第2章

ThenmenateandOspakardrankmuchale，butallthewhilehestaredatGudrudaandlistenedforhervoice。Butasyethesaidnothingofwhathecametoseek，thoughallknewhiserrand。Andhistwosons，GizurandMord，staredalsoatGudruda，fortheythoughthermostwonderfullyfair。ButGizurfoundSwanhildalsofair。

Andsothenightworeontillitwastimetosleep。

OnthissamedayEricrodeupfromhisfarmonRanRiverandtookhisroadalongthebrowofColdbacktillhecametoStonefell。NowallalongColdbackandStonefellisasteepclifffacingtothesouth，thatgrowseverhighertillitcomestothatpointwhereGoldenRiverfallsoveritand，partingitswatersbelow，runseastandwest——thebranchtotheeastbeingcalledRanRiverandthattothewestLaxà——

forthesetwostreamsgirdleroundtherichplainofMiddalhof，tillatlengththeyreachthesea。ButinthemidstofGoldenRiver，ontheedgeofthecliff，amassofrockjutsupcalledSheep-saddle，dividingthewatersofthefall，andoverthisthesprayflies，andinwintertheicegathers，buttheriverdoesnotcoverit。Thegreatfallisthirtyfathomsdeep，andshapedlikeahorseshoe，ofwhichthepointslietowardsMiddalhof。YetifhecouldbutgaintheSheep-

saddlerockthatdividesthemidstofthewaters，astrongandhardymanmightclimbdownsomefifteenfathomsofthisdepthandscarcelywethisfeet。

NowhereatthefootofSheep-saddlerockthedoublearchesofwatersmeet，andfallinonetorrentintothebottomlesspoolbelow。But，somethreefathomsfromthispointofthemeetingwaters，andbeneathit，justwherethecurveisdeepest，asinglecrag，aslargeasadrinking-tableandnolarger，jutsthroughthefoam，and，ifamancouldreachit，hemightleapfromitsometwelvefathoms，sheerintothespray-hiddenpitbeneath，theretosinkorswimasitmightbefall。ThiscragiscalledWolf’sFang。

NowEricstoodforalongwhileontheedgeofthefallandlooked，measuringeverythingwithhiseye。Thenhewentupabove，wheretheriverswirlsdowntotheprecipice，andlookedagain，foritisfromthisbankthatthedividingisland-rockSheep-saddlemustbereached。

“Amanmayhardlydothisthing；yetIwilltryit。”hesaidtohimselfatlast。“Myhonourshallbegreatforthefeat，ifIchancetolive，andifIdie——well，thereisanendoftroublingaftermaidsandallotherthings。”

Sohewenthomeandsatsilentthatevening。Now，sinceThorgrimurIron-Toe’sdeath，hishousewife，Saevuna，Eric’smother，hadgrowndimofsight，and，thoughshepeeredandpeeredagainfromherseatintheinglenook，shecouldnotseethefaceofherson。

“Whatailsthee，Eric，thatthousittestsosilent？Wasnotthemeat，then，tothymindatsupper？“

“Yes，mother，themeatwaswellenough，thoughalittleundersmoked。”

“NowIseethatthouartnotthyself，son，forthouhadstnomeat，butonlystock-fish——andIneverknewamanforgethissupperonthenightofitseating，excepthewasdistraughtordeepinlove。”

“Wasitso？“saidBrighteyes。

“Whattroublesthee，Eric？——thatsweetlassyonder？“

“Ay，somewhat，mother。”

“Whatmore，then？“

“This，thatIgodownGoldenFallsto-morrow，andIdonotknowhowI

maycomefromSheep-saddlerocktoWolf’sFangcragandkeepmylifewholeinme；andnow，Ipraythee，wearymenotwithwords，formybrainisslow，andImustuseit。”

WhensheheardthisSaevunascreamedaloud，andthrewherselfbeforeEric，prayinghimtoforgohismadventure。Buthewouldnotlistentoher，forhewasslowtomakeuphismind，but，thatbeingmadeup，nothingcouldchangeit。Then，whenshelearnedthatitwastogetsightofGudrudathathepurposedthustothrowhislifeaway，shewasveryangryandcursedherandallherkithandkin。

“Itislikelyenoughthatthouwilthavecausetousesuchwordsbeforeallthistaleistold。”saidEric；“nevertheless，mother，forbeartocurseGudruda，whoisinnowaytoblameforthesematters。”

“Thouartafaithlessson。”Saevunasaid，“whowiltslaythyselfstrivingtowinspeechwiththyMay，andleavethymotherchildless。”

Ericsaidthatitseemedsoindeed，buthewasplightedtoitandthefeatmustbetried。Thenhekissedher，andshesoughtherbed，weeping。

NowitwasthedayoftheYule-feast，andtherewasnosuntillonehourbeforenoon。ButEric，havingkissedhismotherandbiddenherfarewell，calledathrall，Jonbyname，andgivinghimasealskinbagfullofhisbestapparel，badehimridetoMiddalhofandtellAsmundthePriestthatEricBrighteyeswouldcomedownGoldenFallsanhouraftermid-day，tojoinhisfeast；andthencegotothefootoftheGoldenFalls，toawaithimthere。Andthemanwent，wondering，forhethoughthismastermad。

ThenErictookagoodrope，andastafftippedwithiron，and，sosoonasthelightserved，mountedhishorse，fordedRanRiver，androdealongColdbacktillhecametothelipofGoldenFalls。HerehestayedawhiletillatlengthhesawmanypeoplestreamingupthesnowfromMiddalhoffarbeneath，and，amongthem，twowomenwhobytheirstatureshouldbeGudrudaandSwanhild，and，neartothem，agreatmanwhomhedidnotknow。Thenheshowedhimselfforaspaceonthebrinkofthegulfandturnedhishorseupstream。Thesunshonebrightupontheedgeofthesky，butthefrostbitlikeasword。Still，hemuststripoffhisgarments，sothatnothingremainedonhimexcepthissheepskinshoes，shirtandhose，andtakethewater。Nowheretheriverrunsmightily，andhemustcrossfullthirtyfathomsoftheswirlingwaterbeforehecanreachSheep-saddle，andwoetohimifhisfootslipontheboulders，forcertainlyhemustbesweptoverthebrink。

Ericrestedthestaffagainstthestonybottomand，leaninghisweightonit，tookthestream，andhewassostrongthatitcouldnotprevailagainsthimtillatlengthhewasrathermorethanhalf-wayacrossandthewatersweptabovehisshoulders。Nowhewasliftedfromhisfeetand，lettingthestafffloat，heswamforhislife，andwithsuchmightystrokesthathefeltlittleofthaticycold。Downhewasswept——nowthelipofthefallwasbutthreefathomsawayonhisleft，andalreadythegreenwaterboiledbeneathhim。AfathomfromhimwasthecornerofSheep-saddle。Ifhemaygraspit，alliswell；ifnot，hedies。

Threegreatstrokesandheheldit。Hisfeetweresweptoutoverthebrinkofthefall，butheclungongrimly，andbythestrengthofhisarmsdrewhimselfontotherockandrestedawhile。Presentlyhestoodup，forthecoldbegantoniphim，andthepeoplebelowbecameawarethathehadswumtheriverabovethefallandraisedashout，forthedeedwasgreat。NowEricmustbegintoclamberdownSheep-

saddle，andthiswasnoeasytask，fortherockisalmostsheer，andslipperywithice，andoneithersidethewatersrushedandthundered，throwingtheirblindingsprayabouthimastheyleapttothedepthsbeneath。Helookeddown，studyingtherock；then，feelingthathegrewafraid，madeanendofdoubtand，graspingapointwithbothhands，swunghimselfdownhisownlengthandmore。NowformanyminutesheclimbeddownSheep-saddle，andthetaskwashard，forhewasbewilderedwiththeboomingofthewatersthatbentoutoneithersideofhimlikethearcofabow，andtherockwasverysteepandslippery。Still，hecamedownallthosefifteenfathomsandfellnot，thoughtwicehewasneartofalling，andthewatchersbelowmarvelledgreatlyathishardihood。

“Hewillbedashedtopieceswherethewatersmeet。”saidOspakar，“hecannevergainWolf’sFangcragbeneath；and，ifsoitbethathecomethereandleapstothepool，theweightofwaterwilldrivehimdownanddrownhim。”

“Itiscertainlyso。”quothAsmund，“anditgrievesmemuch；foritwasmyjestthatdrovehimtothisperilousadventure，andwecannotsparesuchamanasEricBrighteyes。”

