I hear Aisliann's challenge and I see her cousin kick the door open. A few of the other patrons in the establishment raise their heads groggily from where they have been drowsing. I myself have been gazing into my glass, dreaming of a lass who is far away and probably never thinks of me at all. Indeed it is time to shake off this lethargy.

Hjördis hunches over the cup of ale that his gentle cousin got for him. I wonder if the man has no means by which to purchase his own drinks. While he guzzles the brew, I size him up. A brawny lad to be sure, outweighing me by a few barrels that he seems to have stored in his gut. Perhaps I can overpower him, perhaps not. It might be fun to try. I am bored out of my skull in this dismal place.

Slowly I approach Hjördis. He seems to grow larger with each step I take. Briefly I consider turning back to my daydreams and fantasies. Then Hjördis glances up and grins at me, obviously deciding at a glance that I'm an easy mark. Not to be daunted, I roll up one sleeve and sit down across the table from him.

"Did someone say arm-wrestling?" I smile smugly.