The Childhood of King Erik Menved: An Historical RomanceIngemann, Bernhard Severin
History
The Childhood of King Erik Menved: An Historical Romance
Ingemann, Bernhard Severin
Denmark -- History -- Erik Glipping, 1259-1286 -- Fiction; Denmark -- History -- Erik Menved, 1286-1319 -- Fiction
On the fifth day after the arrival of Rané, Ingé was alarmed by the
intelligence that her father, with Sir Thord, was expected from
Kongshelle on the following day, and that festive preparations, as for
a wedding, were going forward in the castle.
Rané's vessel lay ready to sail in Tönsberg Fiord, a few bow-shots from
the strand. It was manned by a numerous crew, whom Rané had gained over
with gold and promises. The crafty young knight had proposed a walk by
the beach, where, a little before sunset, he proceeded, accompanied by
Kirstine and Lady Ingé. The old warden attended them, although he was
heartily tired of hearing of fells, and waterfalls, and all the other
beauties of nature which strangers extol so highly. Rané conversed with
the young ladies with much politeness: he greatly admired the beauty of
the landscape. "But," he observed, "the view from the sea must be far
more magnificent. When I arrived, the sky was not so clear as it now
is."
"It appears to me, however," observed the warden, with a yawn, "that it
was just as clear."
"It is possible," replied Rané; "but towards evening the coast assumes
a more beautiful appearance. Here is a boat close by, with part of my
crew: the ladies, perhaps, would like to row a little way on the
fiord."
"Oh, yes!" exclaimed Kirstine, pulling Ingé along with her into the
boat: "the weather is fine, and I can show thee that the sun does not
set over a nobler land than Norway. Will you go with us, warden?"
Rané had placed himself beside the ladies. The warden was displeased;
but, unwilling to oppose himself to the will of the proud young damsel,
he entered the boat grumbling, and it rapidly glided from the beach.
Whilst Rané dilated with animation on the beauties of the scenery, the
boatmen, who had been previously instructed, rowed straight to the
vessel, which lay with her sails half unfurled, and her crew ready to
heave the anchor as soon as their master was on board.
The invitation of Rané to inspect the ship was accepted. The objections
of the warden were silenced by the eloquent knight, who, the moment
they stood on deck, gave a signal, and the vessel stood out under full
sail. The terrified warden was conducted, as a prisoner, to the cabin;
while Rané, throwing himself upon his knee before Kirstine, poured out
a torrent of flattering apologies for carrying off her friend and her
to Denmark; where, he said, he as certainly hoped to obtain her
forgiveness, as he was now prepared by every deed of chivalry to
deserve the hand of the fairest maiden in Norway.
Lady Ingé, as well as Kirstine, was half terrified at this sudden
abduction, although it was their own plan which the crafty knight,
without knowing it, was carrying into effect. They both remained silent
and thoughtful; but Lady Ingé was too proud to carry dissimulation
farther.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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