NowSwanhildturnedwhiteasdeath；butGudrudasaid：“Ifgreatheartandstrengthandskillmayavailatall，thenEricshallcomesafelydownthewaters。”

“Thoufool！“whisperedSwanhildinherear，“howcanthesehelphim？

Notrollcouldliveinyondercauldron。DeadisEric，andthouartthebaitthatluredhimtohisdeath！“

“Sparethywords。”sheanswered；“astheNornshaveorderedsoitshallbe。”

NowEricstoodatthefootofSheep-saddle，andwithinanarm’slengththemightywatersmet，tossingtheiryellowwavesandseethingfuriouslyastheyleapttothemist-hidgulfbeneath。Hebentoverandlookedthroughthespray。ThreefathomsunderhimtherockWolf’sFangsplitthewaters，andthence，ifhecancomethither，hemayleapsheerintothepoolbelow。Nowheunwoundtheropethatwasabouthismiddle，andmadeoneendfasttoaknobofrock——andthiswasdifficult，forhishandswerestiffwithcold——andtheotherendhepassedthroughhisleatherngirdle。ThenEriclookedagain，andhisheartsankwithinhim。Howmighthegivehimselftothisboilingfloodandnotbeshattered？Butashelooked，lo！arainbowgrewuponthefaceofthewater，andoneendofitlituponhim，andtheother，likeagloryfromtheGods，fellfulluponGudrudaasshestoodalittlewayapart，watchingatthefootofGoldenFalls。

“Seestthouthat。”saidAsmundtoGroa，whowasathisside，“theGodsbuildtheirBifrostbridgebetweenthesetwo。Whonowshallkeepthemasunder？“

“Readtheportentthus。”sheanswered：“theyshallbeunited，butnothere。YonisaSpiritbridge，and，see：thewatersofDeathfoamandfallbetweenthem！“

Eric，too，sawtheomenanditseemedgoodtohim，andallfearlefthisheart。Roundabouthimthewatersthundered，butamidsttheirroarhedreamedthatheheardavoicecalling：

“Beofgoodcheer，EricBrighteyes；forthoushaltlivetodomightierdeedsthanthis，andinguerdonthoushaltwinGudruda。”

Sohepausednolonger，but，shorteninguptherope，pulledonitwithallhisstrength，andthenleaptoutuponthearchofwaters。Theystruckhimandhewasdashedoutlikeastonefromasling；againhefellagainstthemandagainwasdashedaway，sothathisgirdleburst。

Ericfeltitgoandclungwildlytotheropeandlo！withtheinwardswing，hefellonWolf’sFang，whereneveramanhasstoodbeforeandneveramanshallstandagain。Ericlayalittlewhileontherocktillhisbreathcamebacktohim，andhelistenedtotheroarofthewaters。Then，risingonhishandsandknees，hecrepttoitspoint，forhecouldscarcelystandbecauseofthetremblingofthestonebeneaththeshockofthefall；andwhenthepeoplebelowsawthathewasnotdead，theyraisedagreatshout，andthesoundoftheirvoicescametohimthroughthenoiseofthewaters。

Now，twelvefathomsbeneathhimwasthesurfaceofthepool；buthecouldnotseeitbecauseofthewreathsofspray。Nevertheless，hemustleapandthatswiftly，forhegrewcold。SoofasuddenEricstooduptohisfullheight，and，withaloudcryandamightyspring，boundedoutfromthepointofWolf’sFangfarintotheair，beyondthereachofthefallingflood，andrushedheadlongtowardsthegulfbeneath。Nowallmenwatchingheldtheirbreathashisbodytravelled，andsogreatistheplaceandsohightheleapthatthroughthemistEricseemedbutasabigwhitestonehurleddownthefaceofthearchingwaters。

Hewasgone，andthewatchersrusheddowntothefootofthepool，forthere，ifheroseatall，hemustpasstotheshallows。Swanhildcouldlooknomore，butsankupontheground。ThefaceofGudrudawassetlikeastonewithdoubtandanguish。Ospakarsawandreadthemeaning，andhesaidtohimself：“NowOdingrantthatthisyounglingrisenotagain！forthemaidloveshimdearly，andheistoomuchamantobelightlysweptaside。”

Ericstruckthepool。Downhesank，anddownanddown——forthewaterfallingfromsofarmustalmostreachthebottomofthepoolbeforeitcanriseagain——andhewithit。Nowhetouchedthebottom，butverygently，andslowlybegantorise，and，asherose，wascarriedalongbythestream。Butitwaslongbeforehecouldbreathe，anditseemedtohimthathislungswouldburst。Still，hestruggledup，strikinggreatstrokeswithhislegs。

“FarewelltoEric。”saidAsmund，“hewillrisenomorenow。”

ButjustashespokeGudrudapointedtosomethingthatgleamed，whiteandgolden，beneaththesurfaceofthecurrent，andlo！thebrighthairofEricrosefromthewater，andhedrewagreatbreath，shakinghisheadlikeaseal，and，thoughbutfeebly，struckoutfortheshallowsthatareatthefootofthepool。Nowhefoundfooting，butwassweptoverbythefiercecurrent，andcuthisforehead，andhecarriedthatscartillhisdeath。Againherose，andwitharushgainedthebankunaidedandfelluponthesnow。

Nowpeoplegatheredabouthiminsilenceandwondering，fornonehadknownsogreatadeed。AndpresentlyEricopenedhiseyesandlookedup，andfoundtheeyesofGudrudafixedonhis，andtherewasthatinthemwhichmadehimgladhehaddaredthepathofGoldenFalls。

V

HOWERICWONTHESWORDWHITEFIRE

NowAsmundthepriestbentdown，andEricsawhimandspoke：

“ThoubadestmetothyYule-feast，lord，byyonderslipperyroadandI

havecome。Dostthouwelcomemewell？“

“Nomanbetter。”quothAsmund。“Thouartagallantman，thoughfoolhardy；andthouhastdoneadeedthatshallbetoldofwhileskaldssingandmenliveinIceland。”

“Makeplace，myfather。”saidGudruda，“forEricbleeds。”Andsheloosedthekerchieffromherneckandbounditabouthiswoundedbrow，and，takingtherichcloakfromherbody，threwitonhisshoulders，andnomansaidhernay。

Thentheyledhimtothehall，whereEricclothedhimselfandrested，andhesentbackthethrallJontoColdback，biddinghimtellSaevuna，Eric’smother，thathewassafe。Buthewassomewhatweakallthatday，andthesoundofwatersroaredinhisears。

NowOspakarandGroawereillpleasedattheturnthingshadtaken；

butalltheothersrejoicedmuch，forEricwaswelllovedofmenandtheyhadgrievedifthewatershadprevailedagainsthismight。ButSwanhildbroodedbitterly，forEricneverturnedtolookonher。

Thehourofthefeastdrewonand，accordingtocustom，itwasheldintheTemple，andthitherwentallmen。WhentheywereseatedinthenaveoftheHof，thefatoxthathadbeenmadereadyforsacrificewasledinanddraggedbeforethealtaronwhichtheholyfireburned。NowAsmundthePriestslewit，amidsilence，beforethefiguresoftheGods，and，catchingitsbloodintheblood-bowl，sprinkledthealtarandalltheworshipperswiththeblood-twigs。Thentheoxwascutup，andthefiguresofthealmightyGodswereanointedwithitsmoltenfatandwipedwithfairlinen。Nextthefleshwasboiledinthecauldronsthatwerehungoverfireslightedalldownthenave，andthefeastbegan。

Nowmenate，anddrankmuchaleandmead，andallweremerry。ButOspakarBlacktoothgrewnotglad，thoughhedrankmuch，forhesawthattheeyesofGudrudaeverwatchedEric’sfaceandthattheysmiledoneachother。Hewaswrothatthis，forheknewthatthebaitmustbegoodandthelinestrongthatshouldwinthisfairfishtohisangle，andashesat，unknowinglyhisfingersloosedthepeace-stringsofhisswordWhitefire，andhehalfdrewit，sothatitsbrightnessflamedinthefirelight。

“Thouhastawondrousbladethere，Ospakar！“saidAsmund，“thoughthisisnoplacetodrawit。Whencecameit？Methinksnosuchswordsarefashionednow。”

