第6章

Thenagainshemovedaboutthehall，makingallthingsreadyforthefeast。Butatmidnight，whenthelightwaslowandfolkslept，Groarose，and，veiledinablackrobe，withabasketinherhand，passedlikeashadowthroughthemiststhathangabouttheriver’sedge，andinsilence，alwayslookingbehindher，likeonewhofearsahiddenfoe，culledflowersofnoisomeplantsthatgrowinthemarsh。Herbasketbeingfilled，shepassedroundthesteadtoahiddendelluponthemountainside。Hereamanstoodwaiting，andnearhimburnedafireofturf。Inhishandheheldaniron-pot。ItwasKolltheHalf-

witted，Groa’sthrall。

“Areallthingsready，Koll？“shesaid。

“Yes。”heanswered；“butIlikenotthesetasksofthine，mistress。

Saynow，whatwouldstthoudowiththefireandthepot？“

“This，then，Koll。Iwouldbrewalove-potionforAsmundthePriestashehasbiddenmetodo。”

“Ihavedonemanyanilldeedforthee，mistress，butofallofthemI

lovethistheleast。”saidthethrall，doubtfully。

“Ihavedonemanyagooddeedforthee，Koll。ItwasIwhosavedtheefromtheDoom-stone，seemingtoprovetheeinnocent——ay，evenwhenthybackwasstretchedonit，becausethouhadstslainamaninhissleep。

Isitnotso？“

“Yea，mistress。”

“Andyetthouwastguilty，Koll。AndIhavegiventheemanygoodgifts，isitnotso？“

“Yes，itisso。”

“Listenthen：servemethisonceandIwillgivetheeonelastgift——

thyfreedom，andwithittwohundredinsilver。”

Koll’seyesglistened。“WhatmustIdo，mistress？“

“To-dayatthewedding-feastitwillbethyparttopourthecupswhileAsmundcallsthetoasts。Lastofall，whenmenaremerry，thouwiltmixthatcupinwhichAsmundshallpledgeUnnahiswifeandUnnamustpledgeAsmund。Now，whenthouhastpoured，thoushaltpassthecuptome，asIstandatthefootofthehighseat，waitingtogivethebridegreetingonbehalfoftheserving-womenofthehousehold。

Thoushalthandthecuptomeasthoughinerror，andthatisbutalittlethingtoaskofthee。”

“Alittlethingindeed。”saidKoll，staringather，andpullingwithhishandathisredhair，“yetIlikeitnot。WhatifIsayno，mistress？“

“SaynoorspeakofthisandIwillpromisetheeonethingonly，thouknave，anditis，beforewintercomes，thatthecrowsshallpickthybones！Now，braveme，ifthoudarest。”andstraightwayGroabegantomuttersomewitch-words。

“Nay。”saidKoll，holdinguphishandasthoughtowardawayablow。

“Cursemenot：Iwilldoasthouwilt。ButwhenshallItouchthetwohundredinsilver？“

“Iwillgivetheehalfbeforethefeastbegins，andhalfwhenitisended，andwithitfreedomtogowherethouwilt。Andnowleaveme，andonthylifeseethatthoufailmenot。”

“Ihaveneverfailedtheeyet。”saidKoll，andwenthisways。

NowGroasetthepotuponthefire，and，placinginittheherbsthatshehadgathered，pouredwateronthem。Presentlytheybegantoboilandastheyboiledshestirredthemwithapeeledstickandmutteredspellsoverthem。Forlongshesatinthatdimandlonelyplacestirringthepotandmutteringspells，tillatlengththebrewwasdone。

Sheliftedthepotfromthefireandsmeltatit。Thendrawingaphialfromherrobeshepouredouttheliquorandheldittothesky。Thewitch-waterwaswhiteasmilk，butpresentlyitgrewclear。Shelookedatit，thensmiledevilly。

