第3章

“BidethoutheretillIcancometothee。”shoutedEric；“itwillsparemearidetoMosfell。”

“Nay，nay。Itisgoodforladstotakethemountainair。”andSkallagrimturnedhishorseaway，laughing。

EricwatchedSkallagrimvanishovertheknoll，andthen，thoughhewasveryangry，laughedalsoandwentin。Butfirsthepickedupthetail，andonthemorrowheskinnedit。

Nowthetimewascomewhenthemattermustbetried，andEricbadefarewelltoSaevunahismother，andUnnahiscousin，andgirtWhitefireroundhimandsetuponhisheadagoldenhelmwithwingsonit。ThenhefoundthebyrniewhichhisfatherThorgrimurhadstripped，togetherwiththehelm，fromthatBaresarkwhocutoffhisleg——andthiswasagoodpiece，forgedoftheWelshmen——andheputitonhisbreast，andtakingastoutshieldofbull’shidestuddedwithnails，rodeawaywithonethrall，thestrongcarlenamedJon。

Butthewomenmisdoubtedthemmuchofthisventure；neverthelessEricmightnotbegainsayed。

Now，theroadtoMosfellrunspastMiddalhofandthitherhecame。

Atli，standingatthemen’sdoor，sawhimandcriedaloud：“Ho！amightymancomeshere。”

SwanhildlookedoutandsawEric，andhewasagoodlysightinhiswar-gear。Fornow，weekbyweek，heseemedtogrowmorefairandgreat，asthefullstrengthofhismanhoodroseinhim，likesapinthespringgrass，andGudrudawasveryproudofherlover。ThatnightEricstayedatMiddalhof，andsathandinhandwithGudrudaandtalkedwithEarlAtli。NowtheheartoftheoldvikingwentouttoEric，andhetookgreatdelightinhimandinhisstrengthanddeeds，andhelongedmuchthattheGodshadgivenhimsuchason。

“Iprophesythisofthee，Brighteyes。”hecried：“thatitshallgoillwiththisBaresarkthouseekest——yes，andwithallmenwhocomewithinsweepofthatgreatswordofthine。Butrememberthis，lad：guardthyheadwiththybuckler，cutlowbeneathhisshield，ifhecarriesone，andmowthelegsfromhim：foreveraBaresarkrusheson，shieldup。”

Ericthankedhimforhisgoodwordsandwenttorest。But，beforeitwaslight，herose，andGudrudarosealsoandcameintothehall，andbuckledhisharnessonhimwithherownhands。

“Thisisasadtaskforme，Eric！“shesighed，“forhowdoIknowthatBaresark’shandsshallnotloosethishelmofthine？“

“Thatisasitmaybe，sweet。”hesaid；“butIfearnottheBaresarkoranyman。HowgoesitwithSwanhildnow？“

“Iknownot。ShemakesherselfsweettothatoldEarlandheisfainofher，andthatisbeyondmysight。”

“Ihaveseenasmuch。”saidEric。“Itwillbewellforusifheshouldwedher。”

“Ay，andillforhim；butitistobedoubtedifthatisinhermind。”

NowErickissedhersoftandsweet，andwentaway，biddingherlookforhisreturnonthedayafterthemorrow。

Gudrudaboreupbravelyagainstherfearstillhewasgone，butthensheweptalittle。

NowitistobetoldthatEricandhisthrallJonrodehardupStonefellandacrossthemountainsandovertheblacksand，till，twohoursbeforesunset，theycametothefootofMosfell，havingHeclaontheirright。Itisagrimmountain，greywithmoss，standingaloneinthedesertplain；butbetweenitandHeclathereisgoodgrassland。

“Hereisthefox’searth。Nowtostarthim。”saidEric。

Heknowssomethingofthepathbywhichthisfortresscanbeclimbedfromthesouth，andhorsesmayberiddenupitforaspace。Soontheygo，tillatlengththeycometoaflatplacewherewaterrunsdowntheblackrocks，andhereEricdrankofthewater，atefood，andwashedhisfaceandhands。Thisdone，hebidJontendthehorses——forhereaboutsthereisalittlegrass——andbewatchfultillhereturned，sincehemustgoupagainstSkallagrimalone。AndtherewithadoubtfulheartJonstayedallthatnight。Forofallthatcametopasshesawbutonething，andthatwasthelightofWhitefireasitflashedouthighabovehimonthebrowofthemountainwhenfirstBrighteyessmoteatfoe。

EricwentwarilyuptheBaresarkpath，forhewouldkeephisbreathinhim，andthelightshoneredlyonhisgoldenhelm。Highhewent，tillatlengthhecametoapassnarrowanddarkandhedgedoneithersidewithsheercliffs，suchastwoarmedmenmightholdagainstascore。

Hepeereddownthispath，buthesawnoBaresark，thoughitwaswornbyBaresarkfeet。Hecreptalongitslength，movinglikeasunbeamthroughthedarknessofthepass，forthelightgatheredonhishelmandsword，tillsuddenlythepathturnedandhewasonthebrinkofagulfthatseemedtohavenobottom，and，lookingacrossanddown，hecouldseeJonandthehorsesmorethanahundredfathomsbeneath。NowEricmuststop，forthispathleadsbutintotheblackgulf。AlsohewasperplexedtoknowwhereSkallagrimhadhislair。Hecrepttothebrinkandgazed。Thenhesawthatapointofrockjuttedfromthesheerfaceofthecliffandthatthepointwaswornwiththemarkoffeet。

“WhereBaresarkpasses，theremayyeomanfollow。”saidEricand，sheathingWhitefire，withoutmoreado，thoughhelikedthetasklittle，hegraspedtheoverhangingrockandsteppeddownontothepointbelow。Nowhewasperchedlikeaneagleoverthedizzygulfandhisbrainswam。Backwardhefearedtogo，andforwardhemightnot，fortherewasnothingbutair。Besidehim，growingfromthefaceofthecliff，wasabirch-bush。Hegraspedittosteadyhimself。Itbentbeneathhisclutch，andthenhesaw，behindit，aholeintherockthroughwhichamancouldcreep，anddownthisholeranfootmarks。

“Firstthroughairlikeabird；nowthroughearthlikeafox。”saidEricandenteredthehole。Doublinghisbodytillhishelmalmosttouchedhiskneehetookthreepacesandlo！hestoodonagreatplatformofrock，solargethatahallmightbebuiltonit，which，curvinginwards，cannotbeseenfromthenarrowpass。Thisplatform，thatisbackedbythesheercliff，looksstraighttothesouth，andfromithecouldsearchtheplainandthepaththathehadtravelled，andthereoncemorehesawJonandthehorsesfarbelowhim。

“Astrongplace，truly，andwellchosen。”saidEricandlookedaround。

Ontheflooroftherockandsomepacesfromhimaturffirestillsmouldered，andbyitweresheep’sbones，andbeyond，inthefaceoftheoverhangingprecipice，wasthemouthofacave。

“Thewolfisathome，orwasbutlately。”saidEric；“nowforhislair；“andwiththathewalkedwarilytothemouthofthecaveandpeeredin。Hecouldseenothingyetawhile，butsurelyheheardasoundofsnoring？

Thenhecreptin，and，presently，bytheredlightoftheburningembers，hesawagreatblack-beardedmanstretchedatlengthuponarugofsheepskins，andbyhissideanaxe。

“Nowitwouldbeeasytomakeanendofthiscave-dweller。”thoughtEric；“butthatisadeedIwillnotdo——no，noteventoaBaresark——

toslayhiminhissleep。”andtherewithhesteppedlightlytothesideofSkallagrim，andwasabouttoprickhimwiththepointofWhitefire，when！ashedidso，anothermansatupbehindSkallagrim。

