! repeated Karl, and he smiled as he drew up his massive figure. But then his glance chanced to rest on Rothada, and
- 29. he signed to the Magian to join the royal suite. It is well. The maidens may have need of leechcraft in a strange land. Our chamberlain will have command to make fitting return for your gifts, lord count. It is not for gifts I ask, most gracious sultan. What, then? demanded Karl, his keen grey eyes fixed upon the Saracen's impassive face. Kasim salaamed to the ground before replying. My lord and sultan is gracious; he opens my lips. Let him not be offended. I have said that the people of my city are consumed with fear of the mighty Afranj; they tremble lest the fierce giants of the North be loosed in their midst. So--you would have me forego the placing of my wardens in your burg. How shall it be held when all your warriors are withdrawn? The walls are high, O sultan. The townfolk will bar out my lord's foes and my foes. Can my lord doubt that they will hold fast for the sultan of their own faith? How, lord vali, demanded Anselm, the Count Palatine; if your folk are so friendly, why should they seek to be rid of us? I would not be the one to speak of mishap; yet here is bitter truth, sire: Should not God and the holy saints give your Majesty victory; should we fare homeward, a war-broken host; would these timorous Navarrese then open their gates to give succor; or would they not rather seek our harm, to gain favor with the pagan king? Kasim smiled blandly, and would have spoken again, had not Karl held up his hand for silence. For a little, the king gazed at the thousand and more Saracen horsemen massed together in dense
- 30. ranks on the spot where they had been halted by the cry of their chief. Then he glanced up at the burg on the height and back to the little maiden behind him. O sultan of sultans-- began Kasim; but again Karl held up a restraining hand. I cannot grant your wish, lord count, he said. I must hold to the compact. Count Olvir, you will guard this stronghold with your vikings, and Rothada and her companion shall remain here in your care. It had been wiser to have left the maidens at Casseneuil. Olvir frowned with disappointment at this unexpected turn of events. It was not to sit behind stone walls, lord king, that I joined your host, he protested. Yet I ask it of you, my Dane hawk, replied Karl, gravely. For a time, at least, I ask you to shield this little maid, who is more precious to me than all the old Goth realm. For her sake, muttered Olvir, half reluctantly. Karl spoke in a lowered voice: For her sake, lad! I would not ask the service but for her. Would that I had not brought her across the mountains! I look for treason from this fawning hound. I must safeguard the maiden and this stronghold at all cost. Enough, lord king! exclaimed Olvir. I give you willing service. CHAPTER XXII
- 31. Blithe then grew the breaker of rings. BEOWULF. Early two months had passed since from the loftiest tower of Pampeluna's citadel Olvir had watched the Frankish warriors wind away across the green plateau, on their southward march to the Ebro. In all the dreary weeks of waiting no tidings had come back from the invading host,--not a word to tell whether Karl was battling for the old Goth realm on the Ebro's banks, or, finding Abd-er- Rahman too cautious to encounter him near Saragossa, had ventured on south to Toledo or to Cordova itself, in search of the fierce but wily old Emir of Andalus. Whatever might be the truth as to the movements of the host, there could be no doubt that trickery was rife in its rear; for Karl most certainly had sent more than one messenger northward, and death or capture at the hands of the king's Saracen allies could alone account for their failure to bring tidings to Pampeluna. At the end of the first month Floki was for taking a score or so of men, and going in search of the Franks; but Olvir told him that he would not risk one man, much less a score, to fall into the traitors' snare. Instead, he set about strengthening the defences of the citadel, and levied on the townfolk for food, until the storerooms were filled to overflowing. The old Roman cisterns already held enough water to last out a six months' siege. That he could hold the citadel against all comers Olvir had no doubt; but his warriors were far too few for him to man the burg walls. He had to content himself with a watch at each gate of half a