“Hereisalove-draughtforaqueen——ah，alove-draughtforaqueen！“

shesaid，and，stillsmiling，sheplacedthephialinherbreast。

Then，havingscatteredthefirewithherfoot，Groatookthepotandthrewitintoadeeppoolofwater，whereitcouldnotbefoundreadily，andcreptbacktothesteadbeforemenwereawake。

Nowthedayworeonandallthecompanyweregatheredatthemarriage-

feasttothenumberofnearlytwohundred。Unnasatinthehighseat，andmenthoughtherabonnybride，andbyhersidesatAsmundthePriest。Hewasahale，strongmantolookon，thoughhehadseensomethree-scorewinters；buthismienwassad，andhisheartheavy。Hedrankcupaftercuptocheerhim，butallwithoutavail。ForhisthoughtspedbackacrosstheyearsandoncemoreheseemedtoseethefaceofGudrudatheGentleasshelaydying，andtohearhervoicewhensheforetoldeviltohimifhehadaughttodowithGroatheWitch-wife。Andnowitseemedtohimthattheevilwasathand，thoughwhenceitshouldcomeheknewnot。Helookedup。ThereGroamovedalongthehall，ministeringtotheguests；buthesawasshemovedthathereyeswerealwaysfixed，nowonhimandnowonUnna。HerememberedthatcursealsowhichGroahadcalleddownuponhimwhenhehadtoldherthathewasbetrothedtoUnna，andhisheartgrewcoldwithfear。“NowIwillchangemycounsel。”Asmundsaidtohimself：

“Groashallnotstayhereinthisstead，forIwilllooknolongeronthatdarkfaceofhers。Shegoeshenceto-morrow。”

NotfarfromAsmundsatBj？rn，hisson。AsGudrudatheFair，hissister，broughthimmeadhecaughtherbythesleeve，whisperinginherear。“Methinksourfatherissad。Whatweighsuponhisheart？“

“Iknownot。”saidGudruda，butasshespokeshelookedfirstonAsmund，thenatGroa。

“ItisillthatGroashouldstophere。”whisperedBj？rnagain。

“Itisill。”answeredGudruda，andglidedaway。

Asmundsawtheirtalkandguesseditspurport。RousinghimselfhelaughedaloudandcalledtoKolltheHalf-wittedtopourthecupsthathemightnamethetoasts。

Kollfilled，and，asAsmundcalledthetoastsonebyone，Kollhandedthecupstohim。Asmunddrankdeepofeach，tillatlengthhissorrowpassedfromhim，and，togetherwithallwhosatthere，hegrewmerry。

Lastofallcamethetoastofthebride’scup。ButbeforeAsmundcalledit，thewomenofthehouseholddrewnearthehighseattowelcomeUnna，whensheshouldhavedrunk。Gudrudastoodforemost，andGroawasnexttoher。

NowKollfilledasbefore，anditwasagreatcupofgoldthathefilled。

Asmundrosetocallthetoast，andwithhimallwhowereinthehall。

Kollbroughtupthecup，andhandedit，nottoAsmund，buttoGroa；

buttherewerefewwhonotedthis，forallwerelisteningtoAsmund’stoastandmostoftheguestsweresomewhatdrunken。

“Thecup。”criedAsmund——“givemethecupthatImaydrink。”

ThenGroastartedforward，andasshedidsosheseemedtostumble，sothatforamomentherrobecoveredupthegreatbride-cup。Thenshegatheredherselftogetherslowly，and，smiling，passedupthecup。

Asmundliftedittohislipsanddrankdeep。ThenheturnedandgaveittoUnnahiswife，butbeforeshedrankhekissedheronthelips。

Nowwhileallmenshoutedsuchawelcomethatthehallshook，andasUnna，smiling，drankfromthecup，theeyesofAsmundfelluponGroawhostoodbeneathhim，andlo！hereyesseemedtoflameandherfacewashideousasthefaceofatroll。

