Skallagrim looked at Arnulf with a gleam in his eye. This man was shrewd, Skallagrim knew. One did not succeed as a merchant without that quality. That would make the coming game that much more enjoyable.

"The dowry is already set. I am sure that you will find it to be more than sufficient. Now, let us turn to the bride price. I do hope you understand Sigyn's worth to us. She is a dearly beloved sister. In addition to being the youngest, she performs many necessary tasks for Fjell steading. As I said, she is of immense worth to us. It is important that we find the right person for Sigyn, someone who is honest as well as courageous and full of integrity."

Arnulf nodded gravely at these words. Did Skallagrim know the price he had offered to Haakon in his rashness? "Wise words, my friend. I hope that you will find me to be a man of honesty and integrity. My courage is also not in doubt. I have been in many tight situations and my courage has never failed. The girl Sigyn is of great worth to me. What would you have of me in exchange for her?"

"No, my friend," answered Skallagrim. "that is not right. You must offer first, and I will decide if it is enough. Thus have negotiations always been done."

"Very well, then. I offer you 60 gold pieces for her hand in marriage. A large and worthy sum."

Skallagrim looked hard at Arnulf. "An interesting proposal, my friend, very interesting. Perhaps you are not the man for Sigyn, after all. You offer nothing but material wealth for this match. Sigyn can be paired with someone local, someone who can offer support and supporters for me and my brother at the thing. A local ally can provide aid in case Fjell comes under attack. You offer none of these things. And, while 60 gold pieces is significant, I would have expected more from you. If that is all then, my friend . . ." Skallagrim turned to return to the main house, but paused, and waited for Arunulf.