After Umath’s camp was made many people came to visit him there. When they came,
Umath and his officers greeted them. He said the sacred words, which could not be said if
falsehood was intended. The first visitor was Vestkarthan of the Deep. When he came close
to Umath’s Camp he was challenged.
“Halt, Stranger! Who comes this way, to a place which is not allowed to everyone? Do you
come in friendship, or as a foe?”
“Greetings, guardian. I come as a friend.”
“Greetings, then Stranger. You speak to the Lord of this place. I am Umath, Champion
of the gods and slayer of Howling Void, and the liberator of Justice. Tell me your name if
you are a friend.”
“I am Vestkarthan of the Deep, the son of Gata, who has pledged to stand by you in war
or peace.”
“You are welcome here, Vestkarthan of the Deep, son of Gata. I offer you hospitality
here, in my house, and promise my protection to you and yours while inside. I offer you water,
to quench your thirst.”
“I accept this, with gratitude. I will not rob you, or bare arms, and I will speak ever of
your generosity.”
“Then you are welcome, guest. And I offer you more: a blanket to sleep under while you
are my guest. This is a thing we offer only to friends, or those we would have as friends.”
“I accept this, with gratitude, and I will speak ever of your generosity.”
“Then you are welcome, guest. And I offer you more: meat, to fill your belly. This is a
thing we offer only to kinsmen, and those as good as them.”
“I accept this, with gratitude, and I will speak ever of your generosity.”
“Then you are welcome, guest. And I offer you more: salt, as token of your honor. This
is a thing which we give only to those who are great, or who show promise of it.”
“I accept this, with gratitude, and I will speak ever of your generosity.”
“Then you are welcome, guest. And I offer you more: duty, which is offered only those
who would sit close to me, in my family.”
“I accept this, with gratitude, and I will speak ever of your generosity.”
And so Umath welcomed the guest into his camp, and this is still the way that all people
have been greeted into our homes and sacred places.