Asmundgrewwhiteandputhishandtohishead，asthoughtothink，thencriedaloud：

“Drinknot，Unna！thedraughtisdrugged！“andhestruckatthevesselwithhishand。

Hesmoteitindeed，andsohardthatitflewfromherhandfardownthehall。

ButUnnahadalreadydrunkdeep。

“Thedraughtisdrugged！“Asmundcried，andpointedtoGroa，whileallmenstoodsilent，notknowingwhattodo。

“Thedraughtisdrugged！“hecriedathirdtime，“andthatwitchhasdruggedit！“Andhebegantotearathisbreast。

ThenGroalaughedsoshrillythatmentrembledtohearher。

“Yes，lord。”shescreamed，“thedraughtisdrugged，andGroatheWitch-wifehathdruggedit！Ay，tearthyheartout，Asmund，andUnna，growthouwhiteassnow——soon，ifmymedicinehasvirtue，thoushaltbewhiteryet！Hearkenallmen。AsmundthePriestisSwanhild’sfather，andformanyayearIhavebeenAsmund’smate。WhatdidItellthee，lord？——thatIwouldseethetwoofyoudeadereUnnashouldtakemyplace！——ay，andonGudrudatheFair，thydaughter，andBj？rnthyson，andEricBrighteyes，Gudruda’slove，andmanyanotherman——onthemtooshallmycursefall！Tearthyheartout，Asmund！Unna，growthouwhiteassnow！ThedraughtisdruggedandGroa，Ran’sgift！GroatheWitch-Wife！Groa，Asmund’slove！hathdruggedit！“

AndereeveramanmightliftahandtostayherGroaglidedpastthehighseatandwasgone。

Foraspaceallstoodsilent。Asmundceasedclutchingathisbreast。

Risinghespokeheavily：

“NowIlearnthatsinisastonetosmitehimwhohurledit。GudrudatheGentlespokesoothwhenshewarnedmeagainstthiswoman。/Newwed，newdead！/Unna，faretheewell！“

AndstraightwayAsmundfelldownanddiedtherebythehighseatinhisownhall。

Unnagazedathimwithashenface。Then，pluckingatherbosomshesprangfromthedaisandrushedalongthehall，screaming。Menmadewayforher，andatthedoorshealsofelldead。

ThisthenwastheendofAsmundAsmundsonthePriest，andUnna，Thorod’sdaughter，Eric’scousin，hisnew-madewife。

Foramomenttherewassilenceinthehall。ButbeforetheechoesofUnna’sscreamshaddiedaway，Bj？rncriedaloud：

“Thewitch！whereisthewitch？“

Thenwithayellofrage，menleapedtotheirfeet，seizingtheirweapons，andrushedfromthestead。Outtheyran。There，onthehill-

sidefarabovethem，ablackshapeclimbedandleaptswiftly。Theygavetonguelikedogssetuponawolfandspedupthehill。

Theygainedthecrestofthehill，andnowtheywereatGoldfossbrink。Lo！thewitch-wifehadcrossedthebedofthetorrent，forlittlerainhadfallenandtheriverwaslow。ShestoodonSheep-

saddle，thewaterrunningfromherrobes。OnSheep-saddleshestoodandcursedthem。

Bj？rntookabowandsetashaftuponthestring。Hedrewitandthearrowsungthroughtheairandsmoteher，speedingthroughherheart。

WithacryGroathrewupherarms。

Thendownsheplunged。ShefellonWolf’sFang，whereEriconcehadstoodand，bouncingthence，rushedtotheboilingdeepsbelowandwasnomoreseenforever。

Thus，then，didAsmundthePriestwedUnna，Thorod’sdaughter，andthiswastheendofthefeasting。

ThereafterBj？rn，Asmund’sson，ruledatMiddalhof，andwasPriestinhisplace。HesoughtforKolltheHalf-wittedtokillhim，butKolltookthefells，andaftermanymonthshefoundpassageinashipthatwasboundforScotland。

NowBj？rnwasahardmanandagreedy。HewasnofriendtoEricBrighteyes，andalwayspresseditonGudrudathatsheshouldwedOspakarBlacktooth。ButtothiscounselGudrudawouldnotlisten，fordayandnightshethoughtuponherlove。NextsummertherecametidingsthatEricwassafeinIreland，andmenspokeofhisdeeds，andofhowheandSkallagrimhadswepttheshipofOspakarsingle-handed。

