第4章

HereEricstrippedoffhisharness，washed，andbounduphiswounds。

Then，followedbySkallagrim，axeinhand，hecameintothehallasmenmadereadytositatmeat。Nowthetaleofthemightydeedsthathehaddone，exceptthatofthesavingofGudruda，hadgoneabroad，andasBrighteyescameallmenroseandwithonevoiceshoutedtilltheroofofthegreathallrocked：

“/Welcome，EricBrighteyes，thougloryofthesouth！/“

OnlyBj？rn，Asmund’sson，bithishand，anddidnotshout，forhehatedEricbecauseofthefamethathehadwon。

Brighteyesstoodstilltilltheclamourdied，thensaid：

“Muchnoiseforlittledeeds，brethren。ItistruethatIoverthrewtheMosfellBaresarks。See，hereisone。”andheturnedtoSkallagrim；

“IstrangledhiminmyarmsonMosfell’sbrink，andthatwassomethingofadeed。Thenhesworefealtytome，andweareblood-brethrennow，andthereforeIaskpeaceforhim，comrades——evenfromthosewhomhehaswrongedorwhosekinhehasslain。Iknowthis，thatwhenthereafterwestoodbacktobackandmetthecompanyofOspakarBlacktooth，whocametoslayus——ay，andAsmundalso，andbearawayGudrudatobehiswife——hewarredrightgallantly，tillsevenoftheirbandlaystiffonHorse-HeadHeights，overthrownofus，andamongthemMord，Blacktooth’sson；andOspakarhimselfwentthencesoresmittenofthisSkallagrim。Therefore，formysake，donoharmtothismanwhowasBaresark，butnowismythrall；and，moreover，IbegtheaidandfriendshipofallmenofthisquarterinthosesuitsthatwillbelaidagainstmeattheAlthingfortheseslayings，whichIherebygiveoutasdonebymyhand，andbythehandofSkallagrimLambstail，theBaresark。”

Atthesewordsallmenshoutedagain；butAtlitheEarlsprangfromthehighseatwhereAsmundhadplacedhim，and，comingtoEric，kissedhim，and，drawingagoldchainfromhisneck，flungitabouttheneckofEric，crying：

“Thouartagloriousman，EricBrighteyes。Ithoughttheworldhadnomoreofsuchabreed。Listentomybidding：comethoutotheearldominOrkneysandbeasontome，andIwillgivetheeallgoodgifts，and，whenIdie，thoushaltsitinmyseatafterme。”

ButEricthoughtofSwanhild，whomustgofromIcelandaswifetoAtli，andanswered：

“Thoudoestmegreathonour，Earl，butthismaynotbe。Wherethefirisplanted，thereitmustgrowandfall。IcelandIlove，andIwillstayhereamongmyownpeopletillIamdrivenaway。”

“Thatmaywellhappen，then。”saidAtli，“forbesureOspakarandhiskinwillnotletthematteroftheseslayingsrest，andIthinkthatitwillnotavailtheemuchthatthousmotestforthineownhand。

Then，comethouandbemyman。”

“WheretheNornsleadthereImustfollow。”saidEric，andsatdowntomeat。Skallagrimsatdownalsoattheside-bench；butmenshrankfromhim，andhegloweredontheminanswer。

PresentlyGudrudaentered，andsheseemedpaleandfaint。

Whenhehaddoneeating，EricdrewGudrudaontohisknee，andshesatthere，restinghergoldenheaduponhisbreast。ButSwanhilddidnotcomeintothehall，thougheverEarlAtlisoughtherdarkfaceandlovelyeyesofblue，andhewonderedgreatlyhowhiswooinghadsped。

Still，atthistimehespokenomoreofittoAsmund。

NowSkallagrimdrankmuchale，andglaredabouthimfiercely；forhehadthisfault，thatattimeshewasdrunken。InfrontofhimweretwothrallsofAsmund’s；theywerebrothers，andlarge-mademen，andtheywatchedAsmund’ssheepuponthefellsinwinter。ThesetwoalsogrewdrunkandjeeredatSkallagrim，askinghimwhatatonementhewouldmakeforthoseewesofAsmund’sthathehadstolenlastYule，andhowitcametopassthathe，aBaresark，hadbeenoverthrownofanunarmedman。

Skallagrimboretheirgibesforaspaceashedrankon，butsuddenlyheroseandrushedatthem，and，seizingaman’sthroatineitherhand，thrustthemtothegroundbeneathhimandnearlychokedthemthere。

ThenEricrandownthehall，and，puttingouthisstrength，toretheBaresarkfromthem。

“Thisthenisthypeacefulness，thouwolf！“Ericcried。“Thouartdrunk！“

“Ay。”growledSkallagrim，“aleismanyaman’sdoom。”

“Haveacarethatitisnotthineandmine，then！“saidEric。“Go，sleep；andknowthat，ifIseetheethusoncemore，Iseetheenotagain。”

ButafterthismenjeerednomoreatSkallagrimLambstail，Eric’sthrall。

XI

HOWSWANHILDBIDFAREWELLTOERIC

NowallthiswhileAsmundsatdeepinthought；butwhen，atlength，menweresunkinsleep，hetookacandleoffatandpassedtotheshutbedwhereSwanhildsleptalone。Shelayonherbed，andhercurlinghairwasallabouther。Shewasawake，forthelightgleamedinherblueeyes，andonanakedknifethatwasonthebedbesideher，halfhiddenbyherhair。

“Whatwouldstthou，foster-father？“sheasked，risinginthecouch。

Asmundclosedthecurtains，thenlookedathersternlyandspokeinalowvoice：

“Thouartfairtobesovileathing，Swanhild。”hesaid。“Whonowwouldhavedreamedthatheartofthinecouldtalkwithgoblinsandwithwere-wolves——thatthoseeyesofthinecouldbeartolookonmurderandthosewhitehandsfindstrengthtodothesin？“

Shehelduphershapelyarmsand，lookingonthem，laughed。“Wouldthattheyhadbeenfashionedinastrongermould。”shesaid。“Maytheywitherintheirwoman’sweakness！elsehadthedeedbeendoneoutright。Nowmycrimeisasheavyuponmeandnothinggainedbyit。

Saywhatfateforme，foster-father——theStoneofDoomandthepoolwherefaithlesswomenlie？Ah，thenmightGudrudalaughindeed，andI

willnotlivetohearthatlaugh。See。”andshegrippedthedaggeratherside：“alongthisbrightedgerunsthepathtopeaceandfreedom，and，ifneedbe，Iwilltreadit。”

“Besilent。”saidAsmund。“ThisGudruda，mydaughter，whomthouwouldsthavefoullydonetodeath，isthineownsister，anditisshewho，pityingthee，hathpleadedforthylife。”

“Iwillnaughtofherpitywhohavenopity。”sheanswered；“andthisIsaytotheewhoartmyfather：shamebeontheewhohastnotdaredtoownthychild！“

“Hadstthounotbeenmychild，Swanhild，andhadInotlovedtheesecretlyasmychild，besureofthis，Ihadlongsincedriventheehence；formyeyeshavebeenopentomuchthatIhavenotseemedtosee。Butatlengththywickednesshasovercomemylove，andIwillseethyfacenomore。Listen：nonehaveheardofthisshamefuldeedofthinesavethosewhosawit，andtheirtonguesaresealed。NowIgivetheechoice：wedAtliandgo，orstandintheDoom-ringandtakethyfate。”

“HaveInotsaid，father，whiledeathmaybesoughtotherwise，thatI

willneverdothislast？NorwillIdothefirst。IamnotallofthetamebreedofyouIcelandfolk——otherandquickerbloodrunsinmyveins；norwillIbesoldinmarriagetoadotardasamareissoldatamarket。Ihaveanswered。”

“Fool！thinkagain，forIgonotbackuponmyword。WedAtliordie——

bythyownhand，ifthouwilt——thereIwillnotgainsaythee；or，ifthoufearestthis，thenanonintheDoom-ring。”

NowSwanhildcoveredhereyeswithherhandsandshookthelonghairaboutherface，andsheseemedwondrousfairtoAsmundthePriestwhowatched。Andasshesatthus，itcameintohermindthatmarriageisnottheendofayoungmaid’slife——thatoldhusbandshavebeenknowntodie，andthatshemightrulethisAtliandhisearldomandbecomearichandhonouredwoman，settinghersailsinsuchfashionthatwhenthewindturneditwouldfillthem。Otherwiseshemustdie——ay，dieshamedandleaveGudrudawithherlove。

Suddenlysheslippedfromthebedtothefloorofthechamber，and，claspingthekneesofAsmund，lookedupthroughthemeshesofherhair，whiletearsstreamedfromherbeautifuleyes：

“Ihavesinned。”shesobbed——“Ihavesinnedgreatlyagainsttheeandmysister。Hearken：IwasmadwithloveofEric，whomfromachildI

haveturnedto，andGudrudaisfairerthanIandshetookhimfromme。

MostofallwasImadthisnightwhenIwroughtthedeedofshame，forillthingscounselledme——thingsthatIdidnotcall；andoh，IthanktheGods——ifthereareGods——thatGudrudadiednotatmyhand。Seenow，father，IputthisevilfrommeandtearEricfrommyheart。”andshemadeasthoughsherentherbosom——“IwillwedAtli，andbeagoodhousewifetohim，andIcravebutthisofGudruda：thatsheforgivemeherwrong；foritwasnotdoneofmywill，butofmymadness，andofthedrivingofthosewhommymothertaughtmetoknow。”

Asmundlistenedandthespringsofhislovethawedwithinhim。“Nowthoudosttakegoodcounsel。”hesaid，“andofthisbesure，thatsolongasthouartinthatmoodnoneshallharmthee；andforGudruda，sheisthemostgentleofwomen，anditmaywellbethatshewillputawaythysin。Soweepnomore，andhavenomoredealingswiththyFinnishwitchcraft，butsleep；andto-morrowIwillbearthywordtoAtli，forhisshipisboundandthoumustswiftlybemadeawife。”

Hewentout，bearingthelightwithhim；butSwanhildrosefromthegroundandsatontheedgeofthebed，staringintothedarknessandshudderingfromtimetotime。

“Ishallsoonbemadehiswife。”shemurmured，“whowouldbebutoneman’swife——andmethinksIshallsoonbemadeawidowalso。Thouwilthaveme，dotard——takemeandthyfate！Well，well；bettertowedanEarlthantobeshamedandstretchedacrosstheDoom-stone。Oh，weakarmsthatfailedmeatmyneed，nomorewillIputtrustinyou！WhennextIwound，itshallbewiththetongue；whennextIstrivetoslay，itshallbebyanother’shand。Cursesonthee，thouillcounsellerofdarkness，whodidstbetraymeatthelast！IsitforthisthatI

worshippedtheeandsworetheoath？“

Themorningcame，andatthefirstlightAsmundsoughttheEarl。Hisheartwasheavybecauseoftheguilethathistonguemustpractise，andhisfacewasdarkasawinterdawn。

“Whatnews，Asmund？“askedAtli。“/Earlytidingsarebadtidings/，sorunsthesaw，andthylooksgiveweighttoit。”

“Notaltogetherbad，Earl。Swanhildgivesherselftothee。”

“Ofherownwill，Asmund？“

“Ay，ofherownwill。ButIhavewarnedtheeofhertemper。”

“Hertemper！Littlehangstoamaid’stemper。Onceawifeanditwillmeltinsoftnesslikethesnowwhensummercomes。Thesearegladtidings，comrade，andmethinksIgrowyoungagainbeneaththebreathofthem。Whyartthousoglumthen？“

“ThereissomethingthatmustyetbetoldofSwanhild。”saidAsmund。

“SheiscalledtheFatherless，but，ifthouwilthavethetruth，whyhereitisforthee——sheismydaughter，bornoutofwedlock，andI

knownothowthatwillpleasethee。”

Atlilaughedaloud，andhisbrighteyesshoneinhiswrinkledface。

“Itpleasesmewell，Asmund，forthenthemaidissprungfromasoundstock。ThenameofthePriestofMiddalhofisfamousfarsouthofIceland；andneverthatIcelandbredacomeliergirl。Isthatall？“

“Onemorething，Earl。ThisIchargethee：watchthywife，andholdherbackfromwitchcraftandfromdealingswithevilthingsandtrollsofdarkness。SheisofFinnishbloodandthewomenoftheFinnsaremuchgiventosuchwickedwork。”

“Isetlittlestorebywitchwork，goblinsandtheirkin。”saidAtli。

“Idoubtmemuchoftheirpower，andIshallsoonweanSwanhildfromsuchways，ifindeedshepractisethem。”

ThentheyfelltotalkingofSwanhild’sdower，andthatwasnotsmall。

AfterwardsAsmundsoughtEricandGudruda，andtoldthemwhathadcometopass，andtheyweregladatthenews，thoughtheygrievedforAtlitheEarl。AndwhenSwanhildmetGudruda，shecametoherhumbly，andhumblykissedherhand，andwithtearscravedpardonofherevildoing，sayingthatshehadbeenmad；nordidGudrudawithholdit，forofallwomenshewasthegentlestandmostforgiving。ButtoEric，Swanhildsaidnothing。

Thewedding-feastmustbeheldonthethirddayfromthis，forAtliwouldsailonthatsameday，sincehispeopleweariedofwaitingandhisshipmightlieboundnolonger。BlithewasAtlitheEarl，andSwanhildwasallchanged，fornowsheseemedthegentlestofmaids，and，asbefittedoneabouttobemadeawife，movedthroughthehousewithsoftwordsanddowncasteyes。ButSkallagrim，watchingher，bethoughthimofthegreywolfthathehadseenbyGoldfoss，andthisseemednotwelltohim。

“Itwouldbebadnow。”hesaidtoEric，astheyrodetoColdback，“tostandinyonoldearl’sshoes。Thiswoman’sweatherhaschangedtoofast，andaftersuchacalmthere’llcomeastormindeed。IamnowmindedofThorunna，forshewentjustsothedaybeforeshegaveherselftoOspakar，andmetoshameandbonds。”

“Talknotoftheraventillyouhearhiscroak。”saidEric。

“Heisonthewing，lord。”answeredSkallagrim。

NowEriccametoColdbackintheMarsh，andSaevunahismotherandUnna，Thorod’sdaughter，thebetrothedofAsmund，weregladtowelcomehim；forthetidingsofhismightydeedsandoftheoverthrowofOspakarandtheslayingofMordwerenoisedfarandwide。ButatSkallagrimLambstailtheylookedaskance。Still，whentheyheardofthosethingsthathehadwroughtonHorse-HeadHeights，theywelcomedhimforhisdeed’ssake。

EricsattwonightsatColdback，andontheseconddaySaevunahismotherandUnnarodethencewiththeirservantstothewedding-feastofSwanhildtheFatherless。ButEricstoppedatColdbackthatnight，sayingthathewouldbeatMiddalhofwithintwohoursofsunrise，forhemusttalkwithashepherdwhocamefromthefells。

SaevunaandhercompanycametoMiddalhofandwasasked，firstbyGudruda，thenbySwanhild，whyBrighteyestarried。Sheansweredthathewouldbethereearlyonthemorrow。Nextmorning，beforeitwaslight，EricgirdedonWhitefire，tookhorseandrodefromColdbackalone，forhewouldnotbringSkallagrim，fearinglestheshouldgetdrunkatthefeastandshedsomeman’sblood。

ItwasSwanhild’swedding-day；butshegreeteditwithlittlelightsomenessofheart，andhereyesknewnosleepthatnight，thoughtheywereheavywithtears。

Atthefirstlightsherose，and，glidingfromthehouse，walkedthroughtheheavydewdownthepathbywhichEricmustdrawnear，forshedesiredtospeakwithhim。Gudrudaalsoroseawhileafter，thoughshedidnotknowthis，andfollowedonthesamepath，forshewouldgreetherloverathiscoming。

Nowthreefurlongsormorefromthesteadstoodavetchstack，andSwanhildwaitedonthefurthersideofthisstack。Presentlysheheardasoundofsingingcomefrombehindtheshoulderofthefellandofthetrampofahorse’shoofs。ThenshesawthegoldenwingsofEric’shelmallablazewiththesunlightasherodemerrilyalong，andgreatbitternesslaidholdofherthatEriccouldbeofsuchajoyousmoodonthedaywhenshewholovedhimmustbemadethewifeofanotherman。

Presentlyhewasbeforeher，andSwanhildsteppedfromtheshadowofthestackandlaidherhanduponhishorse’sbridle。

“Eric。”shesaidhumblyandwithbowedhead，“Gudrudasleepsyet。

Canstthou，then，findtimetohearkentomywords？“

Hefrownedandsaid：“Methinks，Swanhild，itwouldbebetterifthougavestthywordstohimwhoisthylord。”

Sheletthebridle-reindropfromherhands。“Iamanswered。”shesaid；“rideon。”

NowpitystirredinEric’sheart，forSwanhild’smienwasmostheavy，andheleapeddownfromhishorse。“Nay。”hesaid，“speakon，ifthouhastanythingtotellme。”

“Ihavethistotellthee，Eric；thatnow，beforewepartforever，I

amcometoaskthypardonformyill-doing——ay，andtowishalljoytotheeandthyfairlove。”andshesobbedandchoked。

“Speaknomoreofit，Swanhild。”hesaid，“butletthygooddeedscoveruptheill，whicharenotsmall；sothoushaltbehappy。”

Shelookedathimstrangely，andherfacewaswhitewithpain。

“Howthenarewesodifferentlyfashionedthatthou，Eric，canstpratetomeofhappinesswhenmyheartisrackedwithgrief？Oh，Eric，I

blametheenot，forthouhastnotwroughtthisevilonmewillingly；

butIsaythis：thatmyheartisdead，asIwouldthatIweredead。

Seethoseflowers：theysmellsweet——formetheyhavenoodour。LookonthelightleapingfromColdbacktothesea，fromtheseatoWestmanIsles，andfromtheWestmancrownofrocksfarintothewideheavensabove。Itisbeautiful，isitnot？YetItellthee，Eric，thatnowtomyeyeshowlingwinterdarknessiseverywhitasfair。Joyisdeadwithinme，music’sbutajangledmadnessinmyears，foodhathnosavouronmytongue，myyouthisspederemydawnisday。Nothingislefttome，Eric，savethisfairbodythatthoudidstscorn，andthedreamswhichImaygatherfrommyhoursofscantysleep，andsuchshameasbefallsalovelessbride。”

“Speaknotso，Swanhild。”hesaid，andclaspedherbythehand，for，thoughheloathedherwickedness，beingsoft-heartedandbutyoung，itgrievedhimtohearherwordsandseetheanguishofhermind。Foritissowithmen，thattheyareeasilymovedbythepleadingofafairwomanwholovesthem，eventhoughtheylovehernot。

“Yea，IwillspeakoutallmymindbeforeIsealitupforever。See，Eric，thisismystateandthouhastsetthiscrownofsorrowonmybrows：andthoucomestsingingdownthefell，andIgoweepingo’erthesea！Iamnotallsoillatheart。Itwasloveoftheethatdrovemedowntosin，asloveoftheemightotherwisehaveliftedmetoholiness。But，lovingtheeasthouseest，thisdayIwedadotard，andgohischattelandhisbrideacrossthesea，andleavetheesingingonthefell，andbythysideherwhoismyfoe。Thouhastdonegreatdeeds，Brighteyes，andstillgreatershaltthoudo；yetbutasechoestheyshallreachmyears。Thouwiltbetomeasonedead，foritisGudruda’stobindthebyrnieonthybreastwhenthougoestforthtowar，andherstoloosethewingedhelmfromthybrowwhenthoureturnest，battle-wornandconquering。”

NowSwanhildceased，andchokedwithgrief；thenspokeagain：

“Sonowfarewell；doubtlessIwearythee，and——Gudrudawaits。Nay，looknotonmyfoolishtears：theyaretheheritageofwoman，ofnaughtelseisshesure！WhileIlive，Eric，mornbymornthethoughtoftheeshallcometowakemeasthesunwakesyonsnowypeak，andnightbynightthymemoryshallpassasatevehepassesfromthevalleys，buttodawnagainindreams。For，Eric，’tistheeIwedto-day——atheartIamthybride，thineandthineonly；andwhenshaltthoufindawifewhoholdstheesodearasthatSwanhildwhomoncethouknewest？Sonowfarewell！Yes，thistimethoushaltkissawaymytears；thenletthemstreamforever。Thus，Eric！andthus！andthus！

doItakefarewellofthee。”

Andnowsheclungabouthisneck，gazingonhimwithgreatdewyeyestillthingsgrewstrangeanddim，andhemustkissherifonlyforherloveandtenderbeauty’ssake。Andsohekissed，anditchancedthatastheyclungthus，Gudruda，passingbythispathtogiveherbetrothedgreeting，cameuponthemandstoodastonished。Thensheturnedand，puttingherhandstoherhead，fledbackswiftlytothestead，andwaitedthere，greatangerburninginherheart；forGudrudahadthisfault，thatshewasveryjealous。

NowEricandSwanhilddidnotseeher，andpresentlytheyparted，andSwanhildwipedhereyesandglidedthence。

AsshedrewnearthesteadshefoundGudrudawatching。

“Wherehastthoubeen，Swanhild？“shesaid。

“TobidfarewelltoBrighteyes，Gudruda。”

“Thenthouartfoolish，fordoubtlesshethrusttheefromhim。”

“Nay，Gudruda，hedrewmetohim。Hearken，Isay，thousister。Vexmenot，forIgomywaysandthougoestthine。Thouartstrongandfair，andhithertothouhastovercomeme。ButIamalsofair，and，ifIfindspacetostrikein，Ialsohaveashowofstrength。PraythouthatI

findnotspace，Gudruda。NowisEricthine。Perchanceonedayhemaybemine。ItliesinthelapoftheNorns。”

“FairwordsfromAtli’sbride。”mockedGudruda。

“Ay，Atli’sbride，butneverAtli’slove！“saidSwanhild，andswepton。

AwhileafterEricrodeup。Hewasshamefacedandvexedatheart，becausehehadyieldedthustoSwanhild’sbeauty，andbeenmeltedbyhertenderwordsandkissedher。ThenhesawGudruda，andatthesightofherallthoughtofSwanhildpassedfromhim，forhelovedGudrudaandheralone。Heleaptdownfromhishorseandrantoher。But，drawntoherfullheight，shestoodwithdarkflashingeyesandfairfacesetinanger。

Still，hewouldhavegreetedherloverwise；butsheliftedherhandandwavedhimback，andfeartookholdofhim。

“Whatnow，Gudruda？“heasked，faltering。

“Whatnow，Eric？“sheanswered，falteringnot。“HastseenSwanhild？“

“Yea，IhaveseenSwanhild。Shecametobidfarewelltome。Whatofit？“

“Whatofit？Why’/thus！andthus！andthus！/’didstthoubidfarewelltoAtli’sbride。Ay，’thusandthus，’withclinginglipsandtwinedarms。Warmandsoftwasthyfarewellkisstoherwhowouldhaveslainme，Brighteyes！“

“Gudruda，thouspeakesttruth，thoughhowthousawestIknownot。

Thinknoillofit，andscourgemenotwithwords，for，soothtosay，Iwasmeltedbyhergriefandthemusicofhertalk。”

“Itisshametotheesotospeakofherwhombutnowthouheldestinthinearms。Bythegriefandthemusicofthetalkofherwhowouldhavemurderedmethouwastmeltedintokisses，Eric！——forIsawitwiththeseeyes。KnowestthouwhatIammindedtosaytothee？Itisthis：’Gohenceandseemenomore；’forIhavelittlewishtocleavetosuchafeather-man，toonesoblownaboutbythefirstbreathofwoman’stempting。”

“Yet，methinks，Gudruda，Ihavewithstoodsomesuchwinds。Itelltheethat，hadstthoubeeninmyplace，thyselfhadstyieldedtoSwanhildandkissedherinfarewell，forshewasmorethanwomaninthathour。”

“Nay，Eric，Iamnoweakmantobeledastraythus。Yetsheismorethanwoman——trollisshealso，thatIknow；butlessthanmanartthou，Eric，thustofallbeforeherwhohatesme。Timemaycomewhensheshallwootheeafterastrongersort，andwhatwiltthousaytoherthen，thouwhoartsoreadywiththykisses？“

“Iwillwithstandher，Gudruda，forIlovetheeonly，andthisiswellknowntothee。”

“TrulyIknowthoulovestme，Eric；buttellmeofwhatworthisthisloveofmanthateyesofbeautyandtongueofcraftmaysoreadilybewray？Idoubtmeofthee，Eric！“

“Nay，doubtmenot，Gudruda。Ilovetheealone，butIgrewsoftaswaxbeneathherpleading。Myheartconsentednot，yetIdidconsent。I

havenomoretosay。”

NowGudrudalookedonhimlongandsteadfastly。“Thyplightissorry，Eric。”shesaid，“andthisonceIforgivethee。Looktoitthatthougivestmenomorecausetodoubtthee，forthenIshallrememberhowthoudidstbidfarewelltoSwanhild。”

“Iwillgivenone。”heanswered，andwouldhaveembracedher；butthisshewouldnotsufferthen，norformanydaysafter，forshewasangrywithhim。ButwithSwanhildshewasstillmoreangry，thoughshesaidnothingofit。ThatSwanhildhadtriedtomurderher，Gudrudacouldforgive，forthereshehadfailed；butnotthatshehadwonErictokissher，forinthisshehadsucceededwell。

XII

HOWERICWASOUTLAWEDANDSAILEDA-VIKING

Nowthemarriage-feastwenton，andSwanhild，drapedinwhiteandgirtaboutwithgold，satbyAtli’ssideuponthehighseat。Hewasfainofheranddrewhertohim，butshelookedathimwithcoldcalmeyesinwhichhatelurked。Thefeastwasdone，andallthecompanyrodetotheseastrand，wheretheEarl’sshiplayatanchor。Theycamethere，andSwanhildkissedAsmund，andtalkedawhilewithGroa，hermother，andbadefarewelltoallmen。ButshebadenofarewelltoEricandtoGudruda。

“Whysayestthounowordtothesetwo？“askedAtli，herhusband。

“Forthisreason，Earl。”sheanswered，“becauseerelongwethreeshallmeetagain；butIshallseeAsmund，myfather，andGroa，mymother，nomore。”

“Thatisanillsaying，wife。”saidAtli。“Methinksthoudostforetelltheirdoom。”

“Mayhap！AndnowIwilladdtomyredes，forIforetell/thy/doomalso：itisnotyet，butitdrawson。”

ThenAtlibethoughthimofmanywisesaws，butspokenomore，foritseemedtohimthiswasastrangebridethathehadwed。

Theyhauledtheanchorhome，shookoutthegreatsail，andpassedawayintotheeveningnight。Butwhilelandcouldstillbeseen，Swanhildstoodnearthehelm，gazingwithherblueeyesuponthelesseningcoast。Thenshepassedtothehold，andshutherselfinalone，andthereshestayed，sayingthatshewassick，tillatlength，afterafairvoyageoftwentydays，theymadetheOrkneyIslands。

ButallthispleasedAtliwondrousill，yethedarednotcrosshermood。

Now，inIcelandthetimedrewonwhenmenmustridetotheAlthing，andnoticewasgiventoEricBrighteyesofmanysuitsthatwerelaidagainsthim，inthathehadbroughtMord，Ospakar’sson，tohisdeath，dealinghimabrainorabodyoramarrowwound，andothersofthatcompany。ButnosuitswerelaidagainstSkallagrim，forhewasalreadyoutlaw。Thereforehemustgoinhiding，formenwereouttoslayhim，andthishedidunwillingly，atEric’sbidding。AsmundtookupEric’scase，forhewasthemostfamousofalllawmeninthatday，andwhenthirteenfullweeksofsummerweredone，theytworodetotheThing，andwiththemagreatcompanyofmenoftheirquarter。

Now，mengouptotheL？gberg，andtherecameOspakar，thoughhewasnotyethealedofhiswound，andallhiscompany，andlaidtheirsuitsagainstEricbythemouthofGizurtheLawman，Ospakar’sson。Thepleadingswerelongandcunningoneitherside；buttheendofitwasthatOspakarbroughtitabout，bythehelpofhisfriends——andofthesehadmany——thatEricmustgointooutlawryforthreeyears。ButnoweregildwastobepaidtoOspakarandhismenforthosewhohadbeenkilled，andnoatonementforthegreatwoundthatSkallagrimLambstailgavehim，orforthedeathofMord，hisson，inasmuchasEricfoughtforhisownhandtosavehislife。

ThepartyofOspakarwereillpleasedatthisfinding，andEricwasnotoverglad，foritwaslittletohismindthatheshouldsaila-

warringacrosstheseas，whileGudrudasatathomeinIceland。Still，therewasnohelpforthematter。

NowOspakarspokewithhiscompany，andtheendofitwasthathecalledonthemtotaketheirweaponsandavengethemselvesbytheirownmight。AsmundandEric，seeingthis，musteredtheirarmyoffree-

menandthralls。Therewereonehundredandfiveofthem，allstoutmen；butOspakarBlacktooth’sbandnumberedahundredandthirty-

three，andtheystoodwiththeirbackstotheRaven’sRift。

“NowIwouldthatSkallagrimwasheretoguardmyback。”saidEric，“forbeforethisfightisdonefewwillleftstandingtotellitstale。”

“Itisasadthing。”saidAsmund，“thatsomanymenmustdiebecausesomemenarenowdead。”

“Averysadthing。”saidEric，andtookthiscounsel。HestalkedalonetowardstheranksofOspakarandcalledinaloudvoice，saying：

“Itwouldbegrievousthatsomanywarriorsshouldfallinsuchamatter。Nowhearken，youcompanyofOspakarBlacktooth！Iftherebeanytwoamongyouwhowilldaretomatchtheirmightagainstmysingleswordinholmgang，hereI，EricBrighteyes，standandwaitthem。Itisbetterthatoneman，orperchancethreemen，shouldfall，thanthatanonsomanyshouldrollinthedust。Whatsayye？“

Nowallthosewhowatchedcalledoutthatthiswasagoodofferandamanlyone，thoughitmightturnoutillforEric；butOspakaranswered：

“WereIbutwellofmywoundIalonewouldcutthatgoldencombofthine，thoubraggart；asitis，besurethattwoshallbefound。”

“Whoisthebraggart？“answeredEric。“Hewhotwicehaslearnedtheweightofthisarmandyetboastshisstrength，orIwhostandcravingthattwoshouldcomeagainstme？Gettheehence，Ospakar；gettheehomeandbidThorunna，thyleman，whomthoudidstbeguilefromthatOunoundwhonowisnamedSkallagrimLambstailtheBaresark，nursetheewholeofthewoundherhusbandgavethee。Besureweshallyetstandfacetoface，andthatcombsshallbecutthen，combsblackorgolden。

Nursethee！nursethee！ceasethyprating——gettheehome，andbidThorunnanursethee；butfirstnamethouthetwowhoshallstandagainstmeinholmganginOxarà’sstream。”

FolklaughedaloudwhileEricmocked，butOspakargnashedhisteethwithrage。Still，henamedthetwomightiestmeninhiscompany，biddingthemtakeuptheirswordsagainstBrighteyes。This，indeed，theywerelothtodo；still，becauseoftheshamethattheymustgetiftheyhungback，andforfearofthewrathofOspakar，theymadereadytoobeyhisbidding。

ThenallmenpasseddowntothebankofOxarà，and，ontheotherside，peoplecamefromtheirboothsandsatupontheslopeofAllMan’sRaft，foritwasanewthingthatonemanshouldfighttwoinholmgang。

NowEriccrossedtotheislandwhereholmgangsarefoughttothisday，andafterhimcamethetwochosen，flourishingtheirswordsbravely，andtakingcounselhowoneshouldrushathisface，whiletheotherpassedbehindhisbackandspittedhim，aswoodfolkspitalamb。EricdrewWhitefireandleanedonit，waitingfortheword，andallthewomenheldhimtobewondrousfairas，cladinhisbyrnieandhisgoldenhelm，heleanedthusonWhitefire。Presentlythewordwasgiven，andEric，standingnottodefendhimselfastheydeemedhesurelywould，whirledWhitefireroundhishelmandrushedheadlongonhisfoes，shieldaloft。

ThegreatcarlessawthelightthatplayedonWhitefire’sedgeandtheotherlightthatburnedinEric’seyes，andterrorgotholdofthem。

Nowhewasalmostcome，andWhitefiresprangaloftlikeatongueofflame。Thentheystayednomore，but，runningonethiswayandonethat，castthemselvesintothefloodandswamfortheriver-edge。Nowfromeitherbankroseuparoaroflaughter，thatgrewandgrew，tillitechoedagainstthelavariftsandscaredtheravensfromtheirnests。

Eric，too，stoppedhischargeandlaughedaloud；thenwalkedbacktowhereAsmundstood，unarmed，tosecondhimintheholmgang。

“Icangetlittlehonourfromsuchchampionsasthese。”hesaid。

“Nay。”answeredAsmund，“thouhastgotthegreatesthonour，andthey，andOspakar，suchshameasmaynotbewipedout。”

NowwhenBlacktoothsawwhathadcometopass，hewell-nighchoked，andfellfromhishorseinfury。Still，hecouldfindnostomachforfighting，but，musteringhiscompany，rodestraightwayfromtheThinghomeagaintoSwinefell。ButhecausedthosetwowhomhehadputuptodobattlewithErictobesetuponwithstavesanddrivenfromhisfollowing，andtheendofitwasthattheymightstaynomoreinIceland，buttookshipandsailedsouth，andnowtheyareoutofthestory。

Onthenextday，Asmund，andwithhimEricandalltheirmen，rodebacktoMiddalhof。GudrudagreetedEricwell，andforthefirsttimesinceSwanhildwentawayshekissedhim。Moreover，sheweptbitterlywhenshelearnedthathemustgointooutlawry，whileshemustbideathome。

“Howshallthedayspassby，Eric？“shesaid，“whenthouartfar，andIknownotwherethouart，norhowitgoeswiththee，norifthoulivestorartalreadydead？“

“InsoothIcannotsay，sweet。”heanswered；“butofthisIamsurethat，wheresoeverIam，yetmorewearyshallbemyhours。”

“Threeyears。”shewenton——“threelong，coldyears，andnosightofthee，andperchancenotidingsfromthee，tillmayhapIlearnthatthouartinthatlandwhencetidingscannotcome。Oh，itwouldbebettertodiethantopartthus。”

“WellIwotthatitisbettertodiethantolive，andbetternevertohavebeenbornthantoliveanddie。”answeredEricsadly。“Here，itwouldseem，isnothingbuthateandstrife，wearinessandbitterenvytofretawayourstrength，andatlast，ifwecomesofar，sorrowfulageanddeath，andthereafterweknownotwhat。Littleofgooddowefindtoourhands，andmuchofevil；norknowIforwhatill-doingtheseburdensarelaiduponus。Yetmustweneedsbreathesuchanairasisblownaboutus，Gudruda，claspingatthishappinesswhichisgiven，thoughwemaynotholdit。Attheworst，thegamewillsoonbeplayed，andotherswillstandwherewehavestood，andstriveaswehavestriven，andfailaswehavefailed，andsoon，tillmanhasworkedouthisdoom，andtheGodsceasefromtheirwrath，orRagnarr？kcomeuponthem，andtheytooarelostinthejawsofgreywolfFenrir。”

“Menmaywinonegoodthing，andthatisfame，Eric。”

“Nay，Gudruda，whatisittowinfame？Isitnottoraiseupfoes，asitwere，fromtheverysoil，who，madewithsecrethate，seektostabusintheback？Isitnottolosepeace，andtoilonfromheighttoheightonlytobehurleddownatlast？Happy，then，isthemanwhomfamefliesfrom，forhersisadeadlygift。”

“Yetthereisonethingleftthatthouhastnotnumbered，Eric，anditislove——forloveistoourlifewhatthesunistotheworld，and，thoughitseemstosetindeath，yetitmayriseagain。Wearehappy，then，inourlove，fortherearemanywholivetheirlivesanddonotfindit。”

Sothesetwo，EricBrighteyesandGudrudatheFair，talkedsadly，fortheirheartswereheavy，andonthemlaytheshadowofsorrowsthatweretocome。

“Say，sweet。”saidEricatlength，“wiltthouthatIgonotintobanishment？ThenImustfallintooutlawry，andmylifewillbeinthehandsofhimwhomaytakeit；yetIthinkthatmyfoeswillfindithardtocomebywhilemystrengthremains，andattheworstIdobutturntomeetthefatethatdogsme。”

“Nay，thatIwillnotsuffer，Brighteyes。Nowwewillgotomyfather，andheshallgivetheehisdragonofwar——sheisagoodvessel——andthoushaltmanherwiththebriskestmenofourquarter：fortherearemanywhowillbegladtofareabroadwiththee，Eric。Soonsheshallbeboundandthoushaltsailatonce，Eric：forthesoonerthouartgonethesoonerthethreeyearswillbesped，andthoushaltcomebacktome。But，oh！thatImightgowiththee。”

NowGudrudaandEricwenttoAsmundandspokeofthismatter。

“Idesired。”heanswered，“thatthou，Eric，shouldstbidehereinIcelandtillafterharvest，foritisthenthatIwouldtakeUnna，Thorod’sdaughter，towife，anditwasmeetthatthoushouldstsitatthewedding-feastandgivehertome。”

“Nay，father，letEricgo。”saidGudruda，“forwellbegunis，surely，halfdone。Hemustremainthreeyearsinoutlawry：addthounodaytothem，for，ifhestayshereforlong，Iknowthis：thatIshallfindnohearttolethimgo，and，ifgohemust，thenIshallgowithhim。”

“Thatmayneverbe。”saidAsmund；“thouarttooyoungandfairtosaila-vikingdownthesea-path。Hearken，Eric：Igivetheethegoodship，andnowwewillgoabouttofindstoutmentomanher。”

“Thatisagoodgift。”saidEric；andafterwardstheyrodetotheseashoreandoverhauledthevesselasshelayinhershed。Shewasagreatdragonofwar，longandslender，andstandinghighatstemandprow。Shewasfashionedofoak，allboltedtogetherwithiron，andatherprowwasagildeddragonmostwonderfullycarved。

Ericlookedonherandhiseyesbrightened。

“Hererestsawave-horsethatshallbearavikingwell。”hesaid。

“Ay。”answeredAsmund，“ofallthethingsIownthisshipistheverybest。Sheissoswiftthatnonemaycatchher，andshecanalmostgoaboutinherownlength。Thatgalemustbeheavythatshallfillher，withtheetosteer；yetIgivehertotheefreely，Eric，andthoushaltdogreatdeedswiththismygift，and，ifthingsgowell，sheshallcomebacktothisshoreatlast，andthouinher。”

“NowIwillnamethiswar-giftwithanewname。”saidEric。

“’Gudruda，’Inameher：for，asGudrudahereisthefairestofallwomen，soisthisthefairestofallwar-dragons。”

“Sobeit。”saidAsmund。

ThentheyrodebacktoMiddalhof，andnowEricBrighteyesletitbeknownthatheneededmentosailtheseaswithhim。Nordidheaskinvain，for，whenitwastoldthatEricwenta-viking，sogreatwashisfamegrown，thatmanyastoutyeomanandmanyagreat-limbedcarlereacheddownswordandshieldandcameuptoMiddalhoftoputtheirhandsinhis。Formate，hetookacertainmannamedHallofLithdale，andthisbecauseBj？rnaskedit，forHallwasafriendtoBj？rn，andhehad，moreover，greatskillinallmannerofseamanship，andhadoftensailedtheNorthernSeas——ay，androundEnglandtothecoastofFrance。

ButwhenGudrudasawthisman，shedidnotlikehim，becauseofhissharpface，uncannyeyes，andsmoothtongue，andsheprayedErictohavenothingtodowithhim。

“Itistoolatenowtotalkofthat。”saidEric。“Hallisawell-

skilledman，and，fortherest，fearnot：Iwillwatchhim。”

“Thenevilwillcomeofit。”saidGudruda。

SkallagrimalsolikedHalllittle，nordidHallloveSkallagrimandhisgreataxe。

Atlengthallweregathered；theywerefiftyinnumberanditissaidthatnosuchbandofmenevertookshipfromIceland。

Nowthegreatdragonwasboundandherfaringgoodswereaboardofher，forEricmustsailonthemorrow，ifthewindshouldbefair。Alldaylonghestalkedtoandfroamonghismen；hewouldtrustnothingtoothers，andtherewasnoswordorshieldinhiscompanybuthehimselfhadprovedit。Alldaylonghestalked，andathisbackwentSkallagrimLambstail，axeonshoulder，forhewouldneverleaveEricifhehadhiswill，andtheywereamightypair。

Atlengthallwasreadyandmensatdowntothefaring-feastinthehallatMiddalhof，andthatwasagreatfeast。Eric’sfolkweregatheredontheside-benches，andbythehighseatatAsmund’ssidesatBrighteyes，andneartohimwhereBj？rn，Asmund’sson，Gudruda，Unna，Asmund’sbetrothed，andSaevuna，Eric’smother。ForthishadbeensettledbetweenAsmundandEric，thathismotherSaevuna，whowassomesomewhatsunkinage，shouldflitfromColdbackandcomewithUnnatodwellatMiddalhof。ButEricsetatrustygrievetodwellatColdbackandmindthefarm。

Whenthefaring-toastshadbeendrunk，EricspoketoAsmundandsaid：

“Ifearonething，lord，anditisthatwhenIamgoneOspakarwilltroublethee。Now，IprayyoualltobewareofBlacktooth，for，thoughthehoundiswhipped，hecanstillbite，anditseemsthathehasnotyetputGudrudafromhismind。”

NowBj？rnhadsatsilently，thinkingmuchanddrinkingmore，forhelovedEriclessthaneveronthisdaywhenhesawhowallmendidhimhonourandmournedhisgoing，andhisfathernottheleastofthem。

“Methinksitisthou，Eric。”hesaid，“whomOspakarhates，andtheeonwhomhewouldworkhisvengeance，andthatfornolightcause。”

“Whenbadfortunesitsinthyneighbour’shouse，sheknocksuponthydoor，Bj？rn。Gudruda，thysister，ismybetrothed，andthouartapartytothisfeud。”saidEric。“ThereforeitbecomestheebettertoholdherhonourandthyownagainstthisNorthlander，thantogirdatmeforthatinwhichIhavenoblame。”

Bj？rngrewwrothatthesewords。“Pratenottome。”hesaid。“Thouartanupstartwhowouldstteachtheirdutytothybetters——ay，puffedupwithlight-wonfame，likeafeatheronthebreeze。ButIsaythis：thebreezeshallfail，andthoushaltfalluponthegoose’sbackoncemore。AndIsaythisalso，that，hadImywill，GudrudashouldwedOspakar：forheisamightychief，andnotalong-leggedcarle，outlawedforman-slaying。”

NowEricsprangfromhisseatandlaidhanduponthehiltofWhitefire，whilemenmurmuredinthehall，fortheyheldthisanillspeechofBj？rn’s。

“Inthee，itseems，Ihavenofriend。”saidEric，“andhadstthoubeenanyothermanthanGudruda’sbrother，forsooththoushouldstanswerforthymockingwords。ThisItellthee，Bj？rn，that，wertthoutwiceherbrother，ifthouplottestwithOspakarwhenIamgone，thoushaltpaydearlyforitwhenIcomebackagain。Iknowthyheartwell：itiscunningandgreedyofgain，andfilledwithenvyasacaskwithale；

yet，ifthoulovesttofeelitbeatinginthybreast，strivenottoworkmemischiefandtoputGudrudafromme。”

NowBj？rnsprangupalsoanddrewhissword，forhewaswhitewithrage；butAsmundhisfathercried，“Peace！“inagreatvoice。

“Peace！“hesaid。“Beseated，Eric，andtakenoheedofthisfoolishtalk。Andforthee，Bj？rn，artthouthePriestofMiddalhof，andGudruda’sfather，oramI？IthaspleasedmetobetrothBrighteyestoGudruda，anditpleasedmenottobetrothhertoOspakar，andthatisenoughforthee。Fortherest，OspakarwouldhaveslainEric，notheOspakar，thereforeEric’shandsareclean。Thoughthouartmyson，I

saythis，that，ifthouworkestilltoEricwhenheisoversea，thoushaltrightlylearntheweightofWhitefire：itisanidderingdeedtoplotagainstanabsentman。”

Ericsatdown，butBj？rnstrodescowlingfromthehall，and，takinghorse，rodesouth；nordidheandEricmeetagaintillthreeyearshadcomeandgone，andthentheymetbutonce。

“Maggotsshallbebredofthatfly，norshalltheylackfleshtofeedon。”saidSkallagriminEric’searsashewatchedBj？rnpass。ButEricbadehimbesilent，andturnedtoGudruda。

“Looknotsosad，sweet。”hesaid，“forhastywordsriselikethefoamonmeadandpassassoon。ItvexesBj？rnthatthyfatherhasgivenmethegoodship：buthisangerwillsoonpass，or，attheveryworst，I

fearhimnotwhilethouarttruetome。”

“Thenthouhastlittletofear，Eric。”sheanswered。“Looknowonthyhair：itgrowslongasawoman’s，andthatisill，foratseathesaltwillhangtoit。Say，shallIcutitforthee？“

“Yes，Gudruda。”

Soshecuthisyellowlocks，andoneofthemlayuponherheartformanyaday。

“Nowthoushaltsweartome。”shewhisperedinhisear，“thatnoothermanorwomanshallcutthyhairtillthoucomestbacktomeandIclipitagain。”

“ThatIswear，andreadily。”heanswered。“Iwillgolong-hairedlikeagirlforthysake，Gudruda。”

Hespokelow，butKolltheHalf-witted，Groa’sthrall，heardthisoathandkeptitinhismind。

Veryearlyonthemorrowallmenrose，and，takinghorse，rodeoncemoretotheseaside，tilltheycametothatshedwheretheGudrudalay。

Then，whenthetidewashigh，Eric’scompanytookholdoftheblackship’sthwarts，andathisworddraggedherwithmightandmain。Sherandownthegreasedblocksandspedonquiveringtothesea，andasherdragon-prowdippedinthewaterpeoplecheeredaloud。

NowEricmustbidfarewelltoall，andthishedidwithabravehearttillatthelasthecametoSaevuna，hismother，andGudruda，hisdearlove。

“Farewell，son。”saidtheolddame；“Ihavelittlehopethattheseeyesshalllookagainuponthatbonnyfaceofthine，yetIamwellpaidformybirth-pains，forfewhavebornesuchamanasthou。Thinkofmeattimes，forwithoutmethouhadstneverbeen。Benotledastrayofwomen，norleadthemastray，orillshallovertakethee。Benotquarrelsomebecauseofthygreatmight，forthereisastrongerthanthestrongest。Spareafallenfoe，andtakenotapoorman’sgoodsorabraveman’ssword；but，whenthousmitest，smitehome。Soshaltthouwinhonour，and，atthelast，peace，thatismorethanhonour。”

Ericthankedherforhercounsel，andkissedher，thenturnedtoGudruda，whostood，whiteandstill，pluckingathergoldengirdle。

“WhatcanIsaytothee？“heasked。

“Saynothing，butgo。”sheanswered：“gobeforeIweep。”

“Weepnot，Gudruda，orthouwiltunmanme。Say，thouwiltthinkonme？“

“Ay，Eric，bydayandbynight。”

“Andthouwiltbetruetome？“

“Ay，tilldeathandafter，forsolongasthoucleavesttomeIwillcleavetothee。Iwillfirstdieratherthanbetraythee。ButoftheeIamnotsosure。PerchancethoumayestfindSwanhildinthyjourneyingsandcravemorekissesofher？“

“Angermenot，Gudruda！thouknowestwellthatIhateSwanhildmorethananyotherwoman。WhenIkissheragain，thenthoumaystwedOspakar。”

“Speaknotsorashly，Eric。”shesaid，andasshespokeSkallagrimdrewnear。

“Ifthoulingeresthere，lord，thetidewillserveuslittleroundWestmans。”hesaid，eyeingGudrudaasitwerewithjealousy。

“Icome。”saidEric。“Gudruda，faretheewell！“

Shekissedhimandclungtohim，butdidnotanswer，forshecouldnotspeak。

XIII

HOWHALLTHEMATECUTTHEGRAPNELCHAIN

Gudrudabentherheadlikeadroopingflower，andpresentlysanktoearth，forherkneeswouldbearherweightnomore；butEricmarchedtothelipofthesea，hisheadheldhighandlaughingmerrilytohidehispainofheart。HerestoodAsmund，whogrippedhimbybothhands，andkissedhimonthebrow，biddinghimgoodluck。

“Iknownotwhetherweshallmeetagain。”hesaid；“but，ifmyhoursbespedbeforethoureturnest，thisIchargethee：thatthoumindestGudrudawell，forsheisthesweetestofallwomenthatIhaveknown，andIholdherthemostdear。”

“Fearnotforthat，lord。”saidEric；“andIpraytheethis，that，ifIcomebacknomore，aswellmayhappen，donotforceGudrudaintomarriage，ifshewillsitnot，andIthinkshewillhavelittleleaningthatway。AndIsaythisalso：donotcountovermuchonBj？rnthyson，forhehasnoloyalheart；andbewareofGroa，whowasthyhousekeeper，forshelovesnotthatUnnashouldtakeherplaceandmore。AndnowIthanktheeformanygoodthings，andfarewell。”

“Farewell，myson。”saidAsmund，“forinthishourthouseemestasasontome。”

Ericturnedtoentertheseaandwadetothevessel，butSkallagrimcaughthiminhisarmsasthoughhewerebutachild，and，wadingintothesurftillthewatercoveredhiswaistbelt，borehimtothevesselandliftedhimupsothatEricreachedthebulwarkswithhishands。

Thentheyloosedthecableandgotouttheoarsandsoonweredancingoverthesea。Presentlythebreezecaughtthem，andtheysetthegreatsailandspedawaylikeagulltowardstheWestmanIsles。ButGudrudasatontheshorewatchingtill，atlength，thelightfadedfromEric’sgoldenhelmashestooduponthepoop，andtheworldgrewdarktoher。

NowOspakarBlacktoothhadnewsofthissailingandtookcounselofGizurhisson，andtheendofitwasthattheymadereadytwogreatships，dragonsofwar，and，placingsixtyfightingmenineachofthem，sailedroundtheIcelandcoasttotheWestmansandwaitedtheretowaylayEric。Theyhadspiesontheland，andfromthemtheylearnedofBrighteyes’coming，andsailedouttomeethiminthechannelbetweenthegreaterandthelesserislands，wheretheyknewthathemustpass。

NowitdrewtowardseveningwhenEricroweddownthischannel，forthewindhadfallenandhedesiredtobeclearatsea。Presently，astheGudrudacameneartothemouthofthechannel，thathadhighcliffsoneitherhand，Ericsawtwolongdragonsofwar——fortheirbulwarkswereshield-hung——glidefromthecoveroftheislandandtaketheirstationsidebysidebetweenhimandtheopensea。

“Nowherearevikings。”saidErictoSkallagrim。

“NowhereisOspakarBlacktooth。”answeredSkallagrim，“forwellI

knowthatravenbannerofhis。Thisisagoodvoyage，forwemustseekbutalittlewhilebeforewecometofighting。”

Ericbadethemenlayontheiroars，andspoke：

“BeforeusisOspakarBlacktoothintwogreatdragons，andheisheretocutusoff。Nowtwochoicesarelefttous：oneistoboutshipandrunbeforehim，andtheothertorowonandgivehimbattle。Whatsayye，comrades？“

HallofLithdale，themate，answered，saying：

“Letusgoback，lestwedie。Theoddsaretoogreat，Eric。”

Butamanamongthecrewcriedout，“WhenthoudidstgoonholmgangatThingvalla，Eric，Ospakar’stwochosenchampionsstoodbeforethee，yetatWhitefire’sflashtheyskurriedthroughthewaterlikestartledducks。Itwasanomen，forsoshallhisgreatshipsflywhenweswooponthem。”Thentheothersshouted：

“Ay，ay！NeverletitbesaidthatwefledfromOspakar——fieonthywoman’stalk，Hall！“

“Thenweareallofonemind，saveHallonly。”saidEric。“LetusputOspakartotheproof。”Andwhilemenshouted“Yea！“heturnedtospeakwithSkallagrim。TheBaresarkwasgone，for，wastingnobreathinwords，alreadyhewasfixingthelongshieldsonthebulwarkrail。

Themenbuskedontheirharnessandmadethemfitforfight，and，whenallwasready，Ericmountedthepoop，andwithhimSkallagrim，andbadetherowersgiveway。TheGudrudaleaptforwardandrushedontowardsOspakar’sships。Nowtheysawthatthesewereboundtogetherwithacableandyettheymustgobetwixtthem。

Ericranforwardtotheprow，andwithhimSkallagrim，andcalledaloudtoagreatmanwhostoodupontheshiptostarboard，wearingablackhelmwithraven’swings：

“Whoartthouthatbarstheseaagainstme？“

“IamnamedOspakarBlacktooth。”answeredthegreatman。

“Andwhatmustweloseatthyhands，Ospakar？“

“Butonething——yourlives！“answeredBlacktooth。

“Thricehavewestoodfacetoface，Ospakar。”saidEric，“anditseemsthathithertothouhastwonnogreatglory。Nowitshallbeprovedifthyluckhasbettered。”

“Artyethealed，lord，ofthatprickintheshoulderwhichthoucamestbyonHorse-HeadHeights？“roaredSkallagrim。

Foranswer，OspakarseizedaspearandhurleditstraightatEric，andithadbeenhisdeathhadhenotcaughtitinhishandasitflew。

Thenhecastitback，andthatsomightilythatitspedrightthroughtheshieldofOspakarandwasthebaneofamanwhostoodbesidehim。

“Agiftforagift！“laughedEric。OnrushedtheGudruda，butnowthecablewasstrainedsixfathomsfromherbowthatheldtogethertheshipsofOspakaranditwastoostrongforbreaking。Ericlookedandsaw。ThenhedrewWhitefire，andwhileallmenwondered，leapedovertheprowoftheshipand，claspingthegoldendragon’sheadwithhisarm，sethisfeetuponitsclawsandwaited。Onspedtheshipandspearsflewthickandfastabouthim，butthereBrighteyeshung。NowtheGudruda’sbowcaughtthegreatropeandstrainedittautand，asitrosebeneathherweight，EricsmoteswiftandstrongwithWhitefireandcloveitintwo，sothattheseveredendsfellwithasplashintothequietwater。

Ericsprangbacktodeckwhilestonesandspearshissedabouthim。

“Thatwaswelldone，lord。”saidSkallagrim；“nowweshallbesnuglyberthed。”

“Inoarsandoutgrappling-irons。”shoutedEric。

Uprosetherowers，andtheirwar-gearrattledastheyrose。Theydrewinthelongoars，andnotbeforeitwastime，fornowtheGudrudaforcedherwaybetweenthetwodragonsofOspakarandlaywithherbowtotheirsterns。ThenwithashoutEric’smencasttheironsandsoontheshipswerelockedfastandthefightbegan。Thespearsflewthick，andoneithersidesomegottheirdeathbeforethem。Thenthemenofthatvessel，namedtheRaven，whichwastolarboardoftheGudruda，madereadytoboard。Ontheycamewitharush，andweredrivenback，thoughhardly，fortheyweremany，andthosewhostoodagainstthemfew。Againtheycame，scramblingoverthebulwarks，andthistimeascoreofthemleaptaboard。EricturnedfromthefightagainstthedragonofOspakarandsawit。Then，withSkallagrim，herushedtomeettheboardersastheyswarmedalongthehold，andnaughtmighttheywithstandtheaxeandsword。

Throughandthroughthemsweptthemightypair，nowWhitefireflashed，andnowthegreataxefell，andateverystrokeamanlaydeadorwounded。Sixoftheboardersturnedtofly，butjustthenthegrappling-ironbrokeandtheirshipdriftedoutwiththetidetowardstheopensea，andpresentlynomanofthattwentywasleftalive。

NowthemenoftheshipofOspakarandoftheGudrudapressedeachotherhard。ThricedidOspakarstrivetocomeaboardandthricehewaspushedback。Ericwaseverwherehewasmostneeded，andwithhimSkallagrim，forthesetwothrewthemselvesfromsidetoside，andwerenowhereandnowthere，sothatitseemedasthoughtherewerenotonegoldenhelmandoneblack，butratherfouronboardtheGudruda。

Ericlookedandsawthattheothershipwasdrawinground，thoughsomewhatslowly，tocomealongsideofthemoncemore。

“NowwemustmakeanendofOspakar，elseourhandswillbeoverfull。”

hesaid，andtherewithsprangupuponthebulwarksandafterhimmanymen。Oncetheyweredrivenback，butcameonagain，andnowtheythrustallOspakar’smenbeforethemandpasseduphisshiponbothboards。BythemaststoodOspakarandwithhimGizurhisson，andEricstrovetocometohim。Butmanymenwerebetweenthem，andhecouldnotdothis。

Presently，whilethefightyetwentonhotlyandmenfellfast，BrighteyesfeltthedragonofOspakarstrike，and，looking，sawthattheyhaddriftedwiththesendofthetideontotherocksoftheisland。Therewasagreatholeinthehullamidshipsandthewaterrushedinfast。

“Back！men；back！“hecried，andallhisfolkthatwereunhurt，ran，andleaptonboardtheGudruda；butOspakarandhismensprangintotheseaandswamfortheshore。ThenSkallagrimcutloosethegrappling-ironswithhisaxe，andthatnottoosoon，for，scarcelyhadtheypushedclearwithgreattoilwhenthelongwarshipslippedfromtherockandfoundered，takingmanydeadandwoundedmenwithher。

NowOspakarandsomeofhispeoplestoodsafeupontherocks，andEriccalledtohiminmockery，biddinghimcomeaboardtheGudruda。

Ospakarmadenoanswer，butstoodgnawinghishand，whilethewaterranfromhim。OnlyGizurhissoncursedthemaloud。

Ericwasgreatlymindedtofollowthem，andlandandfightthemthere；

buthemightnotdothis，becauseoftherocksandoftheotherdragon，thathungaboutthem，fearingtocomeonandyetnotwillingtogoback。

“Wewillhaveher，attheleast。”saidEric，andbadetherowersgetouttheiroars。

Now，whenthemenonboardtheothershipsawtheGudrudadrawingon，theytooktotheiroarsatonceandrowedswiftlyforthesea，andatthisagreatroaroflaughterwentdownEric’sship。

“Theyshallnotslipfromussoeasily。”saidEric；“giveway，comrades，andafterthem。”

Butthemenweremuchweariedwithfighting，andthedeckswereallcumberedwithdeadandwounded，sothatbythetimethattheGudrudahadputabout，andcometothemouthofthewaterway，Ospakar’svesselhadshakenouthersailsandcaughtthewind，thatnowblewstrongoffshore，andspedawaysixfurlongsormorefromEric’sprow。

“NowweshallseehowtheGudrudasails。”saidEric，andtheyspreadtheircanvasandgavechase。

ThenEricbademenclearthedecksofthedead，andtendthewounded。

Hehadlostsevenmenslainoutright，andthreewerewounded，onetodeath。ButonboardtheshiptherelayofOspakar’sforcetwentyandthreedeadmen。

Whenallwerecastintothesea，menateandrested。

“Wehavenotdonesobadly。”saidErictoSkallagrim。

“Weshalldobetteryet。”saidSkallagrimtoEric；“ratherhadIseenOspakar’sheadlyinginthescuppersthanthoseofallhiscarles；forhemaygetmoremen，butneveranotherhead！“

Nowthewindfreshenedtillbymidnightitblewstrongly。ThemateHallcametoEricandsaid：

“TheGudrudadipshernosedeepinRan’scup。Say，Eric，shallweshortensail？“

“Nay。”answeredEric，“keepherfullandbail。WhereyonderRavenflies，mySea-stagmustfollow。”andhepointedtothewarshipthatrodethewavesbeforethem。

Aftermidnightcloudscameup，withrain，andhidthefaceofthenight-sunandtheshiptheysought。Thewindbleweverharder，tillatlength，whentherainhadpassedandthecloudslifted，therewasmuchwaterintheholdandthebailerscouldhardlystandattheirwork。

Menmurmured，andHallthematemurmuredmostofall；butstillEricheldon，forthere，nottwofurlongsaheadofthem，rodethedragonofOspakar。Butnow，beingafraidofthewindandsea，shehadloweredhersailsomewhat，andmadeasthoughshewouldputaboutandrunforIceland。

“Thatshemaynotdo。”calledErictoSkallagrim，“ifoncesherollssideontothoseseasRanhasher，forshemustfillandsink。”

“Sotheyhold，lord。”answeredSkallagrim；“see，oncemoresheruns！“

“Ay，butwerunfaster——sheisoutsailed。Up，men，up：forpresentlythefightbegins。”

“Itisbadtojoinbattleinsuchasea。”quothHall。

“Goodorbad。”growledSkallagrim，“dothouthylord’sbidding。”andhehalflifteduphisaxe。

Thematesaidnomore，forhemisdoubtedhimofSkallagrimLambstailandhisaxe。

Thenmenmadereadyforthefrayasbesttheymight，andstood，swordinhandanddrenchedwithfoam，clingingtothebulwarksoftheGudrudaasshewallowedthroughtheseas。

Ericwentafttothehelmandseizedit。NowbutalengthaheadOspakar’sshiplabouredonbeneathhersmallsail，buttheGudrudarushedtowardsherwithallcanvassetandateveryleapplungedhergoldendragonbeneaththesurfandshookthewaterfromherforedeck。

“Makereadythegrapnel！“shoutedEricthroughthestorm。Skallagrimseizedtheironandstoodby。NowtheGudrudarushedalongsidetheRaven，andEricsteeredsoskilfullythattherewasafathomspace，andnomore，betweentheships。

Skallagrimcasttheironwellandtruly，sothatithookedandheld。

OnspedtheGudrudaandthecabletautened——nowhersternkissedthebowofOspakar’sship，asthoughshewastowingher，andthusforaspacetheytravelledthroughtheseas。

Eric’sfolkshoutedandstrovetocastspears；buttheydidthisbutill，becauseoftherockingofthevessel。AsforOspakar’smen，theyclungtotheirbulwarksanddidnothing，foralltheheartwasoutofthembetweenfearofEricandterrorofthesea。Ericcalledtoamantoholdthehelm，andSkallagrimcreptafttowherehestood。

“Whatcounselshallwetakenow？“saidEric，andashespokeaseabrokeoverthem——forthegalewasstrong。

“Boardthemandmakeanend。”answeredSkallagrim。

“Roughwork；still，wewilltryit。”saidEric，“forwemaynotliethusforlong，andIamloathtoleavethem。”

ThenEriccalledformentofollowhim，andmanyanswered，creepingasbesttheymighttowherehestood。

“Thouartmad，Eric。”saidHallthemate；“cutlooseandletusdrive，elseweshallbothfounder，andthatisapoortaletotell。”

Erictooknoheed，but，watchinghischance，leaptontothebowsoftheRaven，andafterhimleaptSkallagrim。Evenashedidso，agreatseacameandsweptpastandoverthem，sothathalftheshipwashidforfoam。Now，Hallthematestoodneartothegrapnelcable，and，fearinglesttheyshouldsink，outofthecowardiceofhisheart，helethisaxefalluponthechain，andsevereditsoswiftlythatnomansawhim，exceptSkallagrimonly。ForwardsprangtheGudruda，freedfromherburden，andrushedawaybeforethewind，leavingEricandSkallagrimaloneupontheRaven’sprow。

“Nowweareinanevilplight。”saidEric，“thecablehasparted！“

“Ay。”answeredSkallagrim，“andthatloselHallhathpartedit！Isawhisaxefall。”

XIV

HOWERICDREAMEDADREAM

Now，whenthemenofOspakar，whoweregatheredonthepoopoftheRaven，sawwhathadcomeabout，theyshoutedaloudandmadereadytoslaythepair。ButEricandSkallagrimclamberedtothemastandgottheirbacksagainstit，andswiftlymadethemselvesfastwitharope，sothattheymightnotfallwiththerollingoftheship。ThenthepeopleofOspakarcameontocutthemdown。

Butthiswasnoeasytask，fortheymightscarcelystand，andtheycouldnotshootwiththebow。Moreover，EricandSkallagrim，beingboundtothemast，hadtheuseofbothhandsandweremindedtodiehard。ThereforeOspakar’sfolksgotbutonethingbytheironslaught，andthatwasdeath，forthreeoftheirnumberfellbeneaththelongsweepofWhitefire，andonebowedbeforetheaxeofSkallagrim。Thentheydrewbackandstrovetothrowspearsatthesetwo，buttheyflewwidebecauseoftherollingofthevessel。OnespearstruckthemastneartheheadofSkallagrim。Hedrewitout，and，waitingtilltheshipsteadiedherselfinthetroughofthesea，hurleditataknotofOspakar’sthralls，andamangothisdeathfromit。Afterthattheythrewnomorespears。

Thenceoncemorethecrewcameonwithswordsandaxes，butfaint-

heartedly，andtheendofitwasthattheylostsomemoremendeadandwoundedandfellbackagain。

Skallagrimmockedatthemwithbitterwords，andoneofthem，mademadbyhisscoffing，castaheavyballast-stoneathim。Itfelluponhisshoulderandnumbedhim。

“NowIamunmeetforfight，lord。”saidSkallagrim，“formyrightarmisdeadandIcanscarcelyholdmyaxe。”

“Thatisill，then。”saidEric，“forwehavelittlehelp，exceptfromeachother，andI，too，amwell-nighspent。Well，wehavedoneagreatdeedandnowitistimetorest。”

“Myleftarmisyetwhole，lord，andIcanmakeshiftforawhilewithit。Cutloosethecordbeforetheybaitustodeath，andletusrushuponthesewolvesandfallfighting。”

“Agoodcounsel。”saidEric，“andaquickend；butstayawhile：whatplanhavetheynow？“

NowthemenofOspakar，havinglittleheartleftinthemforsuchworkasthis，hadtakenthoughttogether。

“Wehavegotgreathurt，andlittlehonour。”saidthemate。“Therearebutnineteenofusleftalive，andthatisscarcelyenoughtoworktheship，anditseemsthatweshallbefewerbeforeEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailliequietbyyondermast。Theyaremightymen，indeed，anditwouldbebetter，methinks，todealwiththembycraft，ratherthanbyforce。”