Gerulf walked to the splintered wall and wrenched his axe free then stooped and regarded the seax on the floor carefully. Picking it up, he tossed it in the air, catching it deftly and reassured the Dane with a huge grin.

Never fear, Dane, your toy will be good as new after a small trip to the forgeman.

As he rose to return the shimmering weapon to Hrothgar, the husbandman became aware of a new presence in the room. His heart beat faster. His mind went into fast motion.

A beauty, that one. Hair like wild strawberries streaked with cream, a body fit for the gods.

He handed the seax to a man absently, never really turning to see whether he had placed that worthy weapon in the proper hands.

A pert nose that quivers properly at the scent of Viking aphrodisiac and a smile brighter than the halls of Valhalla.

Oblivious to the sounds of the continued contest, the huge Frisian stared spellbound at the woman who had just emerged from the kitchen wiping her hands on her apron, his own nostrils quivering at her scent.

Bread ... and roasted boar ... and ...bread.... and... bread...

Now that's a WOMAN!