- 32. hundred warriors, who, he planned, could hold their posts secure against any chance band of the enemy, or, in the event of an attack in force, could check the first assault, and so save the citadel from the possibility of a surprise. In his vigilant watch over the safety of the citadel, the young Northman found little time to spend in the society of Rothada's miniature court. Yet it was not seldom that he saw the little princess; for she often sought him out with the complaint that Fastrada was closeted with the wizened old Magian leech whom the king her father had left to care for her, and that she was weary of playing with the pages and the tiring-women. On the morning of the day which opened the ninth week of waiting, Olvir came riding up to the great door of the citadel, after his round of the burg gates, and as he dismounted in the shadow of the archway, smilingly unlashed a roll of cloth from his saddle. Then he beckoned to one of the door wardens and said briefly: The mare frets with so much stall-standing. Take her for a run across the Arga. Overjoyed at the chance, the man sprang into the saddle, and Zora started down the steep path, picking her steps daintily but with a quickness that showed her impatience at the restraints on coursing within the burg. A little later Olvir climbed out upon the roof of the citadel's main tower, the roll of cloth still in his hand. For a while he swept with his glance the neighboring heights and the broad harvest fields on the plain below the burg. All lay calm and peaceful in the hot sunshine, and his gaze turned with his thoughts to the cloth in his hand. Half
- 33. smiling, he peered within its folds, and began to pace slowly to and fro across the narrow space of the roof. By the hair of Sif! he chuckled, I 'll wager it's a gift to delight any maid! But his pleasant musing was cut short by the sound of a sibilant voice in the upper room of an adjoining tower. Loki! he muttered. Can I never get beyond earshot of that woman? Frowning, he moved over to the farther battlement, and turned his face away toward the barren fells which lay between him and the mysterious South. But though he sought to fix his thoughts on the host which had vanished behind those desolate hills and crags, he could not shut out the sound of that sibilant voice or the shrill, cackling answers of Kosru, the old Magian leech. Of a surety, man,--Fastrada was speaking,--you are a warlock of note. Strange you have already wandered over Rhine! You must come again, and farther,--to my Thuringian home. My mother will give you fair welcome. Though a woman of the roving Wends, she is skilled in herbs and magic spells. At her bidding the storm-wind rises. She rules the forest sprites,--kobolds and nixies,--even the fiend-gods of the Saxons. I do not claim to rule the storm-wind, maiden. The leech's voice was raised in shrill protest. Yet you do not lack knowledge of powerful spells, came back the quick response. Tell me again of that which saved you from the wolves in Fulda Wood. It was a little thing, maiden, for a geber whose learning has saved the lives of princes. Yet the most learned might well have
- 34. perished in the fangs of those fierce children of Ahriman. Only by chance did I have the magic drug to throw behind me and stay them, while the Jew and I fled on to the Christian monastery. But the drug? You did not tell me-- A foul-smelling resin from Arabia. Others than I have tested its charm over the grey demons of the forest. It will stay the wolf-pack on a hot trail, or draw them from so far as they may scent its odor. But as to black magic-- The voice of the leech sank to a whisper. For a time the words of neither speaker were audible. Then Fastrada's voice vibrated on the air, sharp and distinct: How! Even the Magian chief? Listen, leech; stand my friend, and I pledge you sure gain in the king's court. My word carries favor among his lords. A bargain, maiden! Help me to a fair standing in the court of Karolah, and I give you a talisman of greatest potency,--a ring set with the magic stone whose hues shift and change even as the tints of your eyes. Its powers--? To the weak it brings destruction; to the strong, honors-- And love? Love, if already he does not love another. Another? Then I am safe! He will come back--he will come back to me! Give me the spell-stone, leech--now! A day may lose all! I swear to befriend you! I do not doubt, maiden. But the ring is in your own land,--at Metz on the Moselle, pledged to a Jew trader, Yusuf Ben Israel. It is a heavy debt,--four ounces of gold. I will pay it gladly for such a ring. Here is what will win the spell-stone from the greedy Jew. Ai! you may well eye the bright
- 35. clasp. It was my first gift from him! Olvir sprang up from his seat on the battlement as though stung. Loki! he muttered. The witch's daughter thinks to creep back into my heart with the aid of spells and evil craft. I have wasted my pity. Sooner would I cherish an adder than that fair-faced werwolf. He turned to descend out of ear-shot of the sibilant voice, only to pause as it pierced the air in a hissing whisper: Hist, leech! Some one mounts the other tower. Let us go down. The trolls flee before the light-elf! murmured Olvir, and he stepped forward, smiling, as Rothada sprang gaily into view up the last steps of the narrow stairway. In a moment she was beside him, her face raised for his greeting. But when, instead of kissing her forehead, Olvir bent to her lips, she drew back with a startled look, and a faint blush crept into her cheeks. Never had the little maiden appeared so winsome as when she stood thus, half shrinking before him, overcome by a shyness whose source was a mystery to her child mind. In her play with the pages, she had dressed herself in a Saracen woman's street costume, several of which had been found in the citadel. Swathed from head to foot in the uncouth gown, with her face framed about by the brown folds, she appeared for all the world like a spring blossom just bursting from its dull husk. Olvir was quick to see the resemblance. By Ostara, little maid! he exclaimed; had I come upon you so out in the woodland, I 'd have fancied you the elf of the violets. Surely no flower-elf could be more winsome! Oh, Olvir! protested the girl, and her blushing face bent yet lower. Her bosom rose and fell quickly, and she glanced shyly at the
- 36. smiling Northman. But then, overcome by wonder at her strange emotion, she looked up at him in bewilderment. What is this, dear hero? she murmured. When you speak kindly to me, my very heart sings with gladness, and yet I fear--I am ashamed. The eyes of the young sea-king sparkled like black gems, and he bent to kiss her again. But as his gaze met hers, he paused, checked by her trustful innocence, and a quick flush reddened his dark cheeks. I am not worthy! he said, half aloud. Who am I to open life's mysteries to this little dove? What is it, Olvir? persisted Rothada. Will you not speak out and answer me? Why do I not feel so when Dame Hildegarde and my father, who are no less kind-- Why--ah, why? repeated Olvir. But wait, child. Do not fret your little heart over such mysteries. Wait and ask your questions of the gracious queen who has shown to you a mother's love. We 'll be merry and care-free while we may. See; here is a gift I 've brought you from the booths of the Saracen tradefolk. Flinging open the roll in his hand, Olvir drew out from its wrappings a silken bodice, worthy even a king's daughter. Strange as was its shape, Rothada forgot all her shyness and bewilderment as she gazed at its beautiful embroidery, wrought in pearls and gold- thread. Never before had she set eyes on such graceful designs. She needed little urging to fling aside her brown cloak and slip on the gay blue kirtle. Saint Petronella bless you, dear hero! she cried in her delight. Truly, it is a king's gift! I feel as beautiful as the bower-maidens. If
- 37. you like, you can kiss me again--on the mouth. Like! echoed Olvir, almost in a whisper, and he thrust out a gentle finger to lift her chin. Yet before he could stoop to meet her pouting lips, she sprang aside and pointed out over the battlements. The horses! the beautiful horses! she shrieked. Oh, look, Olvir,--thousands of horsemen racing! CHAPTER XXIII Feeder of foul deeds, Fey do I deem thee. LAY OF SIGURD. Even as the Northman spun about at the cry of the little maiden, his hands were loosening the horn at his belt. His glance rested but a moment on the torrent of Saracen spearmen which was pouring out across the green plain from behind the nearest hill. By Thor! three thousand and more, if a man! he cried, and with the words the horn was raised to his lips. As its warning note blared down to the very donjons of the citadel, he bent out over the battlements, and stared across the roofs of the Saracen quarter to the open space about the Ebro Gate. Even as he looked, a shrill battle-cry rent the air,--Allah acbar! Allah acbar!--and in a twinkling all the space about the distant gateway was swarming with armed
- 38. Saracens, the turbaned warriors surging in a wild mob into the great arch of the gateway. Olvir's nostrils dilated. Thor! he muttered. The Crane will do well to close the gate with those stinging gnats behind him. Oh, Olvir! are they fighting--all those fierce warriors?--and Floki has so few! He will be slain! Hasten-- He must fare for himself, king's daughter. But never fear! The horsemen have yet a bow-shot to race, and--heya! look; there's proof the gate is barred. Great as was the distance, the dry, smokeless air was so clear that Rothada could see with startling distinctness the battle-ebb of the attacking mob as they fell back before the counter-charge of the vikings in the archway. Suddenly the little band rushed into view, their weapons flashing in fierce strokes. The deep viking battle-shout rolled out above the shrill yells of the Moslems, and the giant warriors, forming swiftly in a wedge, hurled themselves like a huge barbed spear-point straight through the thick of the mob. Haoi! there's fighting, king's daughter! shouted Olvir, his eyes aflame. But Rothada shrank back, and pressed her hands upon her eyes, to shut out the cruel sight. What! So fearful of a little bloodshed? he exclaimed. But I forget. You 're still a cloister-dove. Come down and hide with your pages. I must look to the door when Floki comes knocking. Holy Mother! Why must there be so much of war and slaying? wailed the girl. Ask the priests of your White Christ, retorted Olvir, and taking her hand, he led her quickly down the tower stair.
- 39. Having left the little princess in the care of her tiring-woman, he ran from post to post of the citadel's defences, that he might see with his own eyes whether every man was in his appointed position. Last of all, he mounted the great arch above the entrance, whose oaken doors stood ajar to welcome the retreating gate wardens. At sight of his earl, a watchman who had climbed the main tower shouted down to him: Ho, ring-breaker! Floki's gate swings open. The Asiamen ride into the burg. What of Floki? demanded Olvir. I cannot see. But the other wardens gather in the great square. Ho! there come the Crane and his men, a horde of swart curs yelping at their heels. The bands join, and the Asiamen run to shelter. Now the Crane turns this way. Good! said Olvir. They have little more than a bow-shot to come, and the crooked lanes will check the horsemen. It was none too soon, however, that the men of the gate watches swung up the steep path after Floki and Liutrad, and poured through the archway into the citadel court. As the ponderous doors swung to behind them, the vanguard of the Saracen host came racing into view, hot on their trail. But when they saw that their quarry had reached cover, the swarthy riders contented themselves with a derisive yell, and wheeled swiftly about to seek shelter from the arrows of the vikings. Olvir hastened down into the court. Well done! well done, vikings! he greeted the returned warriors. You had brisk play for a time, old Crane. What of the slain?
- 40. Go ask the Asiamen, earl, replied Floki, with a dry chuckle. We have none to name, though you can see enough of scratches among my men. The black cats do not lack claws. I give thanks they are no sharper. Had your gate been opened when you first left it-- The traitors did well to open it at all. I clenched the chain- hooks with a sledge. For all their treachery, the curs gained nothing but scathe. Yet we can count one man fated. Tell me, Liutrad; did not Ottar pass out your gate upon my mare, to ride across the Arga? He passed the gate, earl, but not to cross the river. I heard him say that he was minded to ride around the burg to the Ebro Gate. Loki! my Zora,--my matchless mare! Ho, earl! called down a warrior on the wall; here comes one waving a green branch. Shall I loose an arrow at the swart hound? He is like Earl Kasim as two peas. Hold! commanded Olvir, and he ascended quickly to the parapet, Floki and Liutrad at his heels. As they gained the top and leaned with him over the battlements, they saw Kasim Ibn Yusuf, branch in hand, riding up the steep ascent. Poisoner or not, there could be no doubt as to the man's boldness. Thor smite me! gasped Liutrad. Zora!--he rides Zora! It is a taunt, croaked Floki. None but a fated man would venture such a deed. Let me drive an arrow through his hide, and the mare is yours again, ring-breaker. Olvir was white with anger; but he shook his head. No, he lisped; he bears a peace-branch,--he is a herald, and peace-holy,--the foul poisoner!
- 41. May Hel's hand soon grip him! growled Floki; and then all three stood silent, glaring down on the approaching rider. As he came within speaking distance, the Moslem peered up at the Norse chiefs, and waved his green branch in mocking salute. Greeting, kinsman! he called. I have returned to my city with a few friends, and so I am here to beg your hospitality for the night. Come down, I pray you, and join us in the market-place. What! you are silent? Is it thus you greet a guest? How speaks the Koran: 'For the weary guest, food and a bed; for the stranger in your gates, a wife and the queen of your drove.' Already you have made gift of the choice mare. The groom who brought her you will find, arrow- pierced, beyond the hill. He rode heedless into our very midst. I have besought you for food and shelter; for wife, I might name that fair houri who rode with Karolah's daughter-- Stay a little, dog, lisped Olvir, in a voice ominously gentle. First, tell me whether you come as envoy. The vali raised his branch, and answered jeeringly: I, Kasim Ibn Yusuf, envoy of the Beni Al Abbas, come riding from Saragossa, to tell you how I have outwitted the great Karolah and ridden over his camp. That is a lie, adder! No; by the beard of the Prophet! In the dusk of evening we rode over Karolah's tent and trampled his bright banner in the dust. Now will you come forth with your braggart giants and meet my friends in the game of swords? I am content to lie at ease for the night, rejoined Olvir, quietly, though his eyes were blazing.
- 42. What! is my kinsman so backward when it comes to blows? I have heard that he besought Karolah for the forefront in battle. Yet it may be he is chilled by so long sitting behind the stone. I will try a last word to stir his cold blood. When I rode over Karolah's camp, Vali Al Huseyn opened to me the gates of Saragossa and shut them in the face of the Afranj. But when Karolah named the city's ransom, he demanded that I also should be delivered over to him. Urged to the treachery by my own wife's father, the false vali assented. I was forewarned none too soon to escape from Saragossa in the night. And yet, with all my haste, let it be known to you, son of Gulnare, that I found time to force the gate of the Balatt Al Arabi and bestow on your mother's father a scratch which all the skill of Kosru my geber could not heal. Enough, poisoner! lisped Olvir, almost in a whisper. If you value life, go--go quickly! Though the softly uttered words barely reached his ear, the Arab could see the look on the Northman's white face. Without a word, he wheeled Zora, and clattered down the slope at headlong speed. Ho, the murderous nithing! jeered Liutrad. He flees as from the Fenris-wolf. None too fast to outstrip an arrow, growled Floki. Give the word, earl! My fingers itch to drive a dart into his swart back. No! gasped Olvir; and he stood glaring after the fugitive, while the cold sweat gathered and ran down his white face. Hel seize the foul murderer! He--he, my blood kin's slayer--has named me nithing!--and I cannot leave this cursed rock heap! Thor! Must we then lie idle for the sake of a Roman keep? And for the vala's sake! added Liutrad, quickly.
- 43. I am not one to forget the maid, grumbled Floki. But a hundred men can hold the keep while we go out to the blood- game. No, broke in Olvir, harshly. Far rather would I meet death than swallow the taunts of that poisoner. Yet Karl the Frank gave over this keep into my charge, and I hold the hard stones fast till Karl the Frank comes again. Wait till he knocks at the burg gates. It will then be for us to go out and open them to him. A smile of terrible joy lit up the face of the sea-king, and he turned eagerly to the southward, as though he already saw the vanguard of the Frankish host. CHAPTER XXIV With guile the great one Would they beguile. SONG OF ATLI. When it became known through the citadel that there would be no sorties against the Asiamen until the coming of the Frankish host, the towers at once were crowded with watchers, all gazing southward along the Ebro road. But a bitter disappointment lay before the war-eager vikings.
- 44. Toward mid-afternoon there was a great stir in the Saracen quarters, and soon all the Moslem folk of the burg--mounted and afoot, or drawn in their heavy-laden ox-carts--began to move in a steady stream along the streets and out through the Arga Gate. Before nightfall the last cart had creaked over the Arga bridge, and was trailing away on the Astorga road. Floki was like a baited bear. Hei! ring-breaker, he grumbled; the dogs seek a new kennel. It must be they know the Franks are coming. Now is the time to strike the poisoner,--now, before he slips through our fingers. He will flee to-night on the trail of these slow-moving tradefolk. And what if it be a lure to draw us into the open? No, old Crane! If the swart dogs linger till the Franks come, we will make blood-play for them. Not now. The last drop in the bitter cup was drained when at dawn the Saracen spearmen were seen leisurely riding westward on the Astorga road. Astride their swift desert coursers, they well knew their safety from the pursuit of any kaffir force. An hour or so after their rearguard had disappeared four thousand Frankish horsemen came plodding north upon the Ebro road, their heavy war-chargers so weary that they could not be spurred out of a walk. They have done their best, admitted Olvir, half reluctantly, and choosing the first hundred men in the courtyard, he marched out to meet the Franks. There was none to bar the way. The Saracens were all gone, taking with them the Jews, and the Navarrese townfolk wisely kept out of the path of the fierce Northerners.
- 45. But there was some delay in the Saracen quarter, where the vikings scattered to see whether any loot was to be found in the deserted houses. As it proved, nearly everywhere the owners had fled in such haste that all manner of rich plunder lay ready to the hand of the first comer. In vain Olvir sought to recall the eager looters from their search. Hardly a score appeared after repeated blasts of his horn; but, spurred on by his desire to hear the tidings of the Frankish host, he advanced with this scant following. The delay had been considerable, and before Olvir could reach the great archway of the burg gate a horseman on a black Arab stallion came racing through the dark tunnel. In two leaps the splendid courser was beside him, and Count Roland was springing from the saddle, to grasp his shoulders. Brother! the Frank almost shouted. Brother!--you 're safe-- the poisoner did not take you unawares! We rode night and day to overtake the traitors; but the horses of my men--Thank God, I find you safe! There was no resisting the heartfelt joy of the Frank. It swept away at a breath every trace of the grievance between the friends. Olvir gazed earnestly into the radiant eyes of his captor. No less am I glad to see you, brother, he said. But even at that moment his face clouded: I thirst for your tidings, king's kin! No word have I heard since the host fared south,--only, the poisoner mocked me with evil tales. What of my mother's father? Is it true he met his fate--? True, Olvir! The wretch struck him with a poisoned blade. We came with Al Huseyn to hunt out the traitor, but found only the
- 46. dying count. And none stopped the murderer? He was already gone, brother. It was at twilight. He and his following rode out of Saragossa before Al Huseyn could send word to the gates, and the swart hounds burst through our beleaguering lines in the darkness. I could not leave your dying kinsman,--and it was well. He intrusted me with your inheritance,--this pouch of gem- stones, and a book in Arabic script, which he said contained the wisdom of Plato, the old Greek sage. The book is on my saddle; the gems have not left my bosom since the noble count gave them into my charge. Olvir took the heavy pouch, and, thrusting in his fist, drew out a handful of flashing gems,---rubies and emeralds and sapphires. Here's honor to the dead! he exclaimed, as he held out the precious stones to Roland. In his honor! replied the Frank, gravely, and he took the gift as freely as it was offered. But as the gems rolled into his palm, he picked out a great pearl, and handed it back to the giver. Keep this for the little princess, brother, he said. It is a gift for a bride, if it has mates, murmured Olvir. A fitting betrothal gift from a sea-king to a princess! Now that our bitterness is past, only one thing is lacking to round out my happiness. Two more years or so, and your little may-- Say no more, brother. That pure snow-blossom,--and I, the bloody-fanged wolf! Not a day has gone by since I saw in her eyes-- But tell me! Is it true the poisoner rode over the king's camp? I must own he told you truth. We were watching for treachery, and yet the wily fox caught us unawares. When our smaller host
- 47. came faring from Barcelona, Count Barnard rode across the Ebro half a day in the lead, and the king was holding war-council with him, when, in the twilight, the pagan spearmen burst upon the royal guard. Only by good chance did I bring up the horsemen in time to save our lord king. Thor! You 've not lacked sword-play. But what of Abd-er- Rahman, that old Omyyad lion? Ask the South Wind; it alone may tell you. He proved too wary a lion to show himself within hail of the Ebro; while, for our part, with treachery in our rear, we would have been mad to fare south into the enemy's country. Treachery? When we marched down the Ebro valley to Saragossa, the false vali of the burg closed the gates against us, though the noble Al Arabi sought to hold him to his compact. So we laid siege to the burg until Count Barnard came with the eastern host, and the poisoner sought to slay the king. Before that, messengers had come, by way of Narbonne and Barnard's host, with word from Count Rudulf that the Saxons threatened an uprising. The king at once sent Gerold and Worad Rhineward at the head of a thousand horsemen. They took the longer but safer road by way of Narbonne; for the whole land swarmed with the bands of our treacherous allies. That I foreboded, said Olvir. No messenger came through with tidings. Small wonder! Of all our Saracen allies, your noble kinsman Al Arabi alone kept troth. We had had enough to sicken us of the Southland without old Rudulf's warnings. Already our host was wasting from fever and famine, and so, as Abd-er-Rahman would
- 48. not come to give us battle, there was naught to do but to take the wergild which Vali Al Huseyn had offered to ransom his burg. The host is already following my trail. Olvir flung out a hand toward the south: By Loki! a bitter warfaring has it been for more than one. I have drunk a cup of gall; no less the great king-- Gall would have been honey to him beside that bitter draught. But see; here come my laggard riders. Your riders! Halt them, brother; let them camp outside the walls. They 've already had their share of war-loot, while my men have not fingered a penny. Ours should be the plunder of the Saracen houses. But the Christian townfolk--? King Karl shall levy their wergild. We will not break a Christian door. I can trust my sea-wolves even in the looting. It is well, brother. The horsemen shall camp outside the burg. They shall guard the gates, but not enter, replied Roland, and, raising his horn, he blew a ringing call to halt. So the weary weeks of war-vigil came to an end, and few other than the townfolk of Pampeluna grumbled at the half-week which lapsed before the main host of the Franks, with its huge over- burdened ox-train, came trailing out of the South. Throughout the days of waiting the weary horsemen were well content to lie about their camps and feast on the good fare sent out by the luckless townfolk; while up in the citadel the vikings made exact allotment of their Moslem loot, and in the heat of the reckless gaming which followed forgot how they had been cooped up for months like nun-women, and cheated of the merry sword-play.
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