Before answering this royal suitor, Helge consulted the Vala, or prophetess, and the priests, and as they all declared that the omens were not in favor of this marriage, he gave an insolent refusal to the messengers.

This impolitic conduct so offended the would-be suitor that he immediately collected an army and prepared to march against the Kings of Sogn to avenge the insult with his sword.

When the rumor of his approach reached the cowardly brothers they were terrified, and fearing to encounter the foe alone, they sent Hilding to Frithiof to implore his aid.
Hilding gladly undertook the mission, although he had not much hope of its success.

He found Frithiof playing chess with a friend, Bjoern, and immediately made known his errand.
"'From Bele's high heirs I come with courteous words and prayers: Disastrous tidings rouse the brave; On thee a nation's hope relies.
* * * * * In Balder's fane, grief's loveliest prey, Sweet Ing'borg weeps the livelong day: Say, can her tears unheeded fall, Nor call her champion to her side ?'" TEGNER, _Frithiof Saga_ (Longfellow's tr.).
But Frithiof was so deeply offended that even this appeal in the name of his beloved could not move him.

Quietly he continued his game of chess, and, when it was ended, told Hilding that he had no answer to give.