midnight
And his hands were tied by a stronger chain . `` Osla , Osla , '' he cried , `` for your sake I am faithless to my vows , and forgetful of my duty to my kindred ! '' Then the memory of Thord the Tall , telling of the burning , rose fresh and strong , and again his hand sought his side , and his breath came fast , till the vision of Osla swept aside all other thoughts . The time went by until the hour was hard on midnight . Gradually his mind grew more composed . `` I am in the hands of destiny , '' he said to himself . `` Let fate do with me what it will . ''