midday
While these rowed away over the fiord to the Springs to make war or peace -- as the case might be -- with King Harald , a disappointed spirit was left behind in Horlingdal . `` I 'm sure I can not see why I should not be allowed to go too , '' said little Alric , on returning to Haldorstede , after seeing the fleet set forth . `` Of course I can not fight so well as Erling _ yet _ , but I can do _ something _ in that way ; and can even face up to a full-grown man when occasion serves , as that red-haired Dane knows full well , methinks , if he has got any power of feeling in his neck ! '' This was said to Herfrida , who was in the great hall spreading the board for the midday meal , and surrounded by her maidens , some of whom were engaged in spinning or carding wool , while others wove and sewed , or busied themselves about household matters . `` Have patience , my son , '' said Herfrida . `` Thou art not yet strong enough to go forth to battle . Doubtless , in three or four years -- '' `` Three or four years ! ''