Their leader advanced and said, "We accept the terms, except as to the matter of Olaf Red-Sword.

The Empress may go free, but Olaf Red-Sword, our general whom we love, we will not surrender.

First will we die." "Good!" said Jodd.

"I looked for such words from you." Then he marched out, with his companions, and again met Stauracius and the two generals of the Greeks.

After they had talked a little while he returned and said, "Those two officers, being men, would have agreed, but Stauracius, the eunuch, who seems in command, will not agree.