“ByThor！fortwoIdidnotbargain。”saidEric，andsprangfromthecave。

Then，withagruntofrage，thatBaresarkwhowasbehindSkallagrimcameoutlikeashe-bearrobbedofherwhelps，andranstraightatEric，swordaloft。Ericgivesbeforehimrighttotheedgeofthecliff。ThentheBaresarksmitesathimandBrighteyescatchestheblowonhisshield，andsmitesathiminturnsowellandtruly，thattheheadoftheBaresarkfliesfromhisshouldersandspinsalongtheground，buthisbody，withoutstretchedarmsyetgrippingattheair，fallsovertheedgeofthegulfsheerintothewater，ahundredfathomsdown。ItwastheflashthatWhitefiremadeasitcircledereitsmotethatJonsawwhilehewaitedinthedelluponthemountainside。ButoftheBaresarkhesawnothing，forhepasseddownintothegreatfire-rivencleftandwasneverseenmore，saveonceonly，inastrangefashionthatshallbetold。ThiswasthefirstmanwhomBrighteyesslew。

NowtheoldtaletellsthatEriccriedaloud：“Littlechancehadthisone。”andthatthenawonderfulthingcametopass。Fortheheadontherockopeneditseyesandanswered：

“Littlechanceindeedagainstthee，EricBrighteyes。Still，Itelltheethis：thatwheremybodyfelltherethoushaltfall，andwhereitliestherethoushaltliealso。”

NowEricwasafraid，forhethoughtitastrangethingthataseveredheadshouldspeaktohim。

“HereitseemsIhavetodealwithtrolls。”hesaid；“butattheleast，thoughhespeak，thisoneshallstrikenomore。”andhelookedatthehead，butitanswerednothing。

NowSkallagrimsleptthroughitallandthelightgrewsodimthatEricthoughtittimetomakeanendthiswayorthat。Therefore，hetooktheheadoftheslainman，thoughhefearedtotouchit，androlleditswiftlyintothecave，saying，“Now，beingsoglibofspeech，gotellthymatethatEricBrighteyesknocksathisdoor。”

Thencamesoundsasofamanrising，andpresentlySkallagrimrushedforthwithaxealoftandhisfellow’sheadinhislefthand。HewasclothedinnothingbutashirtandtheskinofEric’slambwasboundtohischest。

“Wherenowismymate？“hesaid。ThenhesawEricleaningonWhitefire，hisgoldenhelmablazewiththegloryofthepassingsun。

“Itseemsthatthouholdestsomewhatofhiminthinehand，Skallagrim，andfortherest，goseekitinyonderrift。”

“Whoartthou？“roaredSkallagrim。

“Thoumayestknowmebythistoken。”saidEric，andhethrewtowardshimtheskinofthatlamb’stailwhichSkallagrimhadliftedfromColdback。

NowSkallagrimknewhimandtheBaresarkfitcameon。Hiseyesrolled，foamflewtohislips，hismouthgrinned，andhewasawesometosee。

Heletfallthehead，and，swingingthegreataxealoft，rushedatEric。ButBrighteyesistooswiftforhim。Itwouldnotbewelltoletthatstrokefall，anditmustgohardwithaughtitstruck。Hespringsforward，heloutslowandsweepsupwardswithWhitefire。Skallagrimseestheswordflareanddropsalmosttohisknee，guardinghisheadwiththeaxe；butWhitefirestrikesontheironhalfoftheaxeandshearsitintwo，sothattheaxe-headfallstoearth。NowtheBaresarkisweaponlessbutunharmed，anditwouldbeaneasytasktoslayhimasherushesby。ButitcameintoEric’smindthatitisanunworthydeedtoslayaswordlessman，andthiscameintohismindalso，thathedesiredtomatchhisnakedmightagainstaBaresarkinhisrage。So，inthehardihoodofhisyouthandstrength，hecastWhitefireaside，andcrying“Come，tryafallwithme，Baresark。”

rushedonSkallagrim。

“Thouartmad。”yellstheBaresark，andtheyareatithard。Nowtheygripandrendandtear。Ospakarwasstrong，buttheBaresarkstrengthofSkallagrimismorethanthestrengthofOspakar，andsoonBrighteyesthinkslonginglyonWhitefirethathehascastaside。Ericismightybeyondthemightofmen，buthecanscarcelyholdhisownagainstthismadman，andverysoonheknowsthatonlyonechanceislefttohim，andthatistoclingtoSkallagrimtilltheBaresarkfitbepassedandheisoncemorelikeothermen。Butthisiseasiertotellofthantodo，andpresently，striveashewill，Ericisonhisback，andSkallagrimonhim。ButstillheholdstheBaresarkaswithbandsofiron，andSkallagrimmaynotfreehisarms，thoughhestrivefuriously。Nowtheyrolloverandoverontherock，andthegloomgathersfastaboutthemtillpresentlyEricseesthattheydrawneartothebrinkofthatmightyriftdownwhichtheseveredheadofthecave-dwellerhasforetoldhisfall。

“Thenwegotogether。”saysEric，buttheBaresarkdoesnotheed。Nowtheyareontheverybrink，andhereasitchances，orastheNornsdecree，alittlerockjutsupandthiskeepsthemfromfalling。Ericisuppermost，and，striveashewill，Skallagrimmaynotturnhimonhisbackagain。Still，Brighteyes’strengthmaynotendureverylong，forhegrowsfaint，andhislegsslipslowlyoverthesideoftherifttillnowheclings，asitwere，byhisribsandshoulder-bladesalone，thatrubagainstthelittlerock。Thelightdiesaway，andEricthinksonsweetGudrudaandmakesreadytodiealso，whensuddenlyalastrayfromthesunfallsonthefiercefaceofSkallagrim，andlo！

Brighteyesseesitchange，forthemadnessgoesoutofit，andinamomenttheBaresarkbecomesbutasachildinhismightygrip。

“Hold！“saidSkallagrim，“Icravepeace。”andheloosedhisclasp。

“Nottoosoon，then。”gaspedEricas，drawinghislegsfromoverthebrinkoftherift，hegainedhisfeetand，staggeringtohissword，graspeditverythankfully。

“Iamfordone！“saidSkallagrim；“come，dragmefromthisplace，forI

fall；or，ifthouwilt，hewoffmyhead。”

“Iwillnotservetheethus。”saidEric。“Thouartagallantfoe。”andheputouthishandanddrewhimintosafety。

ForawhileSkallagrimlaypanting，thenhegainedhishandsandkneesandcrawledtowhereEricleanedagainsttherock。

“Lord。”hesaid，“givemethyhand。”

Ericstretchedforthhislefthand，wondering，andSkallagrimtookit。

Hedidnotstretchouthisright，for，fearingguile，hegrippedWhitefireinit。

“Lord。”Skallagrimsaidagain，“ofallmenwhoeverwere，thouartthemightiest。Fiveothermenhadnotstoodbeforemeinmyrage，but，scorningthyweapon，thoudidstovercomemeinthenoblestfashion，andbythynakedstrengthalone。Nowhearken。Thouhastgivenmemylife，anditisthinefromthishourtotheend。HereIswearfealtytothee。Slaymeifthouwilt，orusemeifthouwilt，butIthinkitwillbebetterfortheetodothisratherthanthat，forthereisbutonewhohasmasteredme，andthouarthe，anditisborneinuponmymindthatthouwilthaveneedofmystrength，andthatshortly。”

“Thatmaywellbe，Skallagrim。”saidEric，“yetIputlittletrustinoutlawsandcave-dwellers。HowdoIknow，ifItaketheetome，thatthouwiltnotmurdermeinmysleep，asitwouldhavebeeneasyformetodobytheebutnow？“

“Whatisitthatrunsfromthyarm。”askedSkallagrim。

“Blood。”saidEric。

“Stretchoutthinearm，lord。”

Ericdidso，andtheBaresarkputhislipstothescratchandsuckedtheblood，thensaid：

“InthisbloodofthineIpledgethee，EricBrighteyes！MayValhallarefusemeandHelatakeme；mayIbehuntedlikeafoxfromearthtoearth；maytrollstormentmeandwizardssportwithmeo’night；maymylimbsshrivelandmyheartturntowater；maymyfoesovertakeme，andmybonesbecrushedacrossthedoom-stone——ifIfailinonejotfromthismyoaththatIhavesworn！Iwillguardthyback，Iwillsmitethyenemies，thyhearthstoneshallbemytemple，thyhonourmyhonour。ThrallamIofthine，andthrallIwillbe，andwhilesthouwiltwewillliveonelife，and，intheend，wewilldieonedeath。”

“ItseemsthatingoingtoseekafoeIhavefoundafriend。”saidEric，“anditislikelyenoughthatIshallneedone。Skallagrim，Baresarkandoutlawasthouart，Itaketheeatthyword。Henceforth，wearemasterandmanandwewilldomanyadeedsidebyside，andintokenofitIlengthenthynameandcalltheeSkallagrimLambstail。

Now，ifthouhastit，givemefoodanddrink，forIamfaintfromthathugofthine，oldbear。”

VIII

HOWOSPAKARBLACKTOOTHFOUNDERICBRIGHTEYESAND

SKALLAGRIMLAMBSTAILONHORSE-HEADHEIGHTS

NowSkallagrimledErictohiscaveandfedthefireandgavehimfleshtoeatandaletodrink。WhenhehadeatenhisfillEriclookedattheBaresark。Hehadblackhairstreakedwithgreythathungdownuponhisshoulders。Hisnosewashookedlikeaneagle’sbeak，hisbeardwaswildandhissunkeneyeswerekeenasahawk’s。Hewassomewhatbentandnotovertall，butofamightymake，forhisshouldersmustpassmanyadoorsideways。

“Thouartagreatman。”saidEric，“anditissomethingtohaveovercomethee。NowtellmewhatturnedtheeBaresark。”

“Ashamefuldeedthatwasdoneagainstme，lord。TenyearsagoIwasayeomanofsmallwealthinthenorth。Ihadbutonegoodthing，andthatwasthefairesthousewifeinthoseparts——Thorunnabyname——andI

lovedhermuch，butwehadnochildren。Now，notfarfrommysteadisaplacecalledSwinefell，andtheredwellsamightychiefnamedOspakarBlacktooth；heisanevilmanandstrong——“

EricstartedatthenameandthenbadeSkallagrimtakeupthetale。

“ItchancedthatOspakarsawmywifeThorunnaandwouldtakeher，butatfirstshedidnotlisten。Thenhepromisedherwealthandallgoodthings，andshewaswearyofourhardwayoflifeandhearkened。

Still，shewouldnotgoawayopenly，forthathadbroughtshameonher，butplottedwithOspakarthatheshouldcomeandtakeherasthoughbyforce。Soitcameabout，asIlayheavilyasleeponenightatThorunna’sside，havingdrunksomewhattoodeeplyoftheautumnale，thatarmedmenseizedme，boundme，andhaledmefrommybed。

Therewereeightofthem，andwiththemwasOspakar。ThenBlacktoothbidThorunnarise，clotheherselfandcometobehisMay，andshemadepretencetoweepatthis，butfelltoitreadilyenough。Nowsheboundhergirdleroundherandtoitaknifehung。

“’Killthyself，sweet，’Icried：’deathisbetterthanshame。’

“’Notso，husband，’sheanswered。’ItistruethatIlovebutthee；

yetawomanmayfindanotherlove，butnotanotherlife，’andIsawherlaughthroughhermocktears。NowOspakarrodeinhothasteawaytoSwinefellandwithhimwentThorunna，buthismenstayedawhileanddrankmyale，and，astheydrank，theymockedmewhowasboundbeforethem，andlittlebylittleallthetruthwastoldofthedoingsofOspakarandThorunnamyhousewife，andIlearnedthatitwasshewhohadplannedthissport。ThenmyeyesgrewdarkandIdrewneartodeathfromveryshameandbitterness。Butofasuddensomethingleapedupinmyheart，fireragedbeforemyeyesandvoicesinmyearscalledontowarandvengeance。IwasBaresark——andlikehaybandsIburstmycords。Myaxehungonthewainscot。Isnatcheditthence，andofwhatbefellIknowthisalone，that，whenthemadnesspassed，eightmenlaystretchedoutbeforeme，andalltheplacewasbutagoreofblood。

“’ThenIdrewthedeadtogetherandpileddrinkingtablesoverthem，andbenches，andturf，andanythingelsethatwouldburn，andputcod’soilonthepile，andfiredthesteadabovethem，sothatthetalewentabroadthatallthesemenwereburnedintheircups，andI

withthem。

“’ButItookthenameofSkallagrimandsworeanoathagainstallmen，ay，andwomentoo，andawayIwenttothewood-folkandworkedmuchmischief，forIsparedfew，andsoontoMosfell。HereIhavestayedthesefiveyears，awaitingthetimewhenIshallfindOspakarandThorunnatheharlot，andIhavefoughtmanymen，but，tillthoucamestupagainstme，nonecouldstandbeforemymight。”

“Astrangetale，truly。”saidEric；“butnowhearkenthoutoastranger，forofatruthitseemsthatwehavenotcometogetherbychance。”andhetoldhimofGudrudaandthewrestlingandoftheoverthrowofBlacktooth，andshowedhimWhitefirewhichhewonoutofthehandofOspakar。

Skallagrimlistenedandlaughedaloud。“Surely。”hesaid，“thisistheworkoftheNorns。See，lord，thouandIwillyetsmitethisOspakar。

Hehastakenmywifeandhewouldtakethybetrothed。Letitbe！Letitbe！Ah，wouldthatIhadbeentheretoseethewrestling——Ospakarhadneverrisenfromhissnow-bed。Butthereistimelefttous，andI

shallyetseehisheadrollalongthedust。ThouhasthisgoodlyswordandwithitthoushaltsweepBlacktooth’sheadfromhisshoulders——orperchancethatshallbemylot。”andwiththisSkallagrimsprangup，gnashinghisteethandclutchingattheair。

“Peace。”saidEric。“Blacktoothisnothere。Savethyrageuntilitcanrunalongthyswordandstrikehim。”

“Nay，nothere，noryetsofaroff，lord。Hearken：IknowthisOspakar。IfhehasseteyesoflongingonGudruda，Asmund’sdaughter，hewillnotrestonehourtillhehaveherorisslain；andifhehasseteyesofhateonthee——thentakeheedtothygoingandspydowneverypathbeforethyfeettreadit。SoonshallthemattercomeonforjudgmentandevennowOdin’sValkyries[*]choosetheirown。”

[*]The“corse-choosingsisters“whowerebiddenbyOdintosingleoutthosewarriorswhosehourhadcometodieinbattleandwinValhalla。

“Itiswell，then。”saidEric。

“Yea，lord，itiswell，forwetwohavelittletofearfromanysixmen，ifsobethattheyfallonusinfairfight。ButIdonotaltogetherlikethytale。Toomanywomenaremixedupinit，andwomenstabintheback。Amanmaydealwithswordsaloft，butnotwithtricks，andlies，andfalsewomen’switchery。Itwasawomanwhogreasedthywrestlingsoles；mayhapitwillbeawomanthatbindsonthyHell-shoeswhenallisdone——ay！andwhomakesthemreadyforthyfeet。”

“Ofwomen，asofmen。”answeredEric，“thereisthistobesaid，thatsomearegoodandsomeevil。”

“Yes，lord，andthisalso，thattheevilonesplottheilloftheirevil，butthegooddoitoftheirblindfoolishness。Forswearwomenandsoshaltthoulivehappyanddieinhonour——cherishthemandliveinwretchednessanddieanoutcast。”

“Thytalkisfoolish。”saidEric。“Birdsmusttotheair，theseatotheshore，andmanmusttowoman。Asthingsaresoletthembe，fortheywillsoonseemasthoughtheyhadneverbeen。Ihadratherkissmydearanddie，ifsoitpleasesmetodo，thankisshernotandlive，foratthelasttheendwillbeoneend，andkissesaresweet！“

“Thatisagoodsaying。”saidSkallagrim，andtheyfellasleepsidebysideandErichadnofear。

Nowtheyawokeandthelightwasalreadyfull，fortheywerewearyandtheirsleephadbeenheavy。

HardbythemouthofthecaveisalittlewellofwaterthatgatherstherefromtherocksaboveandinthisEricwashedhimself。ThenSkallagrimshowedhimthecaveandthegoodlystoreofarmsthathehadwonfromthosewhomhehadslainandrobbed。

“Awondrousplace，truly。”saidEric，“andwellfittedtotheusesofsuchachapman[*]asthouart；but，say，howdidstthoufindit？“

[*]Merchant。

“Ifollowedhimwhowasherebeforemeandgavehimchoice——togo，ortofightforthestronghold。Butheneedsmustfightandthatwashisbane，forIslewhim。”

“Whowasthat，then。”askedEric，“whoseheadliesyonder？“

“Acave-dweller，lord，whomItooktomebecauseofthelonesomenessofthewintertide。Hewasanevilman，forthoughitisgoodtobeBaresarkfromtimetotime，yettodwellwithonewhoisalwaysBaresarkisnotgood，andthoudidstaneedfuldeedinsmitinghisheadfromhim——andnowletitgotofinditstrunk。”andherolleditovertheedgeofthegreatrift。

“Knowestthou，Skallagrim，thatthisheadspoketomeafterithadlefttheman’sshoulders，sayingthatwhereitsbodyfellthereI

shouldfall，andwhereitlaythereIshouldliealso？“

“Then，lord，thatislikelytobethydoom，forthismanwasforesighted，and，butthenightbeforelast，aswerodeouttoseeksheep，hefelthishead，andsaidthat，beforethesunsankagain，ahundredfathomsofairshouldlinkittohisshoulders。”

“Itmaybeso。”answeredEric。“IthoughtasIlayinthygripyonderthatthefatewasnear。Andnowarmthyself，andtakesuchgoodsasthouneedest，andletushence，forthatthrallofminewhowaitsmeyonderwillthinkthouhastbeentoomightyforme。”

Skallagrimwenttotheedgeoftheriftandsearchedtheplainwithhishawkeyes。

“Noneedtohasten，lord。”hesaid。“Seeyonderridesthythrallacrosstheblacksand，andwithhimgoesthyhorse。Surelyhethoughtthoucamestnomoredownthepathbywhichthouwentestup，anditisnotthrall’sworktoseekSkallagriminhislairandaskfortidings。”

“Wolvestakehimforafool！“saidEricinanger。“HewillridetoMiddalhofandsingmydeath-song，andthatwillsoundsadlyinsomeears。”

“Itispleasant，lord。”saidSkallagrim，“whengoodtidingsdogtheheelsofbad，andwomenfolkcansparesometearsandbelittlepoorer。

IhavehorsesinasecretdellthatIwillshowthee，andonthemwewillridehencetoMiddalhof——andtherethoumustclaimpeaceforme。”

“Itiswell。”saidEric；“nowarmthyself，forifthougoestwithmethoumustmakeanendofthyBaresarkways，orkeepthemforthehourofbattle。”

“Iwilldothybidding，lord。”saidSkallagrim。Thenheenteredthecaveandsetaplainblacksteelhelmuponhisblacklocks，andablackchainbyrnieabouthisbreast。Hetookthegreataxe-headalsoandfittedtoitthehalfofanotheraxethatlayamongtheweapons。

Thenhedrewoutapurseofmoneyandastoreofgoldenrings，andsettheminabagofotterskin，andbuckleditabouthim。Buttheothergoodshewrappedupinskinsandhidbehindsomestoneswhichwereatthebottomofthecave——purposingtocomeanothertimeandfetchthem。

ThentheywentforthbythatsameperilouspathwhichErichadtrod，andSkallagrimshowedhimhowhemightpasstherockinsafety。

“Aroughroadthis。”saidEricashegainedthedeepcleft。

“Yea，lord，and，tillthoucamest，onethatnonebutwood-folkhavetrodden。”

“Iwouldtreaditnomore。”saidEricagain，“andyetthatfellowthiefofthinesaidthatIshoulddiehere。”andforawhilehisheartwasheavy。

NowSkallagrimLambstailledhimbysecretpathstoadellrichingrass，thatishidintheroundofthemountain，andherethreegoodhorseswereatfeed。Then，goingtoacertainrock，hebroughtoutbitsandsaddles，andtheycaughtthehorses，and，mountingthem，rodeawayfromMosfell。

NowEricandhishenchmanSkallagrimtheBaresarkrodefourhoursandsawnobody，tillatlengththeycametothebrowofahillthatisnamedHorse-HeadHeights，and，crossingit，foundthemselvesalmostinthemidstofascoreofarmedmenwhowereabouttomounttheirhorses。

“Nowwehavecompany。”saidSkallagrim。

“Yes，andbadcompany。”answeredEric，“foryonderIspyOspakarBlacktooth，andGizurandMordhissons，ayandothers。Down，andbacktoback，fortheywillshowuslittlegentleness。”

Thentheysprangtoearthandtooktheirstanduponamoundofrisingground——andthemenrodetowardsthem。

“Ishallsoonknowwhatthyfellowshipisworth。”saidEric。

“Fearnot，lord。”answeredSkallagrim。“HoldthouthyheadandIwillholdthyback。Wearemetinagoodhour。”

“Goodorill，itislikelytobeashortone。Hearkenthou：ifthoumustturnBaresarkwhenswordsbegintoflash，attheleaststandandbeBaresarkwherethouart，forifthourushestonthefoe，mybackwillbenakedandImustsoonbesped。”

“Itshallbeasthousayest，lord。”

Nowmenroderoundthem，butatfirsttheydidnotknowEric，becauseofthegoldenhelmthathidhisfaceinshadow。

“Whoareye？“calledOspakar。

“Ithinkthatthoushouldstknowme，Blacktooth。”Ericanswered，“forIsettheeheelsupinthesnowbutlately——or，attheleast，thouwiltknowthis。”andhedrewgreatWhitefire。

“Thoumayestknowmealso，Ospakar。”criedtheBaresark。“Skallagrim，mencalledme，Lambstail，EricBrighteyescallsme，butoncethoudidstcallmeOunound。Say，lord，whattidingsofThorunna？“

NowOspakarshookhissword，laughing。“Icameouttoseekonefoe，andIhavefoundtwo。”hecried。“Hearken，Eric：whenthouartslainI

gohencetoburnandkillatMiddalhof。ShallIbearthyheadaskeepsakefromtheetoGudruda？Forthee，Ounound，Ithoughttheedead；

but，beingyetalive，Thorunna，mysweetlove，sendstheethis。”andhehurledaspearathimwithallhismight。

ButSkallagrimcatchesthespearasitfliesandhurlsitback。ItstrikesrightontheshieldofOspakarandpiercesit，ayandthebyrnie，andtheshoulderthatisbeneaththebyrnie，sothatBlacktoothwasmadeunmeetforfight，andhowledwithpainandrage。

“Go，bidThorunnadrawthatsplinterforth。”saysSkallagrim，“andhealtheholewithkisses。”

NowOspakar，writhingwithhishurt，shoutstohismentoslaythetwoofthem，andthenthefightbegins。

OnerushesatEricandsmitesathimwithanaxe。Theblowfallsonhisshield，andshearsoffthesideofit，thenstrikesthebyrniebeneath，butlightly。InanswerEricsweepslowathimwithWhitefire，andcutshislegfromunderhimbetweenkneeandthigh，andhefallsanddies。

Anotherrushesin。DownflashesWhitefirebeforehecansmite，andthecarle’sshieldiscloventhrough。Thenhechoosestodrawbackandfightsnomorethatday。

Skallagrimslaysaman，andwoundsanothersore。AtallchiefwitharedscaronhisfacecomesatBrighteyes。TwicehefeintsattheheadwhileEricwatches，thenlowerstheswordbeneaththecoverofhisshield，andsweepssuddenlyatEric’slegs。Brighteyesleapshighintotheair，smitingdownwardwithWhitefireasheleaps，andpresentlythatchiefisdead，shornthroughshouldertobreast。

NowSkallagrimslaysanotherman，andgrowsBaresark。Helookssofiercethatmenfallbackfromhim。

TworushonEric，onefromeitherside。Theswordofhimontherightfallsonhisshieldandsinksin，butBrighteyestwiststheshornshieldsostronglythattheswordiswrenchedfromthesmiter’shand。

Nowtheotherswordisaloftabovehim，andthathadbeenEric’sbane，butSkallagrimglancesroundandseesitabouttofall。Hehasnotimetoturn，butdashesthehammerofhisaxebackward。Itfallsfullontheswordsman’shead，andtheheadisshattered。

“Thatwaswelldone。”saysEricastheswordgoesdown。

“Notsoillbutitmightbeworse。”growlsSkallagrim。

Presentlyallmendrewbackfromthosetwo，fortheyhavehadenoughofWhitefireandtheBaresark’saxe。

Ospakarsitsonhishorse，hisshieldpinnedtohisshoulderandcursesaloud。

“Closein，youcowards！“heyells，“closeinandcutthemdown！“butnomanstirs。

ThenEricmocksthem。“Therearebuttwoofus。”hesays，“willnomantryagamewithme？Letitnotbesungthattwentywereovercomeoftwo。”

NowOspakar’ssonMordhears，andhegrowsmadwithrage。Heholdshisshieldaloftandrusheson。ButGizurtheLawmandoesnotcome，forGizurwasacoward。

SkallagrimturnstomeetMord，butEricsays：——

“Thisoneforme，comrade。”andstepsforward。

Mordstrikesamightyblow。Eric’sshieldisallshatteredandcannotstayit。Itcrashesthroughandfallsfullonthegoldenhelm，beatingBrighteyestohisknee。Nowheisupagainandblowsfallthickandfast。Mordisastrongman，unwearied，andskilledinwar，andEric’sarmsgrowfaintandhisstrengthsinkslow。Mordsmitesagainandwoundshimsomewhatontheshoulder。

Ericthrowsasidehisclovenshieldand，shouting，pliesWhitefirewithbotharms。Mordgivesbeforehim，thenrushesandsmites；Ericleapsaside。Againherushesandlo！Brighteyeshasdroppedhispoint，anditstandsafullspanthroughthebackofMord，andinstantlythatwashisbane。

Nowmenrushtotheirhorses，mountinhothasteandrideaway，cryingthatthesearetrollswhomtheyhavetodowithhere，notmen。

Skallagrimsees，andtheBaresarkfittakeshimsore。Withaxealofthechargesafterthem，screamingashecomes。Thereisoneman，thesamewhomhehadwounded。Hecannotmounteasily，andwhentheBaresarkcomeshestillliesontheneckofhishorse。Thegreataxewheelsonhighandfalls，anditistoldofthisstrokethatitwassomightythatmanandhorsesankdeadbeneathit，cloventhroughandthrough。ThenthefitleavesSkallagrimandhewalksback，andtheyarealonewiththedeadanddying。

EricleansonWhitefireandspeaks：

“Gettheegone，SkallagrimLambstail！“hesaid；“gettheegone！“

“Itshallbeasthouwilt，lord。”answeredtheBaresark；“butIhavenotbefriendedtheesoillthatthoushouldstfearforblowstocome。”

“Iwillkeepnomanwithmewhoputsmywordaside，Skallagrim。WhatdidIbidthee？WasitnotthatthoushouldsthavedonewiththeBaresarkways，andwherethoustoodesttherethoushouldstbide？andsee：thoudidstforgetmywordswiftly！Nowgettheegone！“

“Itistrue，lord。”hesaid。“Hewhoservesmustservewholly。”andSkallagrimturnedtoseekhishorse。

“Stay。”saidEric；“thouartagallantmanandIforgivethee：butcrossmywillnomore。WehaveslainseveralmenandOspakargoeshencewounded。Wehavegothonour，andtheylossandthegreatestshame。Nevertheless，illshallcomeofthistome，forOspakarhasmanyfriendsandwillsetalaw-suitonfootagainstmeattheAlthing，[*]andthoudidstdrawthefirstblood。”

[*]Theannualassemblyoffreemenwhich，inIceland，performedthefunctionsofaParliamentandSupremeCourtofLaw。

“Wouldthatthespearhadgonemorehome。”saidSkallagrim。

“Ospakar’stimeisnotyet。”answeredEric；“still，hehassomethingbywhichtobearusinmind。”

IX

HOWSWANHILDDEALTWITHGUDRUDA

NowJon，Eric’sthrall，watchedallnightonMosfell，butsawnothingexceptthelightofWhitefireasitsmotetheBaresark’sheadfromhisshoulders。Hestayedtheretilldaylight，muchafraid；then，makingsurethatEricwasslain，JonrodehardandfastforMiddalhof，whitherhecameatevening。

Gudrudawaswatchingbythewomen’sdoor。ShestrainedhereyestowardsMosfelltocatchthelightgleamingonEric’sgoldenhelm，andpresentlyitgleamedindeed，whitenotred。

“See。”saidSwanhildatherside，“Ericcomes！“

“NotEric，buthisthrall。”answeredGudruda，“totellusthatEricissped。”

TheywaitedinsilencewhileJongallopedtowardsthem。

“WhatnewsofBrighteyes？“criedSwanhild。

“Littleneedtoask。”saidGudruda，“lookathisface。”

NowJontoldhistaleandGudrudalistened，clingingtothedoorpost。

ButSwanhildcursedhimforacoward，sothatheshrankbeforehereyes。

Gudrudaturnedandwalkedintothehallandherfacewaslikethefaceofdeath。Mensawher，andAsmundaskedwhysheworesostrangeamien。ThenGudrudasangthissong：

“UptoMosfell，battleeager，RodehelmedBrighteyentothefray。

BackfromMosfell，battleshunning。

SlunkyoncowardthrallIween。

NowshallmaidGudrudaneverKnowahusband’sdearembrace；

Widowedisshe——sunkinsorrow，ErictreadsValhalla’shalls！“

Andwiththisshewalkedfromthestead，lookingneithertotherightnortotheleft。

“Letthemaidbe。”saidAtlitheEarl。“Grieffaresbestalone。ButmyheartissoreforEric。ItshouldgoillwiththatBaresarkifImightgetagripofhim。”

“ThatIwillhavebeforesummerisgone。”saidAsmund，forthedeathofEricseemedtohimtheworstofsorrows。

Gudrudawalkedfar，and，crossingLaxàbythesteppingstones，climbedStonefelltillshecametotheheadofGoldenFalls，for，likeastrickenthing，shedesiredtobealoneinhergrief。ButSwanhildsawherandfollowed，comingonherasshesatwatchingthewaterthunderdownthemightycleft。PresentlySwanhild’sshadowfellathwarther，andGudrudalookedup。

“Whatwouldstthouwithme，Swanhild？“sheasked。“Artthoucometomockmygrief？“

“Nay，foster-sister，forthenImustmockmyown。Icometomixmytearswiththine。See，welovedEric，thouandI，andEricisdead。

Letourhatebeburiedinhisgrave，whenceneithermaydrawhimback。”

Gudrudalookeduponhercoldly，fornothingcouldstirhernow。

“Gettheegone。”shesaid。“Weepthineowntearsandleavemetoweepmine。NotwiththeewillImournEric。”

Swanhildfrownedandbitherlip。“Iwillnotcometotheewithwordsofpeaceasecondtime，myrival。”shesaid。“Ericisdead，butmyhatethatwasbornofEric’slovefortheelivesonandgrows，anditsflowershallbethydeath，Gudruda！“

“NowthatBrighteyesisdead，Iwouldfainfollowonhispath：so，ifthoulistest，throwthegateswide。”Gudrudaanswered，andheededhernomore。

Swanhildwent，butnotfar。Onthefurthersideofaknollofgrasssheflungherselftoearthandgrievedasherfierceheartmight。Sheshednotears，butsatsilently，lookingwithemptyeyesadownthepast，andonwardtothefuture，andfindingnogoodtherein。

ButGudrudaweptastheweightofherlosspressedinuponher——weptheavysilenttearsandcriedinherhearttoEricwhowasgone——criedtodeathtocomeuponherandbringhersleeporEric。

Soshesatandsoshegrievedtill，quiteoutwornwithsorrow，sleepstoleuponherandshedreamed。GudrudadreamedthatshewasdeadandthatshesatnightothegoldendoorthatisinOdin’shouseatValhalla，bywhichthewarriorspassandrepassforever。Thereshesatfromagetoage，listeningtothethunderoftenthousandthousandtrampingfeet，andwatchingthefiercefacesofthechosenastheymarchedoutinarmiestodobattleinthemeads。Andasshesat，atlengthaone-eyedman，cladingleaminggarments，drewnearandspoketoher。Hewasglorioustolookon，andold，andsheknewhimforOdintheAllfather。

“Whomseekestthou，maidGudruda？“heasked，andthevoicehespokewithwasthevoiceofwaters。

“IseekEricBrighteyes。”sheanswered，“whopassedhitherathousandyearsago，andforloveofwhomIamheart-broken。”

“EricBrighteyes，Thorgrimur’sson？“quothOdin。“Iknowhimwell；nobriskerwarriorentersatValhalla’sdoors，andnoneshalldomoreserviceatthecomingofgreywolfFenrir。[*]PassonandleavehimtohisgloryandhisGod。”

[*]ThefoedestinedtobringdestructionontheNorsegods。

Then，inherdream，sheweptsore，andprayedofOdinbythenameofFreyathathewouldgiveErictoherforalittlespace。

“Whatwiltthoupay，then，maidGudruda？“saidOdin。

“Mylife。”sheanswered。

“Good。”hesaid；“foranightEricshallbethine。Thendie，andletthydeathbehiscauseofdeath。”AndOdinsangthissong：

“Now，corse-choosingDaughters，hearkenTothedreadAllfather’sword：

Whenthegaleofspears’breathgathersCountnotEricmidsttheslain，TillBrighteyenoncehathslumbered，Wedded，atGudruda’sside——

Then，Maidens，screamyourbattlecall；

Whelmedwithfoes，letEricfall！“

AndGudrudaawoke，butinherearsthemightywatersstillseemedtospeakwithOdin’svoice，saying：

“Then，Maidens，screamyourbattlecall；

Whelmedwithfoes，letEricfall！“

Sheawokefromthatfeysleep，andlookedupwards，andlo！beforeher，withshatteredshieldandallbesmearedwithwar’sredrain，stoodgold-helmedEric。Therehestood，greatandbeautifultosee，andshelookedonhimtremblingandamazed。

“Isitindeedthou，Eric，orisityetmydream？“shesaid。

“Iamnodream，surely。”saidEric；“butwhylookestthouthusonme，Gudruda？“

Sheroseslowly。“Methought。”shesaid，“methoughtthatthouwastdeadatthehandofSkallagrim。”Andwithagreatcryshefellintohisarmsandlaytheresobbing。

ItwasasweetsightthustoseeGudrudatheFair，herheadofgoldpillowedonEric’swar-stainedbyrnie，herdarkeyesafloatwithtearsofjoy；butnotsothoughtSwanhild，watching。Sheshookinjealousrage，thencreptaway，andhidherselfwhereshecouldseenomore，lestsheshouldbesmittenwithmadness。

“Whencecamestthou？ah！whencecamestthou？“saidGudruda。“Ithoughttheedead，mylove；butnowIdreamedthatIprayedOdin，andhesparedtheetomeforalittle。”

“Well，andthathehath，thoughhardly。”andhetoldherallthathadhappened，andhow，asherodewithSkallagrim，whoyetsatyonderonhishorse，hecaughtsightofawomanseatedonthegrassandknewthecolourofthecloak。

ThenGudrudakissedhimforveryjoy，andtheywerehappyeachwitheach——forofallthingsthataresweetonearth，thereisnothingmoresweetthatthis：tofindhimweloved，andthoughtdeadandcold，aliveandatourside。

Andsotheytalkedandwereverygladwiththegladnessofyouthandlove，tillEricsaidhemustontoMiddalhofbeforethelightfailed，forhecouldnotcomeonhorsebackthewaythatGudrudatook，butmustrideroundtheshoulderofthehill；and，moreover，hewasspentwithtoilandhunger，andSkallagrimgrewwearyofwaiting。

“Go！“saidGudruda；“Iwillbetherepresently！“

Sohekissedherandwent，andSwanhildsawthekissandsawhimgo。

“Well，lord。”saidSkallagrim，“hastthouhadthyfillofkissing？“

“Notaltogether。”answeredEric。

Theyrodeawhileinsilence。

“Ithoughtthemaidseemedveryfair！“saidSkallagrim。

“Therearewomenlessfavoured，Skallagrim。”

“Richbaitformightyfish！“saidSkallagrim。“ThisItellthee：that，striveasthoumayestagainstthyfate，thatmaidwillbethybaneandminealso。”

“Thingsforedoomedwillhappen。”saidEric；“butifthoufearestamaid，thecureiseasy：departfrommycompany。”

“Whowastheother？“askedtheBaresark——“shewhocreptandpeered，listened，thencreptbackagain，hidherfaceinherhands，andtalkedwithagreywolfthatcametoherlikeadog？“

“ThatmusthavebeenSwanhild。”saidEric，“butIdidnotseeher。

Everdoesshehidelikearatinthethatch，andasforthewolf，hemustbeherFamiliar；for，likeGroa，hermother，Swanhildplaysmuchwithwitchcraft。NowIwillawaybacktoGudruda，formyheartmisdoubtsmeofthismatter。StaythouheretillIcome，Lambstail！“

AndEricturnsandgallopsbacktotheheadofGoldfoss。

WhenEriclefther，Gudrudadrewyetnearertotheedgeofthemightyfalls，andseatedherselfontheirverybrink。Herbreastwasfullofjoy，andthereshesatandletthesplendourofthenightandthegreatnessoftherushingsoundssinkintoherheart。Yondershonethesettingsun，poised，asitwere，onWestman’sdistantpeaks，andherespedthewaters，andbythatpathErichadcomebacktoher。Yea，andthereonSheep-saddlewastheroadthathehadtroddownGoldfoss；andbutnowhehadslainoneBaresarkandwonanothertobehisthrall，andtheytwoalonehadsmittenthecompanyofOspakar，andcomethencewithhonourandbutlittleharmed。SurelynosuchmanasErichadeverlived——nonesofairandstrongandtender；andshewasrighthappyinhislove！Shestretchedoutherarmstowardshimwhombutanhourgoneshehadthoughtdead，butwhohadlivedtocomebacktoherwithhonour，andblessedhisbelovedname，andlaughedaloudinherjoyousnessofheart，calling：

“/Eric！Eric！/“

ButSwanhild，creepingbehindher，didnotlaugh。SheheardGudruda’svoiceandguessedGudruda’sgladness，andjealousyarosewithinherandrenther。Shouldthisfairrivalliketotakeherjoyfromher？

“/GreyWolf，GreyWolf！whatsayestthou？/“

See，now，ifGudrudaweregone，ifsherolledacorpseintothoseboilingwaters，Ericmightyetbehers；or，ifhewasnothers，yetGudruda’shecouldneverbe。

“/GreyWolf，GreyWolf！whatisthycounsel？/“

RightonthebrinkofthegreatgulfsatGudruda。Onestrokeandallwouldbeended。Erichadgone；therewasnoeyetosee——nonesavetheGreyWolf’s；therewasnotonguetotellthedeedthatmightbedone。

Whocouldcallhertoaccount？TheGods！WhoweretheGods？WhatweretheGods？Weretheynotdreams？TherewerenoGodssavetheGodsofEvil——theGodssheknewandcommunedwith。

“/GreyWolf，GreyWolf！whatisthyrede？/“

TheresatGudruda，laughinginthetriumphofherjoy，withthesunset-glowshiningonherbeauty，andthere，behindher，Swanhildcrept——creptlikeafoxuponhissleepingprey。

Nowsheisthere——

“/Ihearthee，GreyWolf！Backtomybreast，GreyWolf！/“

SurelyGudrudaheardsomething？Shehalfturnedherhead，thenagainfelltocallingaloudtothewaters：

“Eric！belovedEric！——ah！isthereeveralightlikethelightofthineeyes——isthereeverajoylikethejoyofthykiss？“

Swanhildheard，andherspringsofmercyfroze。Hateandfuryenteredintoher。Sheroseuponherkneesandgatheredupherstrength：

“Seek，then，thyjoyinGoldfoss。”shecriedaloud，andwithallherforceshethrust。

Gudrudafellafathomormore，then，withacry，sheclutchedwildlyatalittleledgeofrock，andhungthere，herfeetrestingontheshelvingbank。ThirtyfathomsdownswirledandpouredandrolledthewatersoftheGoldenFalls。Afathomabove，redintheredlightofevening，loweredthepitilessfaceofSwanhild。Gudrudalookedbeneathherandsaw。Palewithagonyshelookedupandsaw，butshesaidnaught。

“Letgo，myrival；letgo！“criedSwanhild：“thereisnonetohelpthee，andnonetotellthytale。Letgo，Isay，andseekthymarriage-

bedinGoldfoss！“

ButGudrudaclungonandgazedupwardswithwhitefaceandpiteouseyes。

“What！artthousofainofamoment’slife？“saidSwanhild。“ThenI

willsavetheefromthyself，foritmustbeilltosufferthus！“andsherantoseekarock。Nowshefindsoneand，staggeringbeneathitsweighttothebrinkofthegulf，peersover。StillGudrudahangs。

Spaceyawnsbeneathher，thewatersroarinherears，theredskyglowsabove。SheseesSwanhildcomeandshrieksaloud。

Ericisthere，thoughSwanhildhearshimnot，forthesoundofhishorse’sgallopingfeetislostintheroarofwaters。Butthatcrycomestohisears，heseesthepoisedrock，andallgrowscleartohim。Heleapsfromhishorse，andevenassheloosesthestone，clutchesSwanhild’skirtleandhurlsherback。Therockboundssidewaysandpresentlyislostinthewaters。

Ericlooksover。HeseesGudruda’swhitefacegleaminginthegloom。

Downheleapsupontheledge，thoughthisisnoeasything。

“Holdfast！Icome；holdfast！“hecries。

“Icannomore。”gaspsGudruda，andonehandslips。

Ericgraspstherockand，stretchingdownward，gripsherwrist；justasherholdloosenshegripsit，andsheswingsloose，herweighthangingonhisarm。

Nowhemustneedsliftherupandthatwithonehand，fortheledgeisnarrowandhedarenotloosehisholdoftherockabove。Sheswingsoverthegreatgulfandsheissenselessasonedead。Hegathersallhismightystrengthandlifts。Hisfeetslipalittle，thencatch，andoncemoreGudrudaswings。Thesweatburstsoutuponhisforeheadandhisblooddrumsthroughhim。Nowitmustbe，ornotatall。Againheliftsandhismusclesstrainandcrack，andsheliesbesidehimonthenarrowledge！

Allisnotyetdone。Thebrinkofthecleftistheheightofamanabovehim。Therehemustlayher，forhemaynotleavehertofindaid，lestsheshouldwakeandrollintothechasm。Loosinghisholdofthecliff，heturns，facingtherock，and，bendingoverGudruda，twistshishandsinherkirtlebelowthebreastandabovetheknee。

ThenoncemoreEricputsouthismightanddrawsheruptothelevelofhisbreast，andrests。Againwithallhisforceheliftsherabovethecrestofhishelmandthrowsherforward，sothatnowsheliesuponthebrinkofthegreatcliff。Healmostfallsbackwardattheeffort，but，clutchingtherock，hesaveshimself，andwithastrugglegainsherside，andliesthere，pantinglikeaweariedhoundofchase。

Ofalltrialsofstrengththateverwereputuponhismight，Ericwaswonttosay，thisliftingofGudrudawasthegreatest；forshewasnolightwoman，andtherewaslittletostandonandalmostnothingtoclingto。

PresentlyBrighteyesroseandpeeredatGudrudathroughthegloom。Shestillswooned。Thenhegazedabouthim——butSwanhild，thewitchgirl，wasgone。

ThenhetookGudrudainhisarms，and，leadingthehorse，stumbledthroughthedarkness，callingonSkallagrim。TheBaresarkanswered，andpresentlyhislargeformwasseenloominginthegloom。

Erictoldhistaleinfewwords。

“Thewaysofwomankindareevil。”saidSkallagrim；“butofallthedeedsthatIhaveknowndoneattheirhands，thisistheworst。Ithadbeenwelltohurlthewolf-witchfromthecliff。”

“Ay，well。”saidEric；“butthatsongmustyetbesung。”

NowdimlylightedoftherisingmoonbyturnstheyboreGudrudadownthemountainside，tillatlength，utterlyfordone，theysawthefiresofMiddalhof。

X

HOWASMUNDSPOKEWITHSWANHILD

Nowasthedayswent，thoughAtli’sshipwasboundforsea，shedidnotsail，anditcameaboutthattheEarlsankeverdeeperinthetoilsofSwanhild。Hecalledtomindmanywisesaws，buttheseavailedhimlittle：forwhenLoveriseslikethesun，wisdommeltslikethemists。Soatlengthitcametothis，thatonthedayofEric’scomingback，AtliwenttoAsmundthePriest，andaskedhimforthehandofSwanhildtheFatherlessinmarriage。Asmundheardandwasglad，forheknewwellthatthingswentbadlybetweenSwanhildandGudruda，anditseemedgoodtohimthatseasshouldbesetbetweenthem。Nevertheless，hethoughtithonesttowarntheEarlthatSwanhildwasapartfromotherwomen。

“Thoudostgreathonour，earl，tomyfoster-daughterandmyhouse。”hesaid。“Still，itbehovesmetomovegentlyinthismatter。Swanhildisfair，andsheshallnotgohenceawifeundowered。ButImusttelltheethis：thatherwaysaredarkandsecret，andstrangeandfieryarehermoods，andIthinkthatshewillbringevilonthemanwhowedsher。Now，Ilovethee，Atli，wereitonlyforouryouth’ssake，andthouartnotaltogetherfittomatewithsuchamaid，foragehasmettheeonthyway。For，asthouwouldstsay，youthdrawstoyouthasthetidetotheshore，andfallsawayfromeldasthewavefromtherock。Think，then：isitwellthatthoushouldsttakeher，Atli？“

“Ihavethoughtmuchandovermuch。”answeredtheEarl，strokinghisgreybeard；“butshipsoldandnewdrivebeforeagale。”

“Ay，Atli，andthenewshiprides，wheretheoldonefounders。”

“Atruerede，aheavyrede，Asmund；yetIammindedtosailthissea，and，ifitsinkme——well，Ihaveknownfairweather！Greatlonginghasgotholdofme，andIthinkthemaidlooksgentlyonme，andthatthingsmayyetgowellbetweenus。Ihavemanythingstogivesuchaswomenlove。Attheleast，ifthougivestmethygoodword，Iwillriskit，Asmund：fortheboldthrowersometimeswinsthestake。OnlyIsaythis，that，ifSwanhildisunwilling，lettherebeanendofmywooing，forIdonotwishtotakeabridewhoturnsfrommygreyhairs。”

Asmundsaidthatitshouldbeso，andtheymadeanendoftalkingjustasthelightfaded。

NowAsmundwentoutseekingSwanhild，andpresentlyhemethernearthestead。Hecouldnotseeherface，andthatwaswell，foritwasnotgoodtolookon，buthermienwaswondrouswild。

“Wherehastthoubeen，Swanhild？“heasked。

“MourningEricBrighteyes。”shemadeanswer。

“ItismeeterforGudrudatomournoverEricthanforthee，forherlossisheavy。”Asmundsaidsternly。“WhathastthoutodowithEric？“

“Little，ormuch；orall——readitasthouwilt，foster-father。Still，allweptforarenotlost，norallwhoarelostweptfor。”

“LittledoIknowofthydarkredes。”saidAsmund。“WhereisGudrudanow？“

“Highissheorlow，sleepingorperchanceawakened：naughtreckI。

ShealsomournedforEric，andwewentnightominglingtears——neartogetherwerebrowncurlsandgolden。”andshelaughedaloud。

“Thouartsurelyfey，thouevilgirl！“saidAsmund。

“Ay，foster-father，fey：yetisthisbutthefirstofmyfeydom。HerestartstheroadthatImusttravel，andmyfeetshallberederethejourney’sdone。”

“Leavethydarktalk。”saidAsmund，“fortomeitisasthewind’ssong，andlisten：agoodthinghasbefallenthee——ay，goodbeyondthydeserving。”

“Isitso？Well，Istandgreatlyinneedofgood。Whatisthytidings，foster-father？“

“This：AtlitheEarlaskstheeinmarriage，andheisamightyman，wellhonouredinhisownland，andsethigher，moreover，thanIhadlookedforthee。”

“Ay。”answeredSwanhild，“setlikethesnowabovethefells，setintheyearsthatlongaredead。Nay，foster-father，thiswhite-beardeddotardisnomateforme。What！shallImixmyfirewithhisfrost，mybreathingyouthwiththecreepingpalsyofhisage？Never！IfSwanhildwedsshewedsnotso，foritisbettertogomaidentothegravethanthustoshrinkandwitheratthetouchofeld。NowisAtli’swooingsped，andthere’sanend。”

Asmundheardandgrewwroth，forthematterseemedstrangetohim；noraremaidenswontthustoputasidethewordofthosesetoverthem。

“Thereisnoend。”hesaid；“Iwillnotbeansweredthusbyagirlwholivesuponmybounty。ItismyredethatthouweddestAtli，orelsethougoesthence。Ihavelovedthee，andforthatlove’ssakeIhavebornethywickedness，thydarksecretways，andevilwords；butIwillbecrossednomorebythee，Swanhild。”

“ThouwouldstdrivemehencewithGroamymother，thoughperchancethouhastyetmorereasontoholdmedear，foster-father。Fearnot：I

willgo——perhapsfurtherthanthouthinkest。”andoncemoreSwanhildlaughed，andpassedfromhimintothedarkness。

ButAsmundstoodlookingafterher。“Truly。”hesaidinhisheart，“illdeedsarearrowsthatpiercehimwhoshotthem。Ihavesowedevilly，andnowIreaptheharvest。WhatmeansshewithhertalkofGudrudaandtherest？“

Nowashethought，hesawmenandhorsesdrawnear，andoneman，whosehelmgleamedinthemoonlight，boresomethinginhisarms。

“Whopasses？“hecalled。

“EricBrighteyes，SkallagrimLambstail，andGudruda，Asmund’sdaughter。”answeredavoice；“whoartthou？“

ThenAsmundthePriestsprangforward，mostgladatheart，forheneverthoughttoseeEricagain。

“Welcome，andthricewelcomeartthou，Eric。”hecried；“for，know，wedeemedtheedead。”

“Ihavelatelygoneneartodeath，lord。”saidEric，forheknewthevoice；“butIamhaleandwhole，thoughsomewhatweary。”

“Whathascometopass，then？“askedAsmund，“andwhyholdestthouGudrudainthyarms？Isthemaiddead？“

“Nay，shedoesbutswoon。See，evennowshestirs。”andashespakeGudrudaawoke，shuddering，andwithalittlecrythrewherarmsabouttheneckofEric。

Hesetherdownandcomfortedher，thenoncemoreturnedtoAsmund：

“Threethingshavecomeabout。”hesaid。“First，IhaveslainoneBaresark，andwonanothertobemythrall，andforhimIcravethypeace，forhehasservedmewell。Next，wetwoweresetuponbyOspakarBlacktoothandhisfellowship，and，fightingforourhands，havewoundedOspakar，slainMordhisson，andsixothermenofhisfollowing。”

“Thatisgoodnewsandbad。”saidAsmund，“sinceOspakarwillaskagreatweregild[*]forthesemen，andthouwiltbeoutlawed，Eric。”

[*]Thepenaltyformanslaying。

“Thatmayhappen，lord。Thereistimeenoughtothinkofit。Nowthereareothertidingstotell。ComingtotheheadofGoldfossIfoundGudruda，mybetrothed，mourningmydeath，andspokewithher。

AfterwardsIlefther，andpresentlyreturnedagain，toseeherhangingoverthegulf，andSwanhildhurlingrocksuponhertocrushher。”

“Thesearetidingsintruth。”saidAsmund——“suchtidingsasmyheartfeared！Isthistrue，Gudruda？“

“Itistrue，myfather。”answeredGudruda，trembling。“AsIsatonthebrinkofGoldfoss，Swanhildcreptbehindmeandthrustmeintothegulf。ThereIclungabovethewaters，andshebroughtarocktohurluponme，whensuddenlyIsawEric’sface，andafterthatmymindleftmeandIcantellnomore。”

NowAsmundgrewasonemad。Hepluckedathisbeardandstampedontheground。“Maidthoughshebe。”hecried，“yetshallSwanhild’sbackbebrokenontheStoneofDoomforawitchandamurderess，andherbodyhurledintothepooloffaithlesswomen，andtheearthwillbewellridofher！“

NowGudrudalookedupandsmiled：“Itwouldbeilltowreaksuchavengeanceonher，father。”shesaid；“andthiswouldalsobringthegreatestshameonthee，andallourhouse。Iamsaved，bythemercyoftheGodsandthemightofEric’sarm，andthisismycounsel：thatnothingbetoldofthistale，butthatSwanhildbesentawaywhereshecanharmusnomore。”

“Shemustbesenttothegrave，then。”saidAsmund，andfelltothinking。Presentlyhespokeagain：“Bidyonmanfallback，Iwouldspeakwithyoutwain。”andSkallagrimwentgrumbling。

“Hearkennow，EricandGudruda：onlyanhouragohathAtlitheGoodaskedSwanhildofmeinmarriage。ButnowImetSwanhildhere，andhermienwaswild。Still，Ispokeofthemattertoher，andshewouldhavenoneofit。Now，thisismycounsel：thatchoicebegiventoSwanhild，eitherthatshegohenceAtli’swife，ortakehertrialintheDoom-

ring。”

“ThatwillbebadfortheEarlthen。”saidEric。“Methinksheistoogoodamantobeplayedonthus。”

“/Bairnfirst，thenfriend/。”answeredAsmund。

“NowIwilltelltheesomethingthat，tillthishour，Ihavehiddenfromall，foritismyshame。ThisSwanhildismydaughter，andthereforeIhavelovedherandputawayherevildeeds，andsheishalf-sistertothee，Gudruda。See，then，howsoreismystraight，whomustavengedaughterupondaughter。”

“KnowsthysonBj？rnofthis？“askedEric。

“Noneknewittillthishour，exceptGroaandI。”

“YetIhavefeareditlong，father。”saidGudruda，“andthereforeI

havealsobornewithSwanhild，thoughshehatesmemuchandhasstrivenhardtodrawmybetrothedfromme。Nowthoucanstonlytakeonecounsel，anditis：togivechoicetoSwanhildofthesetwothings，thoughitisunworthythatAtlishouldbedeceived，andatthebestlittlegoodcancomeofit。”

“Yetitmustbedone，forhonourisoftenslainofheavyneed。”saidAsmund。“ButwemustfirstswearthisBaresarkthrallofthine，thoughlittlefaithlivesinBaresark’sbreast。”

NowEriccalledtoSkallagrimandchargedhimstrictlythatheshouldtellnothingofSwanhild，andofthewolfthathesawbyher，andofhowGudrudawasfoundhangingoverthegulf。

“Fearnot。”growledtheBaresark，“mytongueisnowmymaster’s。Whatisittomeifwomendotheirwickednessoneonanother？Letthemworkmagic，hateandslaybystealth，soshallevilbelessenedintheworld。”

“Peace！“saidEric；“ifanythingofthispassesthylipsthouartnolongerathrallofmine，andIgivetheeuptothemenofthyquarter。”

“AndIcleavethatwolf’sheadofthinedowntothyhawk’seyes；but，otherwise，Igivetheepeace，andwillholdtheefromharm，wood-

dwellerasthouart。”saidAsmund。

TheBaresarklaughed：“Myhandswillholdmyheadagainsttensuchmannikinsasthouart，Priest。Therewasneverbutonemanwhomightovercomemeinfairfightandtherehestands，andhisbiddingismylaw。Sowastenowordsandmakenotnidderingthreatsagainstgreaterfolk。”andheslouchedbacktohishorse。

“Amightymanandarough。”saidAsmund，lookingafterhim；“Ilikehislookslittle。”

“Nathelessastronginbattle。”quothEric；“hadhenotbeenatmybacksomesixhoursgone，bynowtheravenshadtornouttheseeyesofmine。Therefore，formysake，bearwithhim。”

Asmundsaiditshouldbeso，andthentheypassedontothestead。