... of the mighty Beowulf, I step before the high seat of Wulder. Dropping to one knee, I lay my great hammer at the Eorl's feet. When he bids me to rise, I stand and announce, "I Witege, son of Volund, son of Vate, do pledge my heart and my strength to your cause. My hammer I give to your service, in peace or in war."

Wulder reaches and hefts the hammer in his hand. "A mighty weapon, this is!" he announces to myself and to the assembly before him. "But a mightier tool it will be at the forge!" After testing the balance, he tosses the nine pounds of metal back to me. "It is good that you have returned to us!" he booms out. "What news do you bring of your journey?"

Catching my hammer easily with one hand, I hang it from the loop at my waist. "I have extracted one-half the blood price for my fathers foul death," I explain. "Now, I have returned to claim that which is mine by right of inheritance! I see the Smithy swarming with Svartlings. Is it the Brothers of the Dark who hold the forge, or is it myself?"

He studies me with a wry grin on his face. "In your year-long absence, we had need for weapons. The Bristlings came forth and offered their services, for a price. They make the swords and spears, and sell them for jewels and gold from the treasury."

"Am I then to be cheated of my inheritance?" I burst out with heat equal to that of the forge. "To be robbed of my home by a band of Troglodytes?"

The smile slips from his face. "Might I suggest a contest? A proof of who is the MASTER Smith?" He leans forward in his chair. "Kælin? Is this agreeable?"

A broad-shouldered Dwarf with wild red whiskers steps forth from a darkened corner of the hall. "It will suit!" he declares, with a mocking bow to me. "Shall we each make a sword? To be tested here in one sevenday?"

"Agreed!" I reply, with an equally disdainful bow. "You shall have the use of the Smithy in the daylight hours. At sunset, I shall take your place and work until the sun rises again." I spit into my palm, and Kælin does likewise. We clasp hands to seal the terms of the contest. I turn my attention back to Eorl Wulder. "And now, by your leave, my cousin, I will repair to the Meodoheall and fill my belly. I would rest before the sun sets. It will be a long night!"