“Ay，Asmund，awondrousbladeindeed。Thereisnoothersuchintheworld，forthedwarfsforgeditofold，andheshallbeunconqueredwhoholdsitaloft。ThiswasKingOdin’ssword，anditisnamedWhitefire。RalphtheRedtookitfromKingEric’scairninNorway，andhestrovelongwiththeBarrow-Dweller[*]beforehewrencheditfromhisgrasp。ButmyfatherwonitandslewRalph，thoughhehadneverdonethishadWhitefirebeenaloftagainsthim。ButRalphtheRed，beingindrinkwhentheshipsmetinbattle，foughtwithanaxe，andwasslainbymyfather，andsincethenWhitefirehasbeenthelastlightthatmanyachief’seyeshaveseen。Lookatit，Asmund。”

[*]Theghostinthecairn。

Nowhedrewthegreatsword，andmenwereastonishedasitflashedaloft。Itshiltwasofgold，andbluestonesweresettherein。Itmeasuredtwoellsandahalffromcrossbartopoint，andsobrightwasthebroadbladethatnoonecouldlookonitforlong，andalldownitslengthranrunes。

“Awondrousweapon，truly！“saidAsmund。“Howreadtherunes？“

“Iknownot，noranyman——theyareancient。”

“Letmelookatthem。”saidGroa，“Iamskilledinrunes。”Nowshetookthesword，andheaveditup，andlookedattherunesandsaid，“A

strangewritingtruly。”

“Howrunsit，housekeeper？“saidAsmund。

“Thus，lord，ifmyskillisnotatfault：——

“Whitefireismyname——Dwarf-folkforgedme——

Odin’sswordwasI——Eric’sswordwasI——Eric’sswordshallIbe——

AndwhereIfalltherehemustfollowme。”

NowGudrudalookedatEricBrighteyeswonderingly，andOspakarsawitandbecameveryangry。

“Looknotso，maiden。”hesaid，“foritshallbeanotherEricthanyonflapper-duckwhoholdsWhitefirealoft，thoughitmayverywellchancethatheshallfeelitsedge。”

NowGudrudabitherlip，andEricburnedredtothebrowandspoke：

“Itisill，lord，tothrowtauntslikeanangrywoman。Thouartgreatandstrong，yetImaydareadeedwiththee。”

“Peace，boy！Thoucanstclimbawaterfallwell，Igainsayitnot；butbewareerethousettestupthyselfagainstmystrength。Saynow，whatgamewiltthouplaywithOspakar？“

“Iwillgoonholmgangwiththee，byrnie-cladorbaresark，[*]andfighttheewithaxeorsword，orIwillwrestlewiththee，andWhitefireyondershallbethewinner’sprize。”

[*]Toaduel，usuallyfought，inmailorwithoutit，onanisland——“holm“——withinacircleofhazel-twigs。

“Nay，IwillhavenobloodshedhereatMiddalhof。”saidAsmundsternly。“Makeplaywithfists，orwrestleifyewill，forthatweregreatsporttosee；butweaponsshallnotbedrawn。”

NowOspakargrewmadwithangeranddrink——andhegrinnedlikeadog，tillmensawtheredgumsbeneathhislips。

“Thouwiltwrestlewithme，youngling——with/me/whomnomanhaseversomuchasliftedfrommyfeet？Good！Iwilllaytheeonthyfaceandwhipthee，andWhitefireshallbethestake——Iswearitontheholyaltar-ring；butwhathastthoutosetagainsttheprecioussword？Thypoorhovelanditslotoflandshallbealltoolittle。”

“Isetmylifeonit；ifIloseWhitefireletWhitefireslayme。”saidEric。

“Nay，thatIwillnothave，andIammasterhereinthisTemple。”saidAsmund。“Bethinktheeofsomeotherstake，Ospakar，orletthegamebeoff。”

NowOspakargnawedhislipwithhisblackfangandthought。Thenhelaughedaloudandspoke：

“BrightisWhitefireandthouartnamedBrighteyes。Seenow：Isetthegreatswordagainstthyrighteye，and，ifIwinthematch，itshallbeminetotearitout。Wiltthouplaythisgamewithme？Ifthyheartfailsthee，letitgo；butIwillsetnootherstakeagainstmygoodsword。”

“Eyesandlimbsareapoorman’swealth。”saidEric：“sobeit。I

stakemyrighteyeagainsttheswordWhitefire，andwewilltrythematchto-morrow。”

“Andto-morrownightthoushaltbecalledEricOne-eye。”saidOspakar——atwhichsomefewofhisthrallslaughed。

Butmostofthemendidnotlaugh，fortheythoughtthisanillgameandaworstjest。

Nowthefeastwenton，andAsmundrosefromhishighseatinthecentreofthenave，onthelefthandlookingdownfromthealtar，andgaveouttheholytoasts。FirstmendrankafullhorntoOdin，prayingfortriumphontheirfoes。ThentheydranktoFrey，askingforplenty；

toThor，forstrengthinbattle；toFreya，GoddessofLove(andtoherEricdrankheartily)；tothememoryofthedead；and，lastofall，toBragi，Godofalldelight。Whenthiscupwasdrunk，Asmundroseagain，accordingtocustom，andaskedifnonehadanoathtoswearastosomedeedthatshouldbedone。

Forawhiletherewasnoanswer，butpresentlyEricBrighteyesstoodup。

“Lord。”hesaid，“Iwouldswearanoath。”

“Setforththematter，then。”saidAsmund。

“Itisthis。”quothEric。“OnMosfellmountain，overbyHecla，dwellsaBaresarkofwhomallmenhaveillknowledge，fortherearefewwhomhehasnotharmed。HisnameisSkallagrim；heisamightymanandhehaswroughtmuchmischiefinthesouthcountry，andbroughtmanytotheirdeathsandrobbedmoreoftheirgoods：fornonecanprevailagainsthim。Still，Iswearthis，that，whenthedayslengthen，Iwillgoupaloneagainsthimandchallengehimtobattle，andconquerhimorfall。”

“Then，thouyellow-headedpuppy-dog，thoushaltgowithoneeyeagainstaBaresarkwithtwo。”growledOspakar。

Mentooknoheedofhiswords，butshoutedaloud，forSkallagrimhadplaguedthemlong，andtherewerenonewhodaredtofightwithhimanymore。OnlyGudrudalookedaskance，foritseemedtoherthatEricsworetoofast。Neverthelesshewentuptothealtar，and，takingholdoftheholyring，hesethisfootontheholystoneandsworehisoath，whilethefeastersapplauded，strikingtheircupsupontheboard。

Andafterthatthefeastwentmerrily，tillallmenweredrunk，exceptAsmundandEric。

NowEricwenttorest，butfirstherubbedhislimbswiththefatofseals，forhewasstillsorewiththebeatingofthewaters，andtheymustneedsbesuppleonthemorrowifhewouldkeephiseye。Thenhesleptsound，androsestrongandwell，andgoingtothestreambehindthestead，bathed，andanointedhislimbsafresh。ButOspakardidnotsleepwell，becauseofthealethathehaddrunk。NowasEriccamebackfrombathing，inthedarkofthemorning，hemetGudruda，whowatchedforhiscoming，and，therebeingnonetosee，hekissedheroften；butshechidedhimbecauseofthematchthathehadmadewithOspakarandtheoaththathehadsworn。

“Surely。”shesaid，“thouwiltlosethineeye，forthisOspakarisagiant，andstrongasatroll；alsoheismerciless。Still，thouartamightyman，andIshalllovetheeaswellwithoneeyeaswithtwo。

Oh！Eric，methoughtIshouldhavediedyesterdaywhenthoudidstleapfromWolf’sFang！Myheartseemedtostopwithinme。”

“YetIcamesafelytoshore，sweetheart，andwelldoesthiskisspayforallIdid。AndasforOspakar，ifbutonceIgetthesearmsabouthim，Ifearhimlittle，oranyman，andIcovetthatswordofhisgreatly。Butwecantalkmorecertainlyofthesethingsto-morrow。”

NowGudrudaclungtohimandtoldhimallthathadbefallen，andofthedoingsandwordsofSwanhild。

“Shehonoursmebeyondmyworth。”hesaid，“whoaminnowaysetonher，butontheeonly，Gudruda。”

“Artthousosureofthat，Eric？Swanhildisfairandwise。”

“Ayandevil。WhenIloveSwanhild，thenthoumayestloveOspakar。”

“Itisabargain。”shesaid，laughing。“Goodluckgowiththeeinthewrestling。”andwithakissshelefthim，fearinglestsheshouldbeseen。

Ericwentbacktothehall，andsatdownbythecentrehearth，forallmenslept，beingstillheavywithdrink，andpresentlySwanhildglideduptohim，andgreetedhim。

“Thouartgreedyofdeeds，Eric。”shesaid。“Yesterdaythoucamestherebyapaththatnomanhastravelled，to-daythoudostwrestlewithagiantforthineeye，andpresentlythougoestupagainstSkallagrim！“

“Itseemsthatthisistrue。”saidEric。

“Nowallthisthoudoestforawomanwhoisthebetrothedofanotherman。”

“AllthisIdoforfame’ssake，Swanhild。Moreover，Gudrudaisbetrothedtonone。”

“BeforeanotherYule-feastisspread，GudrudashallbethewifeofOspakar。”

“Thatisyettobeseen，Swanhild。”

NowSwanhildstoodsilentforawhileandthenspoke：“Thouartafool，Eric——yes，drunkwithfolly。Nothingbutevilshallcometotheefromthismadnessofthine。Forgetitandpluckthatwhichliestothinehand。”andshelookedsweetlyathim。

“TheycalltheeSwanhildtheFatherless。”heanswered，“butIthinkthatLoki，theGodofGuile，wasthyfather，forthereisnonetomatchtheeincraftandevil-doing，andinbeautyoneonly。Iknowthyplotswellandallthesorrowthatthouhastbroughtuponus。Still，eachseekshonourafterhisownmanner，soseekthouasthouwilt；butthoushaltfindbitternessandemptydays，andthyplotsshallcomebackonthineownhead——yes，eventhoughtheybringGudrudaandmetosorrowanddeath。”

Swanhildlaughed。“Adayshalldawn，Eric，whenthouwhodosthatemeshaltholdmedear，andthisIpromisethee。AnotherthingIpromisetheealso：thatGudrudashallnevercalltheehusband。”

ButEricdidnotanswer，fearinglestinhisangerheshouldsaywordsthatwerebetterunspoken。

Nowmenroseandsatdowntomeat，andalltalkedofthewrestlingthatshouldbe。ButinthemorningOspakarrepentedofthematch，foritistrulysaidthat/aleisanotherman/，andmendonotlikethatinthemorningwhichseemedwellenoughonyestereve。HerememberedthatheheldWhitefiredearaboveallthings，andthatEric’seyehadnoworthtohim，exceptthatthelossofitwouldspoilhisbeauty，sothatperhapsGudrudawouldturnfromhim。Itwouldbeveryillifheshouldchancetolosetheplay——thoughofthishehadnofear，forhewasheldthestrongestmaninIcelandandthemostskilledinallfeatsofstrength——and，atthebest，nofameistobewonfromtheoverthrowofadeedlessman，andthepluckingoutofhiseye。ThusitcametopassthatwhenhesawErichecalledtohiminabigvoice：

“Hearken，thouEric。”

“Ihearthee，thouOspakar。”saidEric，mockinghim，andpeoplelaughed；whileOspakargrinnedangrilyandsaid，“Thoumustlearnmanners，puppy。Still，Ishallfindnohonourinteachingtheeinthiswise。Lastnightwemadeamatchinourcups，andIstakedmyswordWhitefireandthouthineeye。Itwouldbebadthateitherofusshouldloseswordoreye；therefore，whatsayestthou，shallweletitpass？“

“Ay，Blacktooth，ifthoufearest；butfirstpaythouforfeitofthesword。”

NowOspakargrewverymadandshouted，“Thouwiltindeedstandagainstmeinthering！Iwillbreakthybackanon，youngster，andafterwardstearoutthineeyebeforethoudiest。”

“Itmaysobefall。”answeredEric，“butbigwordsdonotmakebigdeeds。”

Presentlythelightcameandthrallswentoutwithspadesandclearedawaythesnowinacircletworodsacross，andbroughtdrysandandsprinkleditonthefrozenturf，sothatthewrestlersshouldnotslip。Andtheypiledthesnowinawallaroundthering。

ButGroacameuptoOspakarandspoketohimapart。

“Knowestthou，lord。”shesaid，“thatmyheartbodesillofthismatch？Ericisamightyman，and，greatthoughthouart，Ithinkthatthoushaltloutlowbeforehim。”

“ItwillbeabadbusinessifIamoverthrownbyanuntriedman。”saidOspakar，andwastroubledinhismind，“anditwouldbeevilmoreovertolosethesword。FornopricewouldIhaveitso。”

“Whatwiltthougiveme，lord，ifIbringtheevictory？“

“Iwillgivetheetwohundredinsilver。”

“Asknoquestionsanditshallbeso。”saidGroa。

NowEricwaswithout，takingnoteofthegroundinthering，andpresentlyGroacalledtoherthethrallKolltheHalf-witted，whomshehadsenttoSwinefell。

“See。”shesaid，“yonderbythewallstandthewrestlingshoesofEricBrighteyes。Hastetheenowandtakegrease，andrubthesoleswithit，thenholdthemintheheatofthefire，sothatthefatsinksin。Dothisswiftlyandsecretly，andIwillgivetheethreepennies。”

Kollgrinned，anddidashewasbid，settingbacktheshoesjustastheywerebefore。ScarcelywasthedeeddonewhenEriccamein，andmadehimselfreadyforthegame，bindingthegreasedshoesuponhisfeet，forhefearednotrick。

Noweverybodywentouttothering，andOspakarandEricstrippedforwrestling。Theywerecladintightwoollenjerkinsandhose，andsheep-skinshoeswereontheirfeet。

TheynamedAsmundmasterofthegame，andhiswordmustbelawtobothofthem。EricclaimedthatAsmundshouldholdtheswordWhitefirethatwasatstake，butOspakargainsaidhim，sayingthatifhegaveWhitefireintoAsmund’skeeping，Ericmustalsogivehiseye——andaboutthistheydebatedhotly。NowthematterwasbroughtbeforeAsmundasumpire，andhegavejudgmentforEric，“for。”hesaid，“ifEricyielduphiseyeintomyhand，Icanreturnittohisheadnomoreifheshouldwin；butifOspakargivesmethegoodswordandconquers，itiseasyformetopassitbacktohimunharmed。”

Mensaidthatthiswasagoodjudgment。

Thusthenwasthearm-gameset。OspakarandEricmustwrestlethrice，andbetweeneachbouttherewouldbeaspacewhilemencouldcountathousand。Theymightstrikenoblowatoneanotherwithhand，orhead，orelbow，footorknee；anditshouldbecountednofallifthehaunchandtheheadofthefallenwerenotonthegroundattheself-sametime。Hewhosufferedtwofallsshouldbeadjudgedconqueredandlosehisstake。

Asmundcalledtheserulesaloudinthepresenceofwitnesses，andOspakarandEricsaidthatshouldbindthem。OspakardrewasmallknifeandgaveittohissonGizurtohold。

“Thoushaltsoonknow，youngling，howsteeltastesintheeyeball。”hesaid。

“Weshallsoonknowmanythings。”Ericanswered。

Nowtheydrewofftheircloaksandstoodinthering。Ospakarwasgreatbeyondthebignessofmenandhisarmswereclothedwithblackhairlikethelimbsofagoat。Beneaththeshoulderjointtheywerealmostasthickasagirl’sthigh。Hislegsalsoweremighty，andthemusclesstoodoutuponhiminknottylumps。Heseemedaverygiant，andfierceasaBaresark，butstillsomewhatroundaboutthebodyandheavyinmovement。

FromhimmenlookedatEric。

“Lo！BaldurandtheTroll！“saidSwanhild，andeverybodylaughed，sincesoitwasindeed；for，ifOspakarwasblackandhideousasatroll，EricwasbeautifulasBaldur，theloveliestoftheGods。HewastallerthanOspakarbythehalfofahandandasbroadinthechest。

Still，hewasnotyetcometohisgreateststrength，and，thoughhislimbswerewellknit，theyseemedbutasachild’sagainstthelimbsofOspakar。Buthewasquickasacatandlithe，hisneckandarmswerewhiteaswhey，andbeneathhisgoldenhairhisbrighteyesshonelikespears。

Nowtheystoodfacetoface，witharmsoutstretched，waitingthewordofAsmund。Hegaveitandtheycircledroundeachotherwitharmsheldlow。PresentlyOspakarmadearushand，seizingEricaboutthemiddle，triedtolifthim，butwithnoavail。Thricehestroveandfailed，thenEricmovedhisfootandlo！itslippeduponthesandedturf。

