Great cheering and celebration greeted Olaf, astride his pony, as he entered Ringerike at the head of his victorious army. People pressed in from all sides, arms and voices raised, all of them laughing and shouting his name. He smiled and waved in return, elated at the reception, assured this was the beginning of a new and successful journey, to bring the love of Christ to his people.
At the far end of the great courtyard, guards held the reins and he jumped down, arms aloft, basking in the adoration of the crowd. But as he scanned the faces, the grin froze on his face. He saw them, every last one, turn away and raise up their voices even higher as Sigurd Syr came through the great double doors of the citadel. Not for him a pony, but a prancing, powerfully muscled charger. No doubt a Norm