Nowafterthesetidings，forawhileGudrudawalkedsingingthroughthemeads，andnoflowerthatgrewinthemwashalfsofairasshe。

ThatsummeralsoOspakarBlacktoothmetBj？rn，Asmund’sson，attheThing，andtheytalkedmuchtogetherinsecret。

XVIII

HOWEARLATLIFOUNDERICANDSKALLAGRIMONTHE

SOUTHERNROCKSOFSTRAUMEYISLE

Swanhild，robedinwhite，asthoughnewrisenfromsleep，stood，candleinhand，bythebedofAtlitheEarl，herlord，crying“Awake！“

“Whatpassesnow？“saidAtli，liftinghimselfuponhisarm。“Whatpasses，Swanhild，andwhydostthoueverwanderaloneatnights，lookingsostrangely？Ilovenotthydarkwitch-ways，Swanhild，andI

waswedtotheeinanillhour，wifewhoartnowife。”

“Inanillhourindeed，EarlAtli。”sheanswered，“anillhourfortheeandme，for，asthouhastsaid，eldandyoutharestrangeyokefellowsandpulldifferentpaths。Arisenow，Earl，forIhavedreamedadream。”

“Tellittomeonthemorrow，then。”quothAtli；“thereissmalljoyousnessinthydreams，thatalwayspointtoevil，andImustbearenougheviloflate。”

“Nay，lord，myredemaynotbeputasideso。Listennow：IhavedreamedthatagreatdragonofwarhasbeencastawayuponStraumey’ssouth-westernrocks。Thecriesofthosewhodrownedranginmyears。

ButIthoughtthatsomecamelivingtotheshore，andlietheresenseless，toperishofthecold。Arise，therefore，takemenandgodowntotherocks。”

“Iwillgoatdaybreak。”saidAtli，lettinghisheadfalluponthepillow。“Ihavelittlefaithinsuchvisions，anditistoolateforshipsofwartotrythepassageoftheFirth。”

“Arise，Isay。”answeredSwanhildsternly，“anddomybidding，elseI

willmyselfgotosearchtherocks。”

ThenAtlirosegrumbling，andshooktheheavysleepfromhiseyes：forofalllivingfolkhemostfearedSwanhildhiswife。Hedonnedhisgarments，threwathickcloakabouthim，and，goingtothehallwheremensnoredaroundthedyingfires，forthenightwasbitter，heawokesomeofthem。NowamongthosemenwhomhecalledwasHallofLithdale，Hallthematewhohadcutthegrapnel-chain。ForthisHall，fearingtoreturntoIceland，hadcomehithersayingthathehadbeenwoundedoffFareys，inthegreatfightbetweenEricandOspakar’smen，andlefttheretogrowwellofhishurtordie。ThenAtli，notknowingthatthecarlelied，hadbidhimwelcomeforEric’ssake，forhestilllovedEricaboveallmen。

ButHalllovednotlabourandnightfaringstosearchforshipwreckedmenofwhomtheLadySwanhildhadchancedtodream。Soheturnedhimselfuponhissideandsleptagain。Still，certainofAtli’sfolkroseathisbidding，andtheywenttogetherdowntothesouth-westernrocks。

ButSwanhild，acloakthrownoverhernight-gear，satherselfinthehighseatofthehallandfixinghereyes，nowuponthedyingfiresandnowupontheblood-marksinherarm，waitedinsilence。Thenightwascoldandwindy，butthemoonshonebright，andbyitslightAtliandhispeoplemadetheirwaytothesouth-westernrocks，onwhichtheseabeatmadly。

“Whatliesyonder？“saidAtli，pointingtosomeblackthingsthatlaybeneaththemupontherock，casttherebythewaves。Amanclimbeddownthecliff’ssidethatishereasthoughitwerecutinsteps，andthencriedaloud：

“Aship’smast，newbroken，lord。”

“ItseemsthatSwanhilddreamstrue。”mutteredAtli；“butIamsureofthis：thatnonehavecomeashorealiveinsuchasea。”

Presentlythemanwhosearchedtherocksbelowcriedaloudagain：

“Herelietwogreatmen，lockedineachother’sarms。Theyseemtobedead。”

Nowallthemenclimbdowntheslipperyrocksasbesttheymay，thoughthespraywetsthem，andwiththemgoesAtli。TheEarlisabriskman，thougholdinyears，andhecomesfirsttowherethetwolie。Hewhowasundermostlayuponhisback，buthisfaceishidbythethickgoldenhairthatflowedacrossit。

“Man’sbodyindeed，butwoman’slocks。”saidAtliasheputouthishandanddrewthehairaway，sothatthelightofthemoonfellonthefacebeneath。

Helooked，thenstaggeredbackagainsttherock。

“ByThor！“hecried，“hereliesthecorpseofEricBrighteyes！“andAtliwrunghishandsandwept，forhelovedEricmuch。

“Benotsosurethatthemenaredead，Earl。”saidone，“IthoughtI

sawyongreatcarlemovebutnow。”

“HeisSkallagrimLambstail，Eric’sDeath-shadow。”saidAtliagain。

“Upwiththem，lads——see，yonderliesaplank——andawaytothehall。I

willgivetwentyinsilvertoeachofyouifEriclives。”andheunclaspedhiscloakandthrewitoverbothofthem。

Thenwithmuchlabourtheyloosedthegripofthetwomenonefromtheother，andtheysetSkallagrimontheplank。ButeightmenboreEricupthecliffbetweenthem，andthetaskwasnotlight，thoughtheEarlheldhishead，fromwhichthegoldenhairhunglikeseaweedfromarock。

Atlengththeycametothehallandcarriedthemin。Swanhild，seeingthemcome，moveddownfromthehighseat。

“Bringlamps，andpileupthefires。”criedAtli。“Astrangethinghascometopass，Swanhild，andthoudostdreamwisely，indeed，forherewehaveEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstail。Theywerelockedlikeloversineachother’sarms，butIknownotiftheyaredeadorliving。”

NowSwanhildstartedandcameonswiftly。HadtheFamiliartrickedherandhadshepaidthepricefornothing？WasErictakenfromGudrudaandgiventoherindeed——butgivendead？Shebentoverhim，gazingkeenlyonhisface。Thenshespoke。

“Heisnotdeadbutsenseless。Bringdryclothes，andmakewaterhot。”

and，kneelingdown，sheloosedEric’shelmandharnessandungirdedWhitefirefromhisside。

ForlongSwanhildandAtlitendedEricatonefire，andtheservingwomentendedSkallagrimattheother。PresentlytherecameacrythatSkallagrimstirred，andAtliwithothersrantosee。AtthismomentalsotheeyesofEricwereunsealed，andSwanhildsawthemlookingatherdimlyfrombeneath。Movedtoitbyherpassionandherjoythatheyetlived，Swanhildletherfacefalltillhiswashiddeninherunboundhair，andkissedhimuponthelips。Ericshuthiseyesagain，sighingheavily，andpresentlyhewasasleep。Theyborehimtoabedandheapedwarmwrappingsuponhim。Atdaybreakhewoke，andAtli，whosatwatchingathisside，gavehimhotmeadtodrink。

“DoIdream？“saidEric，“orisitEarlAtliwhotendsme，anddidI

butnowseethefaceofSwanhildbendingoverme？“

“Itisnodream，Eric，butthetruth。ThouhastbeencastawayhereonmyisleofStraumey。”

“AndSkallagrim——whereisSkallagrim？“

“Skallagrimlives——fearnot！“

“Andmycomrades，howwentitwiththem？“

“Butill，Eric。Ranhasthemall。Nowsleep！“

Ericgroanedaloud。“Ihadratherdