第5章

Thesailorssaidthatthiswasagoodword，fortheywerewearyofthesightofWhitefireasheflamedonhighandthesoundoftheaxeofSkallagrimasitcrashedthroughhelmandbyrnie；andasfearcreptinvalourfledout。

“Thisismyrede，then。”saidthemate：“thatwegotothemandgivethempeace，andlaytheminbonds，swearingthatwewillputthemashorewhenwearecomebacktoIceland。Butwhenwehavethemfast，astheysleepatnight，wewillcreeponthemandhurlthemintothesea，andafterwardswewillsaythatweslewthemfighting。”

“Ashamefuldeed！“saidaman。

“Thengothouupagainstthem。”answeredthemate。“Ifweslaythemnot，thenshallthistalebetoldagainstusthroughoutIceland：thataship’scompanywereworstedbytwomen，andwemaynotlivebeneaththatdishonour。”

Themanheldhispeace，andthemate，layingdownhisarms，creptforwardalone，towardsthemast，justasEricandSkallagrimwereabouttocutthemselveslooseandrushonthem。

“Whatwouldestthou？“shoutedEric。“Hasitgonesowellwithyouwitharmsthatyearemindedtocomeupagainstusbearingnone？“

“Ithasgoneill，Eric。”saidthemate，“foryetwainaretoomightyforus。Wehavelostmanymen，andweshalllosemoreereyearelaidlow。Thereforewemakeyouthisoffer：thatyoulaydownyourweaponsandsufferyourselvestobeboundtillsuchtimeaswetouchland，wherewewillsetyouashore，andgiveyouyourarmsagain。Meanwhile，wewilldealwithyouinfriendlyfashion，givingyouofthebestwehave；norwillwesetfootanysuitagainstyouforthoseofournumberwhomyetwohaveslain。”

“Whereforethenshouldwebebound？“saidEric。

“Forthisreasononly：thatwedarenotleaveyoufreewithinourship。Nowchoose，and，ifyewill，takepeace，whichweswearbyalltheGodswewillkeeptowardsyou，and，ifyewillnot，thenwewillbearyoudownwithbeamsandsailsandstones，andslayyou。”

“Whatthinkestthou，Skallagrim？“saidEricbeneathhisbreath。

“IthinkthatIfindlittlefaithinyoncarle’sface。”answeredSkallagrim。“Still，Iamunfittofight，andthystrengthisspent，soitseemsthatwemustlielowifwewouldriseagain。Theycanscarcelybesobaseastodomurderhavinghandselledpeacetous。”

“Iamnotsosureofthat。”saidEric；“still，starvingbeggarsmusteatbones。Hearkenthou：wetaketheterms，trustingtoyourhonour；

andIsaythis：thatyeshallgetshameanddeathifyedepartfromthemtoharmus。”

“Havenofear，lord。”saidthemate，“wearetruemen。”

“Thatweshalllooktoyourdeedstolearn。”saidEric，layingdownhisswordandshield。

Skallagrimdidlikewise，thoughwithnogoodgrace。Thenmencamewithstrongcordsandboundthemfasthandandfoot，handlingthemfearsomelyasmenhandlealivebearinanet。Thentheyledthemforwardtotheprow。

AstheywentEriclookedup。Yonder，twentyfurlongsandmoreaway，sailedtheGudruda。

“Thisisgoodfellowship。”saidSkallagrim，“thustoleaveusinthetrap。”

“Nay。”answeredEric。“Theycannotputaboutinsuchasea，anddoubtlessalsotheythinkusdead。Nevertheless，ifeveritcomesaboutthatHallandIstandfacetofaceagain，therewillbeneedformetothinkofgentleness。”

“Ishallthinklittlethereon。”growledSkallagrim。

Nowtheywerecometotheprow，andtherewasahalfdeckunderwhichtheywereset，outofreachofthewindandwater。Inthedeckwasastoutironring，andthemenmadethemfastwithropestoit，sothattheymightmovebutlittle，andtheysettheirhelmsandweaponsbehindtheminsuchfashionthattheycouldnotcomeatthem。Thentheyflungcloaksaboutthem，andbroughtthemfoodanddrink，ofwhichtheystoodmuchinneed，andtreatedthemwellineveryway。ButforallthisSkallagrimtrustedthemnomore。

“Wearenew-hooked，lord。”hesaid，“andtheygiveusline。Presentlytheywillhaulusin。”

“Evilcomessoonenough。”answeredEric，“noneedtoruntogreetit。”

andhefelltothinkingofGudruda，andoftheday’sdeeds，tillpresentlyhedroppedasleep，forhewasveryweary。

NowitchancedthatasEricslepthedreamedadreamsostrongandstrangethatitseemedtolivewithinhim。HedreamedthatheslepttherebeneaththeRaven’sdeck，andthataratcameandwhisperedspellsintohisear。ThenhedreamedthatSwanhildglidedtowardshim，walkingonthestormyseas。Hesawherafar，andshecameswiftly，andevertheseagrewsmoothbeforeherfeet，nordidthewindsomuchasstirherhair。Presentlyshestoodbyhimintheship，and，bendingoverhim，touchedhimontheshoulder，saying：

“Awake，EricBrighteyes！Awake！awake！“

Itseemedtohimthatheawokeandsaid“Whattidings，Swanhild？“andthatsheanswered：

“Illtidings，Eric——soillthatIamcomehitherfromStraumey[*]totellofthem——ay，comewalkingontheseas。HadGudrudadonesomuch，thinkestthou？“

[*]Stroma，thesouthernmostoftheOrkneys。

“Gudrudaisnowitch。”hesaidinhisdream。

“Nay，butIamawitch，anditiswellforthee，Eric。Ay，Iamawitch。NowdoIseemtosleepatAtli’sside，andlo！hereIstandbythine，andImustjourneybackagainmanyaleaguebeforeanotherdaybeborn——ay，manyaleague，andallforloveofthee，Eric！Hearken，fornotlongmaythespellendure。Ihaveseenthisbymymagic：thatthesemenwhoboundtheecomeevennowtotakethee，sleeping，andcasttheeandthythrallintothedeep，theretodrown。”

“Ifitisfateditwillbefall。”hesaidinhisdream。

“Nay，itshallnotbefall。Putforthallthymightandburstthybonds。ThenfetchWhitefire；cutawaythebondsofSkallagrim，andgivehimhisaxeandshield。Thisdone，coveryourselveswithyourcloaks，andwaittillyehearthemurdererscome。Thenriseandrushuponthem，thetwoofyou，andtheyshallmeltbeforeyourmight。I

havejourneyedoverthegreatdeeptotelltheethis，Eric！HadGudrudadoneasmuch，thinkestthou？“

AnditseemedtohimthatthewraithofSwanhildkissedhimonthebrow，sighedandvanished，bearingtheratinherbosom。

Ericawokesuddenly，justasthoughhehadneverslept，andlookedaround。Heknewbythelownessofthesunthatitwasfarintothenight，andthathehadsleptformanyhours。Theywerealonebeneaththedeck，andfaraft，beyondthemast，asthevesselroseuponthewaves——fortheseawasstillrough，thoughthewindhadfallen——EricsawthemateoftheRaventalkingearnestlywithsomemenofhiscrew。

Skallagrimsnoredbesidehim。

“Awake！“Ericsaidinhisear，“awakeandlisten！“

Heyawnedandrousedhimself。“Whatnow，lord？“hesaid。

“This。”saidEric，andhetoldhimthedreamthathehaddreamed。

“Thatwasafeydream。”saidSkallagrim，“andnowwemustdoasthewraithbadethee。”

“Easytosay，buthardtodo。”quothEric；“thisisagreatropethatholdsus，andastrong。”

“Yes，itisgreatandstrong；still，wemustburstit。”

NowEricandSkallagrimweremadefastinthisfashion：theirhandswereboundbehindthem，andtheirlegswerelashedabovethefeetandabovetheknee。Moreover，athickcordwasfixedaboutthewaistofeach，andthiscordwaspassedthroughtheironringandknottedthere。Butitchancedthatbeneaththehollowsoftheirkneesrananoakenbeam，whichheldtheforepartofthedragontogether。

“Wemaytrythis。”saidEric：“tosetourfeetagainstthebeamandstrainwithallourstrengthupontherope；thoughIthinkthatnotwomencanpartit。”

“Weshallknowthatpresently。”saidSkallagrim，gatheringuphislegs。

Thentheysettheirfeetagainstthebeamandpulledtillitgroaned；

but，thoughtheropegavesomewhat，itwouldnotbreak。Theyrestedawhile，thenstrainedagaintillthesweatburstoutuponthemandtheropecutintotheirflesh，butstillitwouldnotpart。

“Wehavefoundourmatch。”saidEric。

“Thatisnotaltogetherprovedyet。”answeredtheBaresark。“Manyashieldisrivenatthethirdstroke。”

Soonceagaintheysettheirfeetagainstthebeam，andputoutalltheirstrength。

“Theringbends。”gaspedEric。“Now，whentherolloftheshipthrowsourweighttoleeward，inthenameofThorpull！“

Theywaited，thenputouttheirmight，andlo！thoughtheropedidnotbreak，theironringburstasunderandtheyrolleduponthedeck。

“Wellpulled，truly。”saidSkallagrimashestruggledtohishaunches：

“Iammarkedaboutthemiddlewithrope-twistsformanyadaytocome，thatIwillswear。Whatnext，lord？“

“Whitefire。”answeredEric。

Now，theirarmswerepiledafathomormorefromwheretheysat，andrightintheprowoftheship。Hither，then，theymustcrawlupontheirknees，andthiswaswearywork，foreverastheshiprolledtheyfell，andcouldinnowisesavethemselvesfromhurt。Ericwasbleedingatthebrow，andbloodywasthehookednoseofSkallagrim，beforetheycametowhereWhitefirewas。Atlengththeyreachedthesword，andpushedasidethebucklersthatwereoveritwiththeirheads。Thegreatwar-bladewassheathed，andEricmustneedslieuponhisbreastanddrawtheweaponsomewhatwithhisteeth。

“Thisisanillrazortoshavewith。”hesaid，rising，forthekeenbladehadcuthischin。

“Sosomehavethoughtandperchancemoreshallthink。”answeredSkallagrim。“Nowsettheropeontheedgeandrub。”

Thistheydid，andpresentlythethickcordthatboundthemwasintwo。ThenErickneltuponthedeckandpressedthebondsthatboundhislegsupontheblade，andafterhimSkallagrim。Theywerefreenow，exceptfortheirhands，anditwasnoeasythingtocutawaythebondsupontheirwrists。Itwasdonethus：Skallagrimsatuponthedeck，andEricpushedtheswordbetweenhisfingerswithhisfeet。ThentheBaresarkrose，holdingthesword，andEric，turningbacktobackwithhim，frettedthecordsuponhiswristsagainsttheblade。Twicehecuthimself，butthethirdtimethecordpartedandhewasfree。Hestretchedhisarms，fortheywerestiff；thentookWhitefireandcutawaythebondsofSkallagrim。

“Howgoesitwiththathurtofthine？“heasked。

“BetterthanIhadthought。”answeredSkallagrim；“thesorenesshascomeoutwiththebruise。”

“Thatisgoodnews。”saidEric，“formethinks，unlessSwanhildwalkedtheseasfornothing，thouwiltsoonneedthinearms。”

“Theyhaveneverfailedmeyet。”saidSkallagrimandtookhisaxeandshield。“Whatcounselnow？“

“This，Skallagrim：thatweliedownaswewere，andputthecloaksaboutusasthoughwewereyetinbonds。Then，iftheseknavescome，wecantakethemunawaresastheythinktotakeus。”

Sotheywentagaintowheretheyhadbeenbound，andlaydownupontheirshieldsandweapons，drawingcloaksoverthem。Scarcelyhadtheydonethisandrestedawhile，whentheysawthemateandallthecrewcomingalongbothboardstowardsthem。Theyborenoweaponsintheirhands。

“NonetoosoondidSwanhildwalk。”saidEric；“nowweshalllearntheirpurpose。BethoureadytoleapforthwhenIgivetheword。”

“Ay，lord。”answeredSkallagrimasheworkedhisstiffarmstoandfro。“Insuchmattersfewhavethoughtmebackward。”

“Whatnews，friends？“criedEricasthemendrewnear。

“Badnewsforthee，Brighteyes。”answeredthemate，“andthatBaresarkthrallofthine，forwemustlooseyourbands。”

“Thatisgoodnews，then。”saidEric，“forourlimbsarenumbanddeadbecauseofthenippingofthecords。Islandinsight？“

“Nay，norwillbeforthee，Eric。”

“Hownow，friend？hownow？Sure，havinghandselledpeacetous，yemeannoharmtowardstwounarmedmen？“

“Wesworetodoyounoharm，norwillwe，Eric；thisonlywillwedo：

deliveryou，bound，toRan，andleavehertodealwithyouasshemay。”

“Bethinkyou，sirs。”saidEric：“thisisacrueldeedandmostunmanly。Weyieldedtoyouinfaith——willyebreakyourtroth？“

“Warhasnotroth。”heanswered，“yearetoogreattoletslipbetweenourfingers。Shallitbesaidofusthattwomenovercameusall？“

“Mayhap！“murmuredSkallagrimbeneathhisbreath。

“Oh，sirs，Ibeseechyou。”saidEric；“Iamyoung，andthereisamaidwhowaitsmeoutinIceland，anditishardtodie。”andhemadeasthoughhewept，whileSkallagrimlaughedwithinhissleeve，foritwasstrangetoseeEricfeigningfear。

Butthemenmockedaloud。

“Thisisthegreatman。”theycried，“thisisthatEricofwhosedeedsfolksing！Look！heweepslikeachildwhenheseesthewater。Draghimforthandawaywithhimintothesea！“

“Littleneedforthat。”criedEric，andlo！thecloaksabouthimandSkallagrimflewaside。Outtheycamewitharoar；theycameoutasashe-bearfromhercave，andhighaboveBrighteyes’goldencurlsWhitefireshoneinthepalelight，andnightoitshonetheaxeofSkallagrim。Whitefireflaredaloft，thendownhefellandsoughtthefalseheartofthemate。ThegreataxeofSkallagrimshoneandwaslostinthebreastofthecarlewhostoodbeforehim。

“Trolls！“shriekedone。“Herearetrolls！“andturnedtofly。ButagainWhitefirewasupandthatmanflewnotfar——onepace，andnomore。Thentheyfledscreamingandafterthemcameaxeandsword。Theyfled，theyfell，theyleapedintothesea，tillnonewerelefttofallandleap，fortheyhadnotimeorhearttofindordrawtheirweapons，andpresentlyEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailstoodaloneuponthedeck——alonewiththedead。

“Swanhildisawisewitch。”gaspedEric，“and，whateverillshehasdone，Iwillrememberthistoherhonour。”

“Littlegoodcomesofwitchcraft。”answeredSkallagrim，wipinghisbrow：“to-dayitworksforourhands，to-morrowitshallworkagainstthem。”

“Tothehelm。”saidEric；“theshipyawsandcomessideontotheseas。”

Skallagrimsprangtothetillerandputhisstrengthonit，andbutjustintime，foronebigseacameaboardthemandleftmuchwaterinthehold。

“WeowethistothyBaresarkways。”saidEric。“Hadstthounotslainthesteersmanwehadnotfilledwithwater。”

“True，lord。”answeredSkallagrim；“butwhenoncemyaxeisaloft，itseemstoflyofitself，tillnothingisleftbeforeit。Whatcoursenow？“

“ThesameonwhichtheGudrudawaslaid。Perhaps，ifwemayenduretillwecometotheFareyIsles，[*]weshallfindherinharbourthere。”

[*]TheFaroes。

“Thereisnotmuchchanceofthat。”saidSkallagrim；“still，thewindisfair，andweflyfastbeforeit。”

Thentheylashedthetillerandsettobailing。Theybailedlong，anditwasheavywork，buttheyridtheshipofmuchwater。Afterthattheyatefood，foritwasnowmorning，anditcameontoblowyetmorestrongly。

Forthreedaysandthreenightsitblewthus，andtheRavenspedalongbeforethegale。Allthistime，turnandturnabout，EricandSkallagrimstoodatthehelmandtendedthesails。Theyhadlittletimetoeat，andnonetosleep。Theyweresohardpressedalso，andmustharbourtheirstrengthsoclosely，thatthebodiesofthedeadmenyetcumberedthehold。Thustheygrewverywearyandliketofallfromfaintness，butstilltheyheldtheRavenonhercourse。Inthebeginningofthefourthnightagreatseastruckthegoodshipsothatshequiveredfromstemtostern。

“MethinksIhearwaterbubblingup。”saidSkallagriminahoarsevoice。

Ericclimbeddownintothewellandliftedthebottomplanks，andtherebeneaththemwasaleakthroughwhichthewaterspoutedinathinstream。Hestoppeduptherentasbesthemightwithgarmentsfromthedeadmen，andplacedballaststonesuponthem，thenclamberedontothedeckagain。

“Ourhoursareshortnow。”hesaid，“thewaterrushesinapace。”

“Well，itistimetorest。”saidSkallagrim；“butsee，lord！“andhepointedahead。“Whatlandisthat？“

“ItmustbetheFareys。”answeredEric；“now，ifwecanbutkeepafloatforthreehoursmore，wemayyetdieashore。”

Afterthisthewindbegantofall，butstilltherewasenoughtodrivetheRavenonswiftly。

Andeverthewatergainedinthehold。

Nowtheywerenotfarfromland，foraheadofthemthebleakhillstoweredup，shininginthefaintmidnightlight，andbetweenthehillswasacleftthatseemedtobeafjord。Anotherhourpassed，andtheywerenomorethantenfurlongsfromthemouthofthefjord，whensuddenlythewindfell，andtheywereincalmwaterundershelteroftheland。Theywentamidshipsandlooked。Theholdwashalffullofwater，andinitfloatedthebodiesofOspakar’smen。

“Shehasnotlongtolive。”saidSkallagrim，“butwemaystillbesavediftheboatisnotbroken。”

Nowaft，nearthetiller，asmallboatwasboundonthehalfdeckoftheRaven。Theywenttoitandlooked；itwaswhole，withoarslashedinit，buthalffullofwater，whichtheymustbailout。Thistheydidasswiftlyastheymight；thentheycutthelittleboatloose，and，havingmadeitfastwitharope，lifteditovertheside-railandletitfallintothesea，andthatwasnogreatway，fortheRavenhadsunkdeep。Itfellonanevenkeel，andEriclethimselfdowntheropeintoitandcalledtoSkallagrimtofollow。

“Bideawhile，lord。”heanswered；“thereisthatwhichIwouldbringwithme。”

ForaspaceEricwaitedandthencalledaloud，“Swift！thoufool；

swift！theshipsinks！“

Andashecalled，Skallagrimcame，andhisarmswerefullofswordsandbyrnies，andredringsofgoldthathehadfoundtimetogatherfromthedeadandoutofthecabin。

“Throwallasideandcome。”saidEric，layingontotheoars，fortheRavenwallowedbeforeshesank。

“Thereisyettime，lord，andthegearisgood。”answeredSkallagrim，andonebyonehethrewpiecesdownintotheboat。AsthelastfelltheRavensanktoherbulwarks。ThenSkallagrimsteppedfromthesinkingdeckintotheboat，andcutthecord，nottoosoon。

Ericgavewaywithallhisstrength，and，ashepulled，whenhewasnomorethanfivefathomsfromher，theRavenvanishedwithahugeswirl。

“Holdstill。”hesaid，“orweshallfollow。”

Roundspuntheboatintheeddy，shewassuckeddowntillthewatertrickledoverhergunwale，andforamomenttheyknewnotiftheywerelostorsaved。Ericheldhisbreathandwatched，thenslowlytheboatliftedhernose，andtheyweresafefromthewhirlpoolofthelostdragon。

“Greedismanyaman’sbane。”saidEric，“anditwasnearlythineandmine，Skallagrim。”

“Ihadnohearttoleavethegoodgear。”heanswered；“andthouseest，lord，itissafeandwewithit。”

Thentheygottheboat’sheadroundslowlyintothemouthofthefjord，pausingnowandagaintorest，fortheirstrengthwasspent。

Fortwohourstheyroweddownagulf，asitwere，andoneithersideofthemwerebarrenhills。Atlengththewater-wayopenedoutintoagreatbasin，andthere，onthefurthersideofthebasin，theysawgreenslopesrunningdowntothewater’sedge，strewnwithwhitestock-fishsettodryinthewindandsun，andabovetheslopesalargehall，andaboutitbooths。Moreover，theysawalongdragonofwaratanchorneartheshore。Forawhiletheyrowedon，easingnowandagain。ThenEricspoketoSkallagrim。

“Whatthinkestthouofyondership，Lambstail？“

“Ithinkthis，lord：thatsheisfashionedwondrousliketotheGudruda。”

“Thatisinmymindalso。”saidEric，“andourfortuneisgoodifitisshe。”

Theyrowedonagain，andpresentlyarayfromthesuncameoverthehills——fornowitwasthreehourspastmidnight——and，theshiphavingswungalittlewiththetide，lituponherprow，andlo！theregleamedthegoldendragonoftheGudruda。

“Thisisastrangething。”saidEric。

“Ay，lord，astrangeandamerry，fornowIshalltalkwithHallthemate。”andtheBaresarksmiledgrimly。

“ThoushaltdonohurttoHall。”saidEric。“Iamlordhere，andI

mustjudge。”

“Thywillismywill。”saidSkallagrim；“butifmywillwerethine，hewouldhangonthemasttillsea-birdsnestedamidsthisbones。”

Nowtheywereclosetotheship，buttheycouldseenoman。Skallagrimwouldhavecalledaloud，butEricbadehimholdhispeace。

“Eithertheyaredead，andthycallingcannotwakethem，orperchancetheysleepandwillwakeofthemselves。Wewillrowunderthestern，and，havingmadefast，climbaboardandseewithourowneyes。”

This，then，theydidassilentlyasmightbe，andsawthattheGudrudahadnotbeenhandledgentlybythewindsandwaves，forhershieldrailwaswashedaway。Thistheyfoundalso，thatallmenlaydeepinsleep。Now，amidshipsafirestillburned，andbyitwasfood。Theycamethereandateofthefood，ofwhichtheyhadgreatneed。Thentheytooktwocloaksthatlayonthedeck，and，throwingthemaboutthem，warmedthemselvesoverthefire：fortheywerecoldandwet，ay，andutterlyoutworn。

Astheysatthuswarmingthemselves，amanofthecrewawokeandsawthem，andbeingamazed，atoncecalledtohisfellows，sayingthattwogiantswereaboard，warmingthemselvesatthefire。Nowmensprangup，and，seizingtheirweapons，rantowardsthem，andamongthemwasHallthemate。

ThensuddenlyEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailthrewasidethecloaksandstoodup。Theyweregauntandgrimtosee。Theircheekswerehollowandtheireyesstaredwidewithwantofsleep。Thickwastheirharnesswithbrine，andopenwoundsgapedupontheirfacesandtheirhands。Mensawandfellbackinfear，fortheyheldthemtobewizardsrisenfromtheseaintheshapesofEricandtheBaresark。

ThenEricsangthissong：

“SwiftandsureacrosstheSwan’sBathSpedSea-stagonRaven’strack，Heav’dRan’sbreastinragingbillows，Stream’dgale-bannersthroughthesky！

YetdidEricthewar-eagerLeapwithBaresark-mateaboard，Fiercetheironsetonthefoemen！

Whereforebrakethegrapnel-chain？“

Hallheardandslunkback，fornowhesawthatthesewereindeedEricandSkallagrimcomeupalivefromthesea，andthattheyknewhisbaseness。

Ericlookedathimandsangagain：

“SwiftawayspedshipGudruda，Leftherlordinfoeman’sring；

BrighteyesbacktobackwithBaresarkHeldhishead’gainstmightyodds。

Downamidsttheballasttumbling，Ospakar’sshield-carleswererolled。

Holypeaceatlengththeyhandselled，Ericmustinbondsbelaid！

“CametheGreyRat，cametheEarl’swife，Camethewitch-wordfromafar；

Cag’dwolvesrousedthem，andwithstrugglingToretheirfetterfromitshold。

Nowtheywatchupontheirweapons；

Nowtheyweepandprayforlife；

Nowtheyleapforthlikeatorrent——

Sweptawayinfoeman’sstrength！

“ThenaloneupontheRavenThreelongdaystheysteerandsail，Tillthewaters，wellingupwards，Washdeadmenabouttheirfeet。

Failsthegaleandsinksthedragon，Barelymaytheywintheboat：

SafetheystandonshipGudruda——

Say，whocutthegrapnel-chain？“

XV

HOWERICDWELTINLONDONTOWN

Menstoodastonished，butHallthemateslunkback。

“Hold，comrade。”saidEric，“Ihavesomethingtosaythatsongscannotcarry。Hearken，myshield-mates：wesworetobetruetoeachother，eventodeath：isitnotso？WhatthenshallbesaidofthatmanwhocutloosetheGudrudaandleftustwotodieatthefoeman’shand？“

“Whowastheman？“askedavoice。

“ThatmanwasHallofLithdale。”saidEric。

“Itisfalse！“saidHall，gatheringuphiscourage；“thecablepartedbeneaththestrainingoftheship，andafterwardswecouldnotputaboutbecauseofthegreatsea。”

“Thouartfalse！“roaredSkallagrim。“WithmyeyesIsawtheeletthineaxefalluponthecable。Liarartthouanddastard！ThouartjealousalsoofBrighteyesthylord，andthiswasinthymind：tolethimdieupontheRavenandthentobindhisshoesuponthycowardlyfeet。Thoughnoneelsesaw，Isaw；andIsaythis：thatifImayhavemywill，Iwillstringthee，living，totheprowinthatsamecabletillgullstearoutthyfox-heart！“

NowHallgrewverywhiteandhiskneestrembledbeneathhim。“Itistrue。”hesaid，“thatIcutthechain，butnotfromanythoughtofevil。HadInotcutitthevesselmusthavesunkandallbeenlost。”

“Didwenotswear，Hall。”saidEricsternly，“togethertofightandtogethertofall——togethertofareand，ifneedbe，togethertoceasefromfaring，anddostthoureadtheoaththus？Say，mates，whatrewardshallbepaidtothismanforhisgoodfellowshiptousandhistendernessforyourlives？“

Aswithonevoicethemenanswered“/Death！/“

“Thouhearest，Hall？“saidEric。“YetIwoulddealmoregentlywithonetowhomIsworefellowshipsolately。Gettheegonefromourcompany，andletusseethycur’sfacenomore。Gettheegone，Isay，beforeIrepentofmymercy。”

Thenamidstaloudhooting，HalltookhisweaponsandwithoutawordslunkintotheboatoftheRaventhatlayastern，androwedashore；

nordidEricseehisfaceformanymonths。

“Thouhastdonefoolishly，lord，toletthatweaselgo。”saidSkallagrim，“forhewilllivetonipthyhand。”

“Forgoodorevil，heisgone。”saidEric，“andnowIamwornoutanddesiretosleep。”

AfterthisEricandSkallagrimrestedthreefulldays，andtheyweresowearythattheywereawakeforlittleofthistime。Butonthethirddaytheyroseup，strongandwell，exceptfortheirhurtsandsoreness。Thentheytoldthemenofthatwhichhadcometopass，andallwonderedattheirmightandhardihood。TothemindeedEricseemedasaGod，forfewsuchdeedsashishadbeentoldofsincetheGod-

kindwereonearth。

ButBrighteyesthoughtlittleofhisdeeds，andmuchofGudruda。AttimesalsohethoughtofSwanhild，andofthatwitch-dreamshesenthim：foritwaswonderfultohimthatsheshouldhavesavedhimthusfromRan’snet。

EricwasheartilywelcomedbytheEarloftheFareyIsles，for，whenheheardhisdeeds，hemadeafeastinhishonour，andsethiminthehighseat。Itwasagreatfeast，butSkallagrimbecamedrunkatitandrandownthechamber，axealoft，roaringforHallofLithdale。

ThisangeredEricmuchandhewouldscarcelyspeaktoSkallagrimformanydays，thoughthegreatBaresarkslunkaboutafterhimlikehisshadow，orawhippedhoundatitsmaster’sheel，andatlengthhumbledhispridesofarastoaskpardonforhisfault。

“Igrantitforthydeeds’sake。”saidEricshortly；“butthisisuponmymind：thatthouwilterrthusagain，anditshallbemycauseofdeath——ay，andthatofmanymore。”

“Firstmaymybonesbewhite。”saidSkallagrim。

“Theyshallbewhitethereafter。”answeredEric。

AtFareysEricshippedtwelvegoodmenandtrue，totaketheseatsofthosewhohadbeenslainbyOspakar’sfolk。Afterwards，whenthewoundedwerewelloftheirhurts(exceptonemanwhodied)，andtheGudrudawasmadefittotaketheseaagain，BrighteyesbadefarewelltotheEarlofthoseIsles，whogavehimagoodcloakandagoldringatparting，andsailedaway。

NowitweretoolongtotellofallthedeedsthatEricandhismendid。Never，soscaldssing，wasthereavikinglikehimforstrengthandskillandhardihood，and，inthosedays，nosuchwar-dragonastheGudrudahadbeenknownuponthesea。WhereverEricjoinedbattle，andthatwasinmanyplaces，heconquered，fornoneprevailedagainsthim，tillatlastfoeswouldflybeforetheterrorofhisname，andearlsandkingswouldsendfromfarcravingtheaidofhishands。Withalhewasthebestandgentlestofmen。ItissaidofEricthatinallhisdayshedidnobasedeed，norhurttheweak，norrefusedpeacetohimwhoprayedit，norliftedswordagainstprisonerorwoundedfoe。Fromtradershewouldtakeatolloftheirmerchandiseonlyandletthemgo，andwhatevergainshewonhewouldshareequally，askingnolargerpartthanthemeanestofhisband。AllmenlovedEric，andevenhisfoesgavehimhonourandspokewellofhim。NowthatHallofLithdalewasgone，therewasnomanamonghismateswhowouldnothavepassedtodeathforhim，fortheyheldhimdearerthantheirlives。Women，too，lovedhimmuch；buthisheartwassetuponGudruda，andheseldomturnedtolookonthem。

ThefirstsummerofhisoutlawryEricwarredalongthecoastofIreland，butinthewinterhecametoDublin，andforawhileservedinthebody-guardofthekingofthattown，whoheldhiminhonour，andwouldhavehadhimstaythere。ButEricwouldnotbidethere，andnextspring，theGudrudabeingreadyforsea，hesailedfortheshoresofEngland。Therehegavebattletotwovikings’shipsofwar，andtookthemafterahardfight。ItwasinthisfightthatSkallagrimLambstailwaswoundedalmosttodeath。Forwhen，havingtakenoneship，Ericboardedtheotherwithbutfewmen，hewasdrivenbackandfelloverabeam，andwouldhavebeenslain，hadnotSkallagrimthrownhimselfacrosshisbody，takingonhisownbackthatblowofabattle-

axewhichwasaimedatEric’shead。Thiswasagreatwound，fortheaxeshorethroughthesteelofthebyrnieandsankintotheflesh。ButwhenEric’smensawtheirlorddown，andSkallagrim，astheydeemed，deadathwarthim，theymadesofiercearushthatthefoemenfellbeforethemlikeleavesbeforeawintergale，andtheendofitwasthatthevikingsprayedpeaceofEric。Skallagrimlaysickformanydays，buthewashardtokill，andEricnursedhimbacktolife。Afterthisthesetwolovedeachotherasbrotherlovestwinbrother，andtheycouldscarcelybeartobeapart。ButotherpeopledidnotloveSkallagrim，norhethem。

EricsailedonuptheThamestoLondon，bringingthevikingshipswithhim，andhedeliveredtheircaptainsboundtoEdmund，Edward’sson，thekingwhowascalledEdmundtheMagnificent。ThesecaptainstheKinghung，fortheyhadwroughtdamagetohisships。

EricfoundmuchfavourwiththeKing，and，indeed，hisfamehadgonebeforehim。Sowhenhecameintothecourt，bravelyclad，withSkallagrimathisback，whowasnowalmostrecoveredofhiswound，theKingcalledouttohimtodrawnear，sayingthathedesiredtolookonthebravestvikingandmostbeauteousmanwhosailedtheseas，andonthatfierceBaresarkwhommencalled“Eric’sDeath-shadow。”

SoEriccameforwardupthelonghallthatwasadornedwiththingsmoresplendidthaneverhiseyeshadseen，andstoodbeforetheKing。

WithhimcameSkallagrim，drivingthetwocaptivevikingchiefsbeforehimwithhisaxe，asaflesherdriveslambs。Now，duringthesemanymonthsBrighteyeshadgrownyetmoregreatingirthandglorioustolookonthanhewasbefore。Moreover，hishairwasnowsolongthatitflowedlikeafloodofgolddowntowardshisgirdle，forsinceGudrudatrimmeditnoshearshadcomenearhishead，andhislocksgrewfastasawoman’s。TheKinglookedathimandwasastonished。

“Ofatruth。”hesaid，“menhavenotliedaboutthee，Icelander，norconcerningthatgreatwolf-houndofthine。”andhepointedatSkallagrimwithhisswordofstate。“NeversawIsuchaman；“andhebadeallthemightiestmenofhisbody-guardstandforwardthathemightmeasurethemagainstEric。ButBrighteyeswasaninchtallerthanthetallest，andmeasuredhalfaspanmoreroundthechestthanthebiggest。

“Whatwouldestthouofme，Icelander？“askedtheKing。

“This，lord。”saidEric：“toservetheeawhile，andallmymenwithme。”

“Thatisanofferthatfewwouldturnfrom。”answeredtheKing。“Thoushaltgointomybody-guard，and，ifIhavemywill，thoushaltbenearmeinbattle，andthywolf-dogalso。”

Ericsaidthatheaskednobetter，andthereafterhewentupwithEdmundtheKingtomakewarontheDanesofMercia，andheandSkallagrimdidgreatdeedsbeforetheeyesoftheEnglishmen。

ThatwinterEricandhiscompanycamebacktoLondon，andabodewiththeKinginmuchstateandhonour。Now，therewasacertainladyofthecourtnamedElfrida。Shewasbothfairandwealthy，thesweetestofwomen，andofroyalbloodbyhermother’sside。SosoonashereyesfellonEricshelovedhim，andnoonethingdidshedesiremorethantobehiswife。ButBrighteyeskeptalooffromher，forhelovedGudrudaalone；andsothewinterworeaway，andinthespringhewentawaywarring，nordidhecomebacktillautumnwasathand。

TheLadyElfridasatatawindowwhenEricrodethroughLondonTownintheKing’sfollowing，andashepassedshethrewhimawreathofflowers。TheKingsawitandlaughed。

“Mycoldkinswomanseemstomeltbeforethosebrighteyesofthine，Icelander。”hesaid，“asmyfoesmeltbeforeWhitefire’sflame。Well，Icouldwishheraworsemate。”andhelookedonhimstrangely。

Ericbowed，butmadenoanswer。

Thatnight，astheysatatmeatinthepalace，theLadyElfrida，beingbiddeninjestofEdmundtheKingtofillthecupofthebravest，passeddowntheboard，and，beforeallmen，pouredwineintoEric’scup，and，asshedidso，welcomedhimbackwithshortsweetwords。

Ericgrewredasdawn，andthankedhergraciously；butafterthefeasthespokewithSkallagrim，askinghimoftheGudruda，andwhenshecouldbereadytotakethesea。

“Intendays，lord。”saidSkallagrim；“butstaywenotherewiththeKingthiswinter？Itislatetosail。”

“Nay。”saidEric，“webidenothere。IwouldwinterthisyearinFareys，fortheyarethenighestplacetoIcelandthatImayreach。

Nextsummermythreeyearsofoutlawryareover，andIwouldfarebackhomewards。”

“Now，Iseetheshadowofawoman’shand。”saidSkallagrim。“Itisverylatetofacethenorthernseas，andwemaysailtoIcelandfromLondoninthespring。”

“Itismywillthatweshouldsail。”answeredEric。

“PastOrkneysrunstheroadtoFareys。”saidSkallagrim，“andinOrkneyssitsahawktowhomtheLadyElfridaisbutadove。Infaringfromillwemayhaponworse。”

“Itismywillthatwesail。”saidEricstubbornly。

“Asthouwilt，andastheKingwills。”answeredSkallagrim。

OnthemorrowEricwentinbeforetheKing，andcravedaboon。

“Thereislittlethatthoucanstask，Brighteyes。”saidtheKing，“thatIwillnotgivethee，for，bymytroth，Iholdtheedear。”

“Iamcomebacktoseeknogreatthing，lord。”answeredEric，“butthisonly：leavetobidtheefarewell。Iwouldwendhomeward。”

“Say，Eric。”saidtheKing，“haveInotdealtwellwiththee？“

“Well，andoverwell，lord。”

“Why，then，wouldstthouleaveme？Ihavethisinmymind——tobringtheetogreathonour。See，now，thereisafairladyinthiscourt，andinherveinsrunsbloodthatevenanIcelandvikingmightbeproudtomatewith。Shehasgreatlands，and，mayhap，sheshallhavemore。

Canstthounotfindahomeonthem，thinkestthou，Brighteyes？“

“InIcelandonlyIamathome，lord。”saidEric。

ThentheKingwaswroth，andbadehimbegonewhenitpleasedhim，andEricbowedbeforehimandwentout。

Twodaysafterwards，whileEricwaswalkinginthePalacegardenshemettheLadyElfridafacetoface。Sheheldwhiteflowersinherhand，andshewasfairtoseeandpaleastheflowersshebore。

Hegreetedher，and，afterawhile，shespoketohiminagentlevoice：“TheysaythatthougoestfromEngland，Brighteyes？“shesaid。

“Yes，lady；Igo。”heanswered。

Shelookedonhimonceandtwiceandthenburstoutweeping。“Whygoestthouhencetothatcoldlandofthine？“shesobbed——“thathatefullandofsnowandice！IsnotEnglandgoodenoughforthee？“

“Iamathomethere，lady，andtheremymotherwaitsme。”

“’Therethymotherwaitsthee，’Eric？——say，doesamaidcalledGudrudatheFairwaittheetherealso？“

“ThereissuchamaidinIceland。”saidEric。

“Yes；Iknowit——Iknowitall。”sheanswered，dryinghertears，andofasuddengrowingcoldandproud；“Eric，thouartbetrothedtothisGudruda；and，forthywelfare，somewhatoverfaithfultothytroth。Forhearken，EricBrighteyes。Iknowthis：thatlittleluckshallcometotheefromthemaidGudruda。Itwouldbecomemeilltosaymore；

nevertheless，thisistrue——thathere，inEngland，goodfortunewaitsthyhand，andthereinIcelandsuchfortuneasmenmetetotheirfoes。

Knowestthouthis？“

Ericlookedatherandanswered：“Lady。”hesaid，“menarenotbornoftheirownwill，theyliveanddolittlethattheywill，theydoandgo，perchance，whithertheywouldnot。Yetitmayhappentoamanthatonemeetshimwhosehandhefainwouldhold，ifitbebutforanhour’stravelovericyways；anditisbettertoholdthathandforthisshorthourthantowendhislifethroughatastranger’sside。”

“Perhapsthereiswisdominthyfolly。”saidtheLadyElfrida。“Still，Itelltheethis：thatnogoodluckwaitstheethereinIceland。”

“Itwellmaybe。”saidEric：“mydayshavebeenstormy，andthegaleisstillbrewing。Butitisapoorheartthatfearsthestorm。Bettertosink；for，cowardorhero，allmustsinkatlast。”

“Say，Eric。”saidthelady，“ifthathandthoudostdesiretoholdislosttothee，whatthen？“

“Ifthathandiscoldindeath，thenhenceforthIwendmywaysalone。”

“Andifitbeheldofanotherhandthanthine？“

“ThenIwilljourneybacktoEngland，lady，andhereinthisfairgardenImaycravespeechoftheeagain。”

Theylookedoneonanother。“Faretheewell，Eric！“saidtheLadyElfrida。“Hereinthisgardenwemaytalkagain；and，ifwetalknomore——why，faretheewell！Dayscomeandgo；theswallowtakesflightatwinter，andlo！atspringittwittersroundtheeaves。Andifitcomenotagain，thenfarewelltothatswallow。Theworldisagreathouse，Eric，andthereisroomformanyswallows。Butalas！forherwhoisleftdesolate——alas，alas！“Andsheturnedandwent。

ItistoldofthisladyElfridathatshebecameverywealthyandwasmuchhonouredforhergentlenessandwisdom，andthat，whenshewasold，shebuiltagreatchurchandnameditEricskirk。Itisalsotoldthat，thoughmanysoughtherinmarriage，sheweddednone。

XVI

HOWSWANHILDWALKEDTHESEAS

Withintwodaysafterwards，theGudrudabeingboundforsea，EricwentuptobidfarewelltotheKing。ButEdmundwassoangrywithhimbecauseofhisgoingthathewouldnotseehim。ThereonErictookhorseandrodedownsadlyfromthePalacetotheriver-bankwheretheGudrudalay。Butwhenhewasabouttogivethewordtogetouttheoars，theKinghimselfrodeup，andwithhimmenbearingcostlygifts。

Ericwentashoretospeakwithhim。

“Iamangrywiththee，Brighteyes。”saidEdmund，“yetitisnotinmyhearttolettheegowithoutwordsandgiftsoffarewell。ThisonlyI

askoftheenow，that，ifthingsgonotwellwiththeethere，outinIceland，thouwiltcomebacktome。”

“Iwill——thatIpromisethee，King。”saidEric，“forIshallneverfindabetterlord。”

“NorIabraverservant。”saidtheKing。Thenhegavehimthegiftsandkissedhimbeforeallmen。ToSkallagrimalsohegaveagoodbyrnieofWelshsteelcolouredblack。

ThenEricwentaboardagainanddroppeddowntheriverwiththetide。

Forfivedaysallwentwellwiththem，theseabeingcalmandthewindslightandfavourable。Butonthefifthnight，astheysailedslowlyalongthecoastsofEastAngliaoveragainstYarmouthsands，themoonroseredandringedandtheseafelldeadcalm。

“Yonderhangsastorm-lamp，lord。”saidSkallagrim，pointingtotheangrymoon。“Weshallsoonbebailing，fortheautumngalesdrawnear。”

“Waittilltheycome，thenspeak。”saidEric。“Thoucroakesteverlikearaven。”

“Andravenscroakbeforefoulweather。”answeredSkallagrim，andjustashespokeasuddengustofwindcameupfromthesouth-eastandlaidtheGudrudaover。Afterthisitcameontoblow，andsofiercelythatforwholedaysandnightstheirclotheswerescarcelydry。Theyrannorthwardsbeforethestormandstillnorthward，sightingnolandandseeingnostars。Andeverastheyscuddedonthegalegrewfiercer，tillatlengththemenwerewornoutwithbailingandstarvedwithwetandcold。Threeoftheirnumberalsowerewashedawaybytheseas，andallwereinsorryplight。

Itwasthefourthnightofthegale。Ericstoodatthehelm，andbyhimSkallagrim。Theywerealone，fortheircomradeswerespentandlaybeneathdecks，waitingfordeath。Theshipwashalffullofwater，buttheyhadnomorestrengthtobail。Ericseemedgrimandgauntinthewhitelightofthemoon，andhislonghairstreamedabouthimwildly。

GrimmeryetwasSkallagrimasheclungtotheshield-railandstaredacrossthedeep。

“Sherollsheavily，lord。”heshouted，“andthewatergainsfast。”

“Canthemenbailnomore？“askedEric。

“Nay，theyareoutwornandwaitfordeath。”

“Theyneednotwaitlong。”saidEric。“Whatdotheysayofme？“

“Nothing。”

ThenEricgroanedaloud。“Itwasmystubbornnessthatbroughtustothispass。”hesaid；“Icarelittleformyself，butitisillthatallshoulddieforoneman’sfolly。”

“Grievenot，lord。”answeredSkallagrim，“thatistheworld’sway，andthereareworsethingsthantodrown。Listen！methinksIheartheroarofbreakersyonder。”andhepointedtotheleft。

“Breakerstheysurelyare。”saidEric。“Nowtheendisnear。Butsee，isnotthatlandloomingupontheright，orisitcloud？“

“Itisland。”saidSkallagrim，“andIamsureofthis，thatwerunintoafirth。Look，theseasboillikeahotspring。Holdonthycourse，lord，perchancewemayyetsteerbetweenrocksandland。

Alreadythewindfallsandthecurrentlessenstheseas。”

“Ay。”saidEric，“alreadythefogandraincomeup。”andhepointedaheadwheredensecloudsgatheredintheshapeofagiant，whoseheadreachedtotheskiesandmovedtowardsthem，hidingthemoon。

Skallagrimlooked，thenspoke：“Nowhere，itseems，iswitchwork。Say，lord，hastthoueverseenmisttravelagainstwindasittravelsnow？“

“Neverbefore。”saidEric，andashespokethelightofthemoonwentout。

Swanhild，Atli’swife，satinbeautyinherboweronStraumeyIsleandlookedwithwideeyestowardsthesea。Itwasmidnight。NonestirredinAtli’shall，butstillSwanhildlookedouttowardsthesea。

Nowsheturnedandspokeintothedarkness，fortherewasnolightinthebowersavethelightofhergreateyes。

“Artthouthere？“shesaid。“Ihavesummonedtheethriceinthewordsthouknowest。Say，Toad，artthere？“

“Ay，SwanhildtheFatherless！Swanhild，Groa’sdaughter！Witch-

mother’switch-child！Iamhere。Whatisthywillwithme？“pipedathinvoicelikethevoiceofadyingbabe。

Swanhildshudderedalittleandhereyesgrewbrighter——asbrightastheeyesofacat。

“Thisfirst。”shesaid：“thatthoushowthyself。Hideousasthouart，Ihadratherseethee，thanspeakwiththeeseeingtheenot。”

“Mocknotmyform，lady。”answeredthethinvoice，“foritisasthoudostfashionitinthythought。TothegoodIamfairasday；totheevil，foulastheirheart。/Toad/thoudidstcallme：look，nowIcomeasatoad！“

Swanhildlooked，andbehold！aringofthedarknessgrewwhitewithlight，andinitcrouchedathinghideoustosee。Itwasshapedasagreatspottedtoad，andonitwassetahag’sface，withwhitelockshangingdownoneitherside。Itseyeswereblood-redandsunken，blackwereitsfangs，anditsskinwasdeadyellow。ItgrinnedhorriblyasSwanhildshrankfromit，thenspokeagain：

“/GreyWolf/thoudidstcallmeonce，Swanhild，whenthouwouldsthavethrustGudrudadownGoldfossgulf，andasagreywolfIcame，andgavetheecounselthatthoutookestbutill。/Rat/didstthoucallmeonce，whenthouwouldstsaveBrighteyesfromthecarlesofOspakar，andasaratIcameandinthyshapeIwalkedtheseas。/Toad/thoucallestmenow，andasatoadIcreepaboutthyfeet。Namethywill，Swanhild，andIwillnamemyprice。Butbeswift，forthereareotherfairladieswhosewishImustdoeredawn。”

“Thouarthideoustolookon！“saidSwanhild，placingherhandbeforehereyes。

“Saynotso，lady；saynotso。Lookatthisfaceofmine。Knowestthouitnot？Itisthymother’s——deadGroalentitme。Itookitfromwhereshelies；andmytoad’sskinIdrewfromthyspottedheart，Swanhild，andmorehideousthanIamshaltthoubeinadaytocome，asonceI

wasmorefairthanthouartto-day。”

Swanhildopenedherlipstoshriek，butnosoundcame。

“Troll。”shewhispered，“mockmenotwithlies，buthearkentomybidding：wheresailsEricnow？“

“Lookoutintothenight，lady，andthoushaltsee。”

Swanhildlooked，andthewaysofthedarknessopenedbeforeherwitch-

sight。ThereatthemouthofPentlandFirththeGudrudalabouredheavilyinthegreatseas，andbythetillerstoodEric，andwithhimSkallagrim。

“Seestthouthylove？“askedtheFamiliar。

“Yea。”sheanswered，“fullclearly；heiswornwithwindandsea，butmoregloriousthanaforetime，andhishairislong。Say，whatshallbefallhimifthouaidestnot？“

“This，thatheshallsafelypasstheFirth，forthegalefalls，andcomesafelytoFareys，andfromFareysislestoGudruda’sarms。”

“Andwhatcanstthoudo，Goblin？“

“This：IcanlureEric’sshiptowreck，andgivehiscomrades，allsaveSkallagrim，toRan’snet，andbringhimtothyarms，Swanhild，witch-mother’switch-child！“

Shehearkened。Herbreastheavedandhereyesflashed。

“Andthyprice，Toad？“

“/Thou/arttheprice，lady。”pipedthegoblin。“Thoushaltgivethyselftomewhenthydayisdone，andmerrilywillwesistersdwellinHela’shalls，andmerrilyforeverwillwefareabouttheeartho’

nights，doingsuchtasksasthistaskofthine，Swanhild，andworkingwickedwoetillthelastwoeisworkedonus。Artthoucontent？“

Swanhildthought。Twiceherbreathwentfromherlipsingreatsighs。

Thenshestood，paleandsilent。

“SafelyshallhesailtheFirth。”pipedthethinvoice。“SafelyshallhesitinFareys。SafelyshallhelieinwhiteGudruda’sarms——/hee！

hee！/Thinkofit，lady！“

ThenSwanhildshooklikeabirth-treeinthegale，andherfacegrewashen。

“Iamcontent。”shesaid。

“/Hee！hee！/Bravelady！Sheiscontent！Ah，wesistersshallbemerry。Hearken：ifIaidtheethusImaydonomore。Thricehasthenight-owlcomeatthycall——nowitmustwingaway。YetthingswillbeasIhavesaid；thineownwisdomshallguidetherest。EremornBrighteyesshallstandinAtli’shall，erespringhewillbethylove，andereautumnGudrudashallsitonthehighseatinthehallofMiddalhofthebrideofOspakar。Drawnigh，givemethinearm，sister，thatbloodmaysealourbargain。”

Swanhilddrewnearthetoad，and，shuddering，stretchedoutherarm，andthenandtheretheredbloodran，andtheretheysealedtheirsisterhood。Andasthenamelessdeedwaswrought，itseemedtoSwanhildasthoughfireshotthroughherveins，andfiresurgedbeforehereyes，andinthefireashapepassedupweeping。

“Itisdone，Blood-sister。”pipedthevoice；“nowImustawayinthyformtobeaboutthytasks。Seattheeherebeforeme——so。Nowlaythybrowuponmybrow——fearnot，itwasthymother’s——lifeondeath！

curlinglocksoncorpsehair！See，sowechange——wechange。NowthouarttheDeath-toadandIamSwanhild，Atli’swife，whoshallbeEric’slove。”

ThenSwanhildknewthatherbeautyhadenteredintothefoulnessofthetoad，andthefoulnessofthetoadintoherbeauty，fortherebeforeherstoodherownshapeandhereshecrouchedatoaduponthefloor。

“Awaytowork，away！“saidasoftlowvoice，herownvoicespeakingfromherownbodythatstoodbeforeher，andlo！itwasgone。

ButSwanhildcrouched，intheshapeofahag-headedtoad，uponthegroundinherbowerofAtli’shall，andfeltwickednessandevillongingsandhateboilandseethewithinherheart。Shelookedoutthroughhersunkenhornyeyesandsheseemedtoseestrangesights。

ShesawAtli，herlord，deaduponthegrass。Shesawawomanasleep，andaboveherflashedasword。ShesawthehallofMiddalhofredwithblood。Shesawagreatgulfinamountain’sheart，andmenfelldownit。And，last，shesawawar-shipsailingfastoutonthesea，afire，andvanishthere。

Nowthewitch-hagwhoworeSwanhild’slovelinessstooduponthecliffsofStraumeyandtossedherwhitearmstowardsthenorth。

“Come，fog！come，sleet！“shecried。“Come，fog！come，sleet！PutoutthemoonandblindtheeyesofEric！“Andasshecalled，thefogroseuplikeagiantandstretchedhisarmsfromshoretoshore。

“Move，fog！beat，rain！“shecried。“Moveandbeatagainstthegale，andblindtheeyesofEric！“

Andthefogmovedonagainstthewind，andwithitsleetandrain。

“NowIamafeared。”saidErictoSkallagrim，astheystoodindarknessupontheship：“thegaleblowsfrombehindus，andyetthemistdrivesfastinourfaces。Whatcomesnow？“

“Thisiswitch-work，lord。”answeredSkallagrim，“andinsuchthingsnocounselcanavail。Holdthetillerstraightanddriveon，sayI。

Methinksthegalelessensmoreandmore。”

Sotheydidforalittlewhile，andallaroundthemsoundedtheroarofbreakers。Darkergrewtheskyanddarkeryet，tillatthelast，thoughtheystoodsidebyside，theycouldnotseeeachother’sshapes。

“Thisisstrangesailing。”saidEric。“Iheartheroarofbreakersasitwerebeneaththeprow。”

“Lashthehelm，lord，andletusgoforward。Iftherearebreakers，perhapsweshallseetheirfoamthroughtheblackness。”saidSkallagrim。

Ericdidso，andtheycreptforwardonthestarboardboardrighttotheprowoftheship，andthereSkallagrimpeeredintothefogandsleet。

“Lord。”hewhisperedpresently，andhisvoiceshookstrangely，“whatisthatyonderonthewaters？Seestthouaught？“

Ericstaredandsaid，“ByOdin！Iseeashapeoflightliketotheshapeofawoman；itwalksuponthewaterstowardsusandthemistmeltsbeforeit，andtheseagrowscalmbeneathitsfeet。”

“Iseethatalso！“saidSkallagrim。

“Shecomesnigh！“gaspedEric。“Seehowswiftshecomes！Bythedead，itisSwanhild’sshape！Look，Skallagrim！lookhowhereyesflame！——

lookhowherhairstreamsuponthewind！“

“ItisSwanhild，andwearefey！“quothSkallagrim，andtheyranbacktothehelm，whereSkallagrimsankuponthedeckinfear。

“See，Skallagrim，sheglidesbeforetheGudruda’sbeak！sheglidesbackwardsandshepointsyonder——theretotheright！ShallIputthehelmdownandfollowher？“

“Nay，lord，nay；setnofaithinwitchcraftorevilwillbefallus。”

Ashespokeagreatgustofwindshooktheship，themusicofthebreakersroaredintheirears，andthegleamingshapeuponthewaterstosseditsarmswildlyandpointedtotheright。

“Thebreakerscallahead。”saidEric。“Theshapepointsyonder，whereIhearnosoundofsea。Oncebefore，thoumindest，SwanhildwalkedthewavestowarnusandtherebysavedusfromthemenofOspakar。Evershesworeshelovedme；nowsheissurelycomeinlovetosaveusandallourcomrades。Say，shallIputabout？Look：oncemoreshewavesherarmsandpoints。”andashespokehegrippedthehelm。

“Ihavenorede，lord。”saidSkallagrim，“andIlovenotwitch-work。

Wecandiebutonce，anddeathisallaround；beitasthouwilt。”

Ericputdownthehelmwithallhismight。Thegoodshipanswered，andhertimbersgroanedloudly，asthoughinwoe，whenthestrainoftheseastruckherabeam。Thenoncemoresheflewfastacrossthewaters，andfastbeforeherglidedthewraithofSwanhild。Nowitpointedhereandnowthere，andasitpointedsoEricshapedhiscourse。Forawhilethenoiseofbreakerslessened，butnowagaincameathunder，likethethunderofwavessmitingonacliff，andaboutthesidesoftheGudrudathewaveshissedlikesnakes。

SuddenlytheShapethrewupitsarmsandseemedtosinkbeneaththewaves，whileasoundlikethesoundofagreatlaughwentupfromseatosky。

“Nowhereistheend。”saidSkallagrim，“andweareluredtodoom。”

Ereeverthewordshadpassedhislipstheshipstruck，andsofiercelythattheywererolleduponthedeck。Suddenlytheskygrewclear，themoonshoneout，andbeforethemwerecliffsandrocks，andbehindthemagreatwaverushedon。Fromtheholdoftheshiptherecameacry，fornowtheircomradeswereawakeandtheyknewthatdeathwashere。

EricgrippedSkallagrimroundthemiddleandlookedaft。Onrushedthewave，nosuchwavehadheeverseen。NowitstruckandtheGudrudaburstasunderbeneaththeblow。

ButEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailwereliftedonitscrestandknewnomore。

Swanhild，crouchinginhideousguiseuponthegroundinthebowerofAtli’shall，lookeduponthevisionsthatpassedbeforeher。Suddenlyawoman’sshape，herownshape，wasthere。

“Itisdone，Blood-sister。”saidavoice，herownvoice。“MerrilyI

walkedthewaves，andoh，merrywasthecryofEric’sfolkwhenRancaughttheminhernet！Bethyself，again，Blood-sister——befairasthouartfoul；thenarise，wakeAtlithylord，andgodowntothesea’slipbythesoutherncliffsandseewhatthoushaltfind。Weshallmeetnomoretillallthisgameisplayedandanothergameisset。”andtheshapeofSwanhildcroucheduponthefloorbeforethehag-headedtoadmuttering“Pass！pass！“

ThenSwanhildfeltherfleshcomebacktoher，andasitgrewuponhersotheshapeoftheDeath-headedtoadfadedaway。

“Farewell，Blood-sister！“pipedavoice；“makemerryasthoumayest，butmerriershallbeournightswhenthouhastgonea-sailingwithEriconthesea。Farewell！farewell！/Were-wolf/thoudidstcallmeonce，andasawolfIcame。/Rat/thoudidstcallmeonce，andasaratIcame。/Toad/didstthoucallmeonce，andasatoadIcame。Say，atthelast，whatwiltthoucallmeandinwhatshapeshallIcome，Blood-sister？Tillthenfarewell！“

Andallwasgoneandallwasstill。

XVII

HOWASMUNDTHEPRIESTWEDDEDUNNA，THOROD’SDAUGHTER

NowthestorygoesbacktoIceland。

WhenBrighteyeswasgone，forawhileGudrudatheFairmovedsadlyaboutthestead，likeonenew-widowed。Thencametidings。MentoldhowOspakarBlacktoothhadwaylaidEricontheseaswithtwolongships，dragonsofwar，andhowErichadgivenhimbattleandsunkonedragonwithgreatlosstoOspakar。TheytoldalsohowBlacktooth’sotherdragon，theRaven，hadsailedawaybeforethewind，andErichadsailedafteritinarisinggale。Butofwhatbefelltheseshipsnonewscameformanyamonth，anditwasrumouredthatthishadbefallenthem——thatbothhadsunkinthegale，andthatEricwasdead。

ButGudrudawouldnotbelievethis。WhenAsmundthePriest，herfather，askedherwhyshedidnotbelieveit，sheansweredthat，hadEricbeendead，herheartwouldsurelyhavespokentoherofit。TothisAsmundsaidthatitmightbeso。

Hay-harvestbeingdone，AsmundmadereadyforhisweddingwithUnna，Thorod’sdaughterandEric’scousin。

Nowitwasagreedthatthemarriage-feastshouldbeheldatMiddalhof；

forAsmundwishedtoaskagreatcompanytothewedding，andtherewasnoplaceatColdbacktoholdsomany。AlsosomeofthekinofThorod，Unna’sfather，werebiddentothefeastfromtheeastandnorth。Atlengthallwaspreparedandtheguestscameingreatcompanies，fornosuchfeasthadbeenmadeinthisquarterformanyyears。

OntheeveofthemarriageAsmundspokewithGroa。Thewitch-wifehadborneherselfhumblysinceshewasrecoveredfromhersickness。Shepassedaboutthesteadlikearatatnight，speakingfewwordsandwithdowncasteyes。Shewasbusyalsomakingallthingsreadyforthefeasting。

NowasAsmundwentupthehallseeingthateverythingwasinorder，Groadrewneartohimandtouchedhimgentlyontheshoulder。

“Arethingstothymind，lord？“shesaid。

“Yes，Groa。”heanswered，“moretomymindthantothineIfear。”

“Fearnot，lord；thywillismywill。”

“Say，Groa，isitthywishtobidehereinMiddalhofwhenUnnaismyhousewife？“

“Itismywishtoservetheeasaforetime。”sheansweredsoftly，“ifsobethatUnnawillsit。”

“Thatisherdesire。”saidAsmundandwenthisways。

ButGroastoodlookingafterhimandherfacewasfierceandevil。

“Whilebanehasvirtue，whileruneshavepower，andwhilehandhascunning，never，Unna，shaltthoutakemyplaceatAsmund’sside！OutofthewaterIcametothee，Asmund；intothewaterIgoagain。

UnquietshallIliethere——unquietshallIwendthroughHela’shalls；

butUnnashallrestatAsmund’sside——inAsmund’scairn！“