AgainEricmovedandagainheslipped，athirdtimeandheslippedathirdtime，andbeforehecouldrecoverhimselfhewasfullonhisbackandfairlythrown。

Gudrudasawandwassadatheart，andthosearoundhersaidthatitwaseasytoknowhowthegamewouldend。

“WhatsaidI？“quothSwanhild，“thatitwouldgobadlywithEricwereOspakar’sarmsabouthim。”

“Allisnotdoneyet。”answeredGudruda。“MethinksEric’sfeetslippedmoststrangely，asthoughhestoodonice。”

ButEricwasverysoreatheartandcouldmakenothingofthismatter——forhewasnotoverthrownbystrength。

HesatonthesnowandOspakarandhissonsmockedhim。ButGudrudadrewnearandwhisperedtohimtobeofgoodcheer，forfortunemightyetchange。

“IthinkthatIambewitched。”saidEricsadly：“myfeethavenoholdoftheground。”

Gudrudacoveredhereyeswithherhandandthought。Presentlyshelookedupquickly。“Iseemtoseeguilehere。”shesaid。“Nowlooknarrowlyonthyshoes。”

Heheard，and，looseninghisshoe-string，drewashoefromhisfootandlookedatthesole。Thecoldofthesnowhadhardenedthefat，andthereitwas，allwhiteupontheleather。

NowEricroseinwrath。“Methought。”hecried，“thatIdealtwithmenofhonourablemind，notwithcheatingtricksters。Seenow！itislittlewonderthatIslipped，forgreasehasbeensetuponmyshoes——

and，byThor！Iwillcleavethemanwhodidittothechin。”andashesaidithiseyesblazedsodreadfullythatfolkfellbackfromhim。

Asmundtooktheshoesandlookedatthem。Thenhespoke：

“Brighteyestellsthetruth，andwehaveasorryknaveamongus。

Ospakar，canstthouclearthyselfofthisilldeed？“

“IwillswearontheholyringthatIknownothingofit，andifanymaninmycompanyhashadahandthereinheshalldie。”saidOspakar。

“Thatwewillswearalso。”criedhissonsGizurandMord。

“Thisismorelikeawoman’swork。”saidGudruda，andshelookedatSwanhild。

“Itisnoworkofmine。”quothSwanhild。

“Thengoandaskthymotherofit。”answeredGudruda。

Nowallmencriedaloudthatthiswasthegreatestshame，andthatthematchmustbesetafresh；onlyOspakarbethoughthimofthattwohundredinsilverwhichhehadpromisedtoGroa，andlookedaround，butshewasnotthere。Still，hegainsaidEricinthematterofthematchbeingsetafresh。

ThenEriccriedoutinhisangerthathewouldletthegamestandasitwas，sinceOspakarsworehimselffreeoftheshamefuldeed。Menthoughtthisamadsaying，butAsmundsaiditshouldbeso。Still，hesworeinhisheartthat，evenifhewereworsted，Ericshouldnotlosehiseye——nonotifswordswereheldalofttotakeit。Forofalltricksthisseemedtohimtheveryworst。

NowOspakarandEricfacedeachotheragaininthering，butthistimethefeetofEricwerebare。

Ospakarrushedtogettheupperhold，butEricwastooswiftforhimandsprangaside。Againherushed，butEricdroppedandgrippedhimroundthemiddle。Nowtheywerefacetoface，huggingeachotherlikebears，butmovinglittle。Foratimethingswentthus，whileOspakarstrovetoliftEric，butinnowisecouldhestirhim。ThenofasuddenEricputouthisstrength，andtheystaggeredroundthering，tearingateachothertilltheirjerkinswererentfromthem，leavingthemalmostbaretothewaist。Suddenly，Ericseemedtogive，andOspakarputouthisfoottotriphim。ButBrighteyeswaswatching。Hecaughtthefootinthecrookofhisleftleg，andthrewhisweightforwardonthechestofBlacktooth。Backwardhewent，fallingwiththethudofatreeonsnow，andtherehelayontheground，andEricoverhim。

Thenmenshouted“Afall！afairfall！“andwereveryglad，forthefightseemedmostuneventothem，andthewrestlersrolledasunder，breathingheavily。

GudrudathrewacloakoverEric’snakedshoulders。

“Thatwaswelldone，Brighteyes。”shesaid。

“Thegameisstilltoplay，sweet。”hegasped，“andOspakarisamightyman。Ithrewhimbyskill，notbystrength。Nexttimeitmustbebystrengthornotatall。”

Nowbreathing-timewasdone，andoncemorethetwowerefacetoface。

ThriceOspakarrushed，andthricedidEricslipaway，forhewouldwasteBlacktooth’sstrength。AgainOspakarrushed，roaringlikeabear，andfireseemedtocomefromhiseyes，andthesteamwentupfromhimandhunguponthefrostyairlikethesteamofahorse。ThistimeEriccouldnotgetaway，butwassweptupintothatgreatgrip，forOspakarhadthelowerhold。

“NowthereisanendofEric。”saidSwanhild。

“Thearrowisyetonthebow。”answeredGudruda。

Blacktoothputouthismightandreeledroundandroundthering，draggingEricwithhim。Thiswayandthathetwisted，andtimeontimeEric’slegwasliftedfromtheground，butsohemightnotbethrown。

Nowtheystoodalmoststill，whilemenshoutedmadly，fornosuchwrestlinghadbeenknowninthesouthlands。Grimlytheyhuggedandstrove：forsoothitwasamightysighttosee。Grimlytheyhugged，andtheirmusclesstrainedandcracked，buttheycouldstireachothernoinch。

Ospakargrewfearful，forhecouldmakenoplaywiththisyoungling。

Blackrageswelledinhisheart。Hegroundhisfangs，andthoughtonguile。ByhisfootgleamedthenakedfootofEric。Suddenlyhestampedonitsofiercelythattheskinburst。

“Illdone！illdone！“folkcried；butinhispainEricmovedhisfoot。

Lo！hewasdown，butnotaltogetherdown，forhedidbutsituponhishaunches，andstillheclungtoBlacktooth’sthighs，andtwinedhislegsabouthisankles。NowwithallhisstrengthOspakarstrovetoforcetheheadofBrighteyestotheground，butstillhecouldnot，forEricclungtohimlikeacreepertoatree。

“AlosinggameforEric。”saidAsmund，andashespokeBrighteyeswaspressedbacktillhisyellowhairalmostsweptthesand。

ThenthefolkofOspakarshoutedintriumph，butGudrudacriedaloud：

“Benotoverthrown，Eric；loosetheeandspringaside。”

Ericheard，andofasuddenloosedallhisgrip。Hefellonhisoutspreadhand，then，withaswingsidewaysandabound，oncemorehestooduponhisfeet。Ospakarcameathimlikeabullmademadwithgoading，buthecouldnolongerroaraloud。TheyclosedandthistimeErichadthebetterhold。Forawhiletheystruggledroundandroundtilltheirfeettorethefrozenturf，thenoncemoretheystoodfacetoface。Nowthetwowerealmostspent；yetBlacktoothgathereduphisstrengthandswungEricfromhisfeet，buthefoundthemagain。Hegrewmadwithrage，andhuggedhimtillBrighteyeswasnearlypressedtodeath，andblackbruisesspranguponthewhitenessofhisflesh。

Ospakargrewmad，andmadderyet，tillatlengthinhisfuryhefixedhisfangsinEric’sshoulderandbittillthebloodspurted。

“Illkissed，thourat！“gaspedEric，andwiththepainandrushofblood，hisstrengthcamebacktohim。Heshiftedhisgripswiftly，nowhisrighthandwasbeneaththeforkofBlacktooth’sthighandhisleftonthehollowofBlacktooth’sback。Twicehelifted——twicethebulkofOspakarrosefromtheground——athirdmightylift——somightythatthewrappingonEric’sforeheadburst，andthebloodstreameddownhisface——andlo！greatBlacktoothflewinair。Upheflew，andbackwardhefellintothebankofsnow，andwasburiedtherealmosttotheknees。

VI

HOWASMUNDTHEPRIESTWASBETROTHEDTOUNNA

Foramomenttherewassilence，forallthatcompanywaswonderstruckatthegreatnessofthedeed。Thentheycheeredandcheeredagain，andtoEricitseemedthatheslept，andthesoundofshoutingreachedhimbutfaintly，asthoughheheardthroughsnow。Suddenlyhewokeandsawamanrushathimwithaxealoft。ItwasMord，Ospakar’sson，madathisfather’soverthrow。Ericsprangaside，ortheblowhadbeenhisbane，and，ashesprang，smotewithhisfist，anditstruckheavilyontheheadofMordabovetheear，sothattheaxeflewfromhishand，andhefellsenselessonhisfatherinthesnow。

Nowswordsflashedout，andmenringedroundErictoguardhim，anditcameneartothespillingofblood，forthepeopleofOspakargnashedtheirteethtoseesogreataherooverthrownbyayoungling，whilethesouthernfolkofMiddalhofandRanRiverrejoicedloudly，forEricwasdeartotheirhearts。

“Downswords。”criedAsmundthepriest，“andhaulyoncarcassfromthesnow。”

Thisthentheydid，andOspakarsatup，breathingingreatgasps，thebloodrunningfromhismouthandears，andhewasanevilsighttosee，forwhatwithbloodandsnowandragehisfacewaslikethefaceoftheSwinefellGoblin。

ButSwanhildspokeintheearofGudruda：

“Here。”shesaid，lookingatEric，“wetwohaveamanworthloving，foster-sister。”

“Ay。”answeredGudruda，“worthandwellworth！“

NowAsmunddrewnearandbeforeallmenkissedEricBrighteyesonthebrow。

“Insooth。”hesaid，“thouartamightyman，Eric，andthegloryofthesouth。ThisIprophesyofthee：thatthoushaltdodeedssuchashavenotbeendoneinIceland。Thouhastillbeenserved，foraknaveunknowngreasedthyshoes。YonswarthyOspakar，themostmightyofallmeninIceland，couldnotoverthrowthee，though，likeawolf，hefastenedhisfangsinthee，and，likeacoward，stampeduponthynakedfoot。Takethouthegreatswordthatthouhastwonandwearitworthily。”

NowErictooksnowandwipedthebloodfromhisbrow。ThenhegraspedWhitefireanddrewitfromthescabbard，andhighaloftflashedthewar-blade。Thricehewheeleditroundhishead，thensangaloud：

“Fast，yestermorn，downGoldenFalls，FaredyoungErictothyfeast，Asmund，fatherofGudruda——

Maidwhommuchhelongstoclasp。

Butto-dayonGiantBlacktoothHathhedoneaneedfuldeed：

Hurlinghiminheaped-upsnowdrift；

WinningWhitefireforhiswage。”

Andagainhesang：

“Lord，ifinverytruththouthinkestBrighteyesisamanmidstmen，Sweartohim，thestalwartsuitor，Handselofthysweetmaid’shand：

Whom，longloved，towin，downGoldfossSwifthespedthroughfrostandfoam；

Whom，towin，totroll-likeOgre，He，’gainstWhitefire，wagedhiseye。”

Menthoughtthiswellsung，andturnedtohearAsmund’sanswer，normusttheywaitlong。

“Eric。”hesaid，“Iwillpromisetheethis，thatifthougoestonasthouhastbegun，IwillgiveGudrudainmarriagetonootherman。”

“Thatisgoodtidings，lord。”saidEric。

“ThisIsayfurther：inayearIwillgivetheefullansweraccordingastohowthoudostbearthyselfbetweennowandthen，forthisisnolightgiftthouaskest；alsothat，ifyewillit，youtwainmaynowplighttroth，fortheblameshallbeyoursifitisbroken，andnotmine，andIgivetheemyhandonit。”

Erictookhishand，andGudrudaheardherfather’swordsandhappinessshoneinherdarkeyes，andshegrewfaintforveryjoy。AndnowEricturnedtoher，alltornandbloodyfromthefray，thegreatswordinhishand，andhespokethus：

“Thouhastheardthyfather’swords，Gudruda？Nowitseemsthatthereisnogreatneedoftroth-plightingbetweenustwo。Still，herebeforeallmenIaskthee，ifthoudostlovemeandartwillingtotakemetohusband？“

Gudrudalookedupintohisface，andansweredinasweet，clearvoicethatcouldbeheardbyall：

“Eric，Isaytotheenow，whatIhavesaidbefore，thatIlovetheealoneofallmen，and，ifitbemyfather’swish，Iwillwednootherwhilstthoudostremaintruetomeandholdmedear。”

“Thosearegoodwords。”saidEric。“Now，inpledgeofthem，swearthistrothofthineuponmyswordthatIhavewon。”

Gudrudasmiled，and，takinggreatWhitefireinherhand，shesaidthewordsagain，and，inpledgeofthem，kissedthebrightblade。

ThenErictookbackthewar-swordandspokethus：“IswearthatIwilllovethee，andtheeonly，GudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter，whomI

havedesiredallmydays；and，ifIfailofthismyoath，thenourtrothisatanend，andthoumaystwedwhomthouwilt。”andinturnheputhislipsuponthesword，whileSwanhildwatchedthemdotheoath。

NowOspakarwasrecoveredfromthefight，andhesatthereuponthesnow，withbowedhead，forheknewwellthathehadwonthegreatestshame，andhadlostbothwifeandsword。Blackragefilledhisheartashelistened，andhesprangtohisfeet。

“Icamehither，Asmund。”hesaid，“toaskthismaidofthineinmarriage，andmethinksthathadbeenagoodmatchforherandthee。

ButIhavebeenoverthrownbywitchcraftofthismaninawrestling-

bout，andtherebylostmygoodsword；andnowImustseemtohearhimbetrothedtothemaidbeforeme。”

“Thouhastheardaright，Ospakar。”saidAsmund，“andthywooingissoonsped。Gettheebackwhencethoucamestandseekawifeinthineownquarter，forthouartunfitinageandaspecttohavesosweetamaid。Moreover，hereinthesouthweholdmenofsmallaccount，howevergreatandrichtheybe，whodonotshametoseektoovercomeafoebyfoulmeans。WithmyowneyesIsawtheestamponthenakedfootofEric，Thorgrimur’sson；withmyowneyesIsawthee，likeawolf，fastenthatblackfangofthineuponhim——thereisthemarkofit；

and，asforthematterofthegreasedshoes，thouknowestbestwhathandthouhadstinit。”

“Ihadnohand。Ifanydidthisthing，itwasGroatheWitch，thyFinnishbedmate。Fortherest，IwasmadandknownotwhatIdid。Buthearken，Asmund：illshallbefalltheeandthyhouse，andIwilleverbethyfoe。Moreover，Iwillyetwedthismaidofthine。Andnow，thouEric，hearkenalso：Iwillhaveanothergamewiththee。Thisonewasbutthesportofboys；whenwemeetagain——andthetimeshallnotbelong——swordsshallbealoft，andthoushaltlearntheplayofmen。I

telltheethatIwillslaythee，andtearGudruda，shrieking，fromthyarmstobemywife！Itelltheethat，withyondergoodswordWhitefire，Iwillyethewoffthyhead！“——andhechokedandstopped。

“Thouartmuchfoamandlittlewater。”saidEric。“Thesethingsareeasilyputtoproof。Ifthouwillestit，to-morrowIwillcomewiththeetoaholmgang，andtherewemaysetthetwigsandfinishwhatwehavebegunto-day。”

“Icannotdothat，forthouhastmysword；and，tillIamsuitedwithanotherweapon，Imayfightnoholmgang。Still，fearnot：weshallsoonmeetwithweaponsaloftandbyrnieonbreast。”

“Nevertoosooncanthehourcome，Blacktooth。”saidEric，andturningonhisheel，helimpedtothehalltoclothehimselfafresh。Onthethresholdofthemen’sdoorhemetGroatheWitch。

“Thoudidstputgreaseuponmyshoes，carlineandwitch-hagthatthouart。”hesaid。

“Itisnottrue，Brighteyes。”

“Therethouliest，andforallthisIwillrepaythee。ThouartnotyetthewifeofAsmund，norshaltbe，foraplancomesintomyheadaboutit。”

Groalookedathimstrangely。“Ifthouspeakestso，takeheedtothymeatanddrink。”shesaid。“IwasnotbornamongtheFinnsfornothing；andknow，IamstillmindedtowedAsmund。Forthyshoes，I

wouldtotheGodsthattheywereHell-shoon，andthatIwasnowbindingthemonthydeadfeet。”

“Oh！thecatbeginstospit。”saidEric。“Butknowthis：thoumayestgreasemyshoes——fitworkforacarline！——butthoumayestneverbindthemon。Thouartawitch，andwiltcometotheendofwitches；andwhatthydaughteris，thatIwillnotsay。”andhepushedpastherandenteredthehall。

PresentlyAsmundcametoseekEricthere，andprayedhimtobegonetohissteadonRanRiver。ThehorsesofOspakarhadstrayed，andhemuststopatMiddalhoftilltheywerefound；but，ifthesetwoshouldabideunderthesameroof，bloodshedwouldcomeofit，andthatAsmundknew。

Ericsaidyeatothis，and，whenhehadrestedawhile，hekissedGudruda，and，takingahorse，rodeawaytoColdback，bearingtheswordWhitefirewithhim，andforatimehesawnomoreofOspakar。

Whenhecamethere，hismotherSaevunagreetedhimasonerisenfromthedead，andhungabouthisneck。Thenhetoldherallthathadcometopass，andshethoughtitamarvellousstory，andsorrowedthatThorgrimur，herhusband，wasnotalivetoknowit。ButEricmusedawhile，andspoke。

“Mother。”hesaid，“nowmyuncleThorodofGreenfellisdead，andhisdaughter，mycousinUnna，hasnohome。Sheisafairwomanandskilledinallthings。Itcomesintomymindthatweshouldbidherheretodwellwithus。”

“Why，IthoughtthouwastbetrothedtoGudrudatheFair。”saidSaevuna。“Wherefore，then，wouldstthoubringUnnahither？“

“Forthiscause。”saidEric；“becauseitseemsthatAsmundthePriestweariesofGroatheWitch，andwouldtakeanotherwife，andIwishtodrawthebandsbetweenustighter，ifitmaybefallso。”

“Groawilltakeitill。”saidSaevuna。

“Thingscannotbeworsebetweenusthantheyarenow，thereforeIdonotfearGroa。”heanswered。

“Itshallbeasthouwilt，son；to-morrowwewillsendtoUnnaandbidherhere，ifitpleaseshertocome。”

NowOspakarstayedthreemoredaysatMiddalhof，tillhishorseswerefound，andhewasfittotravel，forErichadshakenhimsorely。ButhehadnowordswithGudrudaandfewwithAsmund。Still，hesawSwanhild，andshebidhimtobeofgoodcheer，forheshouldyethaveGudruda。FornowthatthemaidhadpassedfromhimthemindofOspakarwassetinwinningher。Bj？rnalso，Asmund’sson，spokewordsofgoodcomforttohim，forheenviedErichisgreatfame，andhethoughtthematchwithBlacktoothwouldbegood。AndsoatlengthOspakarrodeawaytoSwinefellwithallhiscompany；butGizur，hisson，lefthisheartbehind。

ForSwanhildhadnotbeenidlethiswhile。Herheartwassore，butshemustfollowherill-nature，andsoshehadputoutherwoman’sstrengthandbeguiledGizurintolovingher。Butshedidnotlovehimatall，andthetemperofAsmundthePriestwassoangrythatGizurdarednotaskherinmarriage。Sonothingwassaidofthematter。

NowUnnacametoColdback，todwellwithSaevuna，Eric’smother，andshewasafairandbuxomwoman。Shehadbeenoncewedded，butwithinamonthofhermarriageherhusbandwaslostatsea，thistwoyearsgone。AtfirstGudrudawassomewhatjealousofthiscomingofUnnatoColdback；butEricshowedherwhatwasinhismind，andshefellintotheplan，forshehatedandfearedGroagreatly，anddesiredtoberidofher。

SincethismatterofthegreasingofEric’swrestling-shoesgreatloathingofGroahadcomeintoAsmund’smind，andhebethoughthimoftenofthosewordsthathiswifeGudrudatheGentlespokeasshelaydying，andgrievedthattheoathwhichhesworethenhadinpartbeenbroken。HewouldhavenomoretodowithGroanow，buthecouldnotberidofher；and，notwithstandingherevildoings，hestilllovedSwanhild。ButGroagrewthinwithspiteandrage，andwanderedabouttheplaceglaringwithhergreatblackeyes，andpeoplehatedhermoreandmore。

NowAsmundwenttovisitatColdback，andtherehesawUnna，andwaspleasedwithher，forshewasablithewomanandabonny。TheendofitwasthatheaskedherinmarriageofEric；atwhichBrighteyeswasglad，butsaidthathemustknowUnna’smind。Unnahearkened，anddidnotsayno，forthoughAsmundwassomewhatgoneinyears，stillhewasanupstandingman，wealthyinlands，goods，andmoneysoutatinterest，andhavingmanyfriends。Sotheyplightedtroth，andthewedding-feastwastobeintheautumnafterhay-harvest。NowAsmundrodebacktoMiddalhofsomewhattroubledatheart，forthesetidingsmustbetoldtoGroa，andhefearedherandherwitchcraft。Inthehallhefoundher，standingalone。

“Wherehastthoubeen，lord？“sheasked。

“AtColdback。”heanswered。

“ToseeUnna，Eric’scousin，perchance？“

“Thatisso。”

“WhatisUnnatothee，then，lord？“

“Thismuch，thatafterhay-harvestshewillbemywife，andthatisillnewsforthee，Groa。”

NowGroaturnedandgraspedfiercelyattheairwithherthinhands。

Hereyesstartedout，foamwasonherlips，andsheshookinherfurylikeabirch-treeinthewind，lookingsoevilthatAsmunddrewbackalittleway，saying：

“NowaveilisliftedfromtheeandIseetheeasthouart。Thouhastcastaglamourovermethesemanyyears，Groa，anditisgone。”

“Mayhap，AsmundAsmundson——mayhap，thouknowestme；butItelltheethatthoushaltseemeinaworseguisebeforethouweddestUnna。

What！haveIbornethegreatestshame，lyingbythysidethesemanyyears，andshallIlivetoseearival，youngandfair，creepintomyplacewithhonour？ThatIwillnotwhileruneshavepowerandspellscanconjuretheevilthinguponthee。Icalldownruinontheeandthine——yeaandonBrighteyesalso，forhehasbroughtthisthingtopass。Deathtakeyeall！Maythybloodnolongerruninmortalveinsanywhereontheearth！GodowntoHela，Asmund，andbeforgotten！“andshebegantomutterrunesswiftly。

NowAsmundturnedwhitewithwrath。“Ceasethyeviltalk。”hesaid，“orthoushaltbehurledasawitchintoGoldfosspool。”

“IntoGoldfosspool？——yea，thereImaylie。Iseeit！——Iseemtoseethisshapeofminerollingwherethewatersboilfiercest——butthineeyesshallneverseeit！/Thy/eyesareshut，andshutaretheeyesofUnna，foryehavegonebefore！——Idobutfollowafter。”andthriceGroashriekedaloud，throwingupherarms，thenfellfoamingonthesandedfloor。

“Anevilwomanandafey！“saidAsmundashecalledpeopletoher。“IthadbeenbetterformeifIhadneverseenherdarkface。”

NowitistobetoldthatGroalaybesideherselffortenfulldays，andSwanhildnursedher。Thenshefoundhersenseagain，andcravedtoseeAsmund，andspokethustohim：

“Itseemstome，lord，ifindeeditbeaughtbutavisionofmydreams，thatbeforethissicknessstruckmeIspokemadandangrywordsagainstthee，becausethouhastplightedtrothtoUnna，Thorod’sdaughter。”

“Thatisso，intruth。”saidAsmund。

“Ihavetosaythis，then，lord：thatmosthumblyIcravethypardonformyillwords，andasktheetoputthemawayfromthymind。Soreheartmakessourspeech，andthouknowestwellthat，howsoevergreatmyfaults，atleastIhavealwayslovedtheeandlabouredforthee，andmethinksthatinsomefashionthyfortunesarethedebtortomywisdom。Thereforewhenmyearsheardthatthouhadstofatruthputmeaway，andthatanotherwomancomesanhonouredwifetoruleinMiddalhof，mytongueforgotitscourtesy，andIspokewordsthatareofallwordsthefarthestfrommymind。ForIknowwellthatIgrowold，andhaveputoffthatbeautywithwhichIwasadornedofyore，andthatheldtheetome。’/Carline/’EricBrighteyesnamedme，and’carline’Iam——anoldhag，nomore！Now，forgiveme，and，inmemoryofallthathasbeenbetweenus，letmecreeptomyplaceintheingleandstillwatchandservetheeandthinetillmyserviceisoutworn。

OutofRan’snetIcametothee，and，ifthoudrivestmehence，ItelltheethatIwillliedownanddieuponthythreshold，andwhenthousinkestintoeldsurelythememoryofitshallgrievethee。”

Thusshespokeandweptmuch，tillAsmund’sheartsoftenedinhim，and，thoughwithadoubtingmind，hesaiditshouldbeasshewilled。

SoGroastayedonatMiddalhof，andwaslowlyinherbearingandsoftofspeech。

VII

HOWERICWENTUPMOSFELLAGAINSTSKALLAGRIMTHEBARESARK

NowAtlitheGood，earloftheOrkneys，comesintothestory。

ItchancedthatAtlihadsailedtoIcelandintheautumnonabusinessaboutcertainlandsthathadfallentohiminrightofhismotherHelga，whowasanIcelander，andhehadwinteredwestofReyjanes。

Springbeingcome，hewishedtosailhome，and，whenhisshipwasbound，heputtoseafullearlyintheyear。Butitchancedthatbadweathercameupfromthesouth-east，withmistandrain，sohemustneedsbeachhisshipinacreekundershelteroftheWestmanIslands。

NowAtliaskedwhatpeopledweltintheseparts，and，whenheheardthenameofAsmundAsmundsonthePriest，hewasglad，forinolddaysheandAsmundhadgonemanyavikingcruisetogether。

“Wewillleavetheshiphere。”hesaid，“tilltheweatherclears，andgouptoMiddalhoftostaywithAsmund。”

Sotheymadetheshipsnug，andleftmentowatchher；buttwoofthecompany，withEarlAtli，rodeuptoMiddalhof。

ItmustbetoldofAtlithathewasthebestoftheearlswholivedinthosedays，andheruledtheOrkneyssowellthatmengavehimaby-

nameandcalledhimAtlitheGood。Itwassaidofhimthathehadneverturnedapoormanawayunsuccoured，norbowedhisheadbeforeastrongman，nordrawnhisswordwithoutcause，norrefusedpeacetohimwhoprayedit。Hewassixtyyearsold，butagehadleftfewmarksonhim，exceptthatofhislongwhitebeard。Hewaskeen-eyed，andwell-fashionedofformandface，agreatwarriorandthestrongestofmen。Hiswifewasdead，leavinghimnochildren，andthiswasasorrowtohim；butasyethehadtakennootherwife，forhewouldsay：“Lovemakesanoldmanblind。”and“Whenagerunswithyouth，bothshallfall。”andagain，“Mixgreylocksandgoldenandspoiltwoheads。”Forthisearlwasamanofmanywisesayings。

NowAtlicametoMiddalhofjustasmensatdowntomeatand，hearingtheclatterofarms，allsprangtotheirfeet，thinkingthatperhapsOspakarhadcomeagainashehadpromised。ButwhenAsmundsawAtliheknewhimatonce，thoughtheyhadnotmetfornearlythirtyyears，andhegreetedhimlovingly，andputhiminthehighseat，andgaveplacetohismenuponthecross-benches。Atlitoldallhisstory，andAsmundbadehimrestawhileatMiddalhoftilltheweathergrewclearer。

NowtheEarlsawSwanhildandthoughtthemaidwondrousfair，andsoindeedshewas，asshemovedscornfullytoandfroinherkirtleofwhite。Softwashercurlinghairanddeepwereherdarkblueeyes，andbentwereherredlipsasisabowaboveherdimpledchin，andherteethshonelikepearls。

“Isthatfairmaidthydaughter，Asmund。”askedAtli。

“SheisnamedSwanhildtheFatherless。”heanswered，turninghisfaceaway。

“Well。”saidAtli，lookingsharplyonhim，“werethemaidsprungfromme，shewouldnotlongbecalledthe’Fatherless，’forfewhavesuchadaughter。”

“Sheisfairenough。”saidAsmund，“inallsavetemper，andthatisbadtocross。”

“Ineveryswordaflaw。”answersAtli；“butwhathasanoldmantodowithyoungmaidsandtheirbeauty？“andhesighed。

“Ihaveknownyoungermenwhowouldseemlessbriskatbridals。”saidAsmund，andforthattimetheytalkednomoreofthematter。

Now，Swanhildheardsomethingofthisspeech，andsheguessedmore；

anditcameintohermindthatitwouldbethebestofsporttomakethisoldmanloveher，andthentomockhimandsayhimnay。Soshesetherselftothetask，asiteverwasherwont，andshefounditeasy。Foralldaylong，withdowncasteyesandgentlelooks，shewaitedupontheEarl，andnow，athisbidding，shesangtohiminavoicesoftandlow，andnowshetalkedsowiselywellthatAtlithoughtnosuchmaidhadtrodtheearthbefore。Buthecheckedhimselfwithmanylearnedsaws，andonadaywhentheweatherhadgrownfair，andtheysatalone，hetoldherthathisshipwasboundforOrkneyIsles。

Then，asthoughbychance，Swanhildlaidherwhitehandinhis，andonasuddenlookeddeepintohiseyes，andsaidwithtremblinglips，“Ah，gonotyet，lord！——Ipraythee，gonotyet！“——and，turning，shefledaway。

ButAtliwasmuchmoved，andhesaidtohimself：“Nowastrangethingiscometopass：afairmaidlovesanoldman；andyet，methinks，hewholooksintothoseeyesseesdeepwaters。”andhebeathisbrowandthought。

ButSwanhildinherchamberlaughedtillthetearsranfromthosesameeyes，forshesawthatthegreatfishwashookedandnowthetimehadcometoplayhim。

Forshedidnotknowthatitwasotherwisefated。

Gudruda，too，sawallthesethingsandknewnothowtoreadthem，forshewasofanhonestmind，andcouldnotunderstandhowawomanmayloveamanasSwanhildlovedEricandyetmakesuchplaywithothermen，andthatofherfreewill。ForsheguessedlittleofSwanhild’sguilefulness，norofthecoldnessofherhearttoallsaveEric；norofhowthiswastheonlyjoylefttoher：tomakeasportofmenandputthemtogriefandshame。AtlisaidtohimselfthathewouldwatchthismaidwellbeforeheutteredawordtoAsmund，andhedeemedhimselfverycunning，forhewaswondrouscautiousafterthefashionofthoseabouttofall。Sohesethimselftowatching，andSwanhildsetherselftosmiling，andhetoldhertalesofwarfareandofdaring，andsheclaspedherhandsandsaid：

“WasthereeversuchamansinceOdintrodtheearth？“Andsoitwenton，tilltheserving-womenlaughedattheoldmaninloveandthewitofherthatmockedhim。

Nowuponaday，Erichavingmadeanendofsowinghiscorn，bethoughthimselfofhisvowtogoupaloneagainstSkallagrimtheBaresarkinhisdenonMosfelloverbyHecla。Now，thiswasaheavytask：forSkallagrimwasheldsomightyamongmenthatnonewentupagainsthimanymore；andattimesEricthoughtofGudruda，andsighed，foritwaslikelythatshewouldbeawidowbeforeshewasmadeawife。Still，hisoathmustbefulfilled，and，moreover，oflateSkallagrimhavingheardthatayounglingnamedEricBrighteyeshadvowedtoslayhimsingle-handed，hadmadeofamockofhiminthisfashion。ForSkallagrimrodedowntoColdbackonRanRiverandatnight-timetookalambfromthefold。Holdingthelambbeneathhisarm，hedrewneartothehouseandsmotethriceonthedoorwithhisbattle-axe，andtheywerethunderingknocks。Thenheleaptontohishorseandrodeoffaspaceandwaited。PresentlyEriccameout，buthalfclad，ashieldinonehandandWhitefireintheother，and，looking，bythebrightmoonlighthesawahugeblack-beardedmanseatedonahorse，havingagreataxeinonehandandthelambbeneathhisarm。

“Whoartthou？“roaredEric。

“IamcalledSkallagrim，youngling。”answeredthemanonthehorse。

“Manymenhaveseenmeonce，nonehavewishedtoseemetwice，andsomefewhaveneverseenaughtagain。Now，ithasbeenechoedinmyearsthatthouhastvowedavowtogoupMosfellagainstSkallagrimtheBaresark，andIamcomehithertosaythatIwillmaketheerightwelcome。See。”andwithhisaxehecutoffthelamb’stailonthepommelofhissaddle：“ofthefleshofthislambofthineIwillbrewbrothandofhisskinIwillmakemeavest。Takethouthistail，andwhenthoufittestitontotheskinagain，Skallagrimwillownalord。”andhehurledthetailtowardshim。