Eyvind found plenty of opportunity to use the skills he had, being one of Magnus’s preferred bodyguards. The year Ulf’s father died, the Jarl canceled the autumn viking. A tale of disloyalty had come to his ears, and he decided to teach a certain landowner a lesson that would not be soon forgotten. He rode out with his Wolfskins and with many other men of his household, more than thirty in all, and found the plotters to the east of Freyrsfjord, beyond the hills, where they had gathered a considerable force with a plan to attack one of Magnus’s own allies and kinsmen. It was a satisfying encounter. Eyvind spiked one man with the thrusting spear, finding a moment when the fellow’s shield swung wide of his body, seizing his opportunity with the same unerring aim that had brought down many a wild boar or fleet stag in the woods. His axe separated heads from shoulders and parted limbs from bodies with hungry ease, though, as it usually was with his kind, at the time he was scarcely aware of what he did. There was nothing in his head but the burning voice of Thor, and nothing in his body but the strong unwavering answer to the god’s challenge. Around him, his companions swung axe and wielded sword in the same savage obedience. When it was over, all but one of the miscreants lay dead on that blood-drenched field. Magnus had issued a clear warning: let no man think to challenge his authority again. The young fellow they had spared was sent off home. There was a purpose to that: the telling and retelling of the tale must strengthen Magnus’s reputation for swift justice.

After that, the Jarl made further visits in the neighborhood, and all greeted his company with lavish hospitality. Ale flowed like a spring torrent, boards groaned with roast meats, and Eyvind received a number of offers from women, both young and not so young, all of which he refused as courteously as he could. Signe was everything he wanted in a woman. To bed these others seemed somehow wrong to him, though he knew his fellow Wolfskins did not hesitate to avail themselves of the liveliest and prettiest of the local girls. Eyvind slept alone. He would wait for Signe. It made no difference that he was not her only lover. With Signe, there was no pretense, no ridicule, no game playing. There was only honesty, warmth, and kindness. It seemed to Eyvind that what she offered was worth waiting for.

Magnus was well pleased with his Wolfskins, and especially with Eyvind. He made it known that he intended a rich reward for his youngest warrior, and that he would not take no for an answer. He would give Eyvind time to think about what would please him most. Later, back at court, they would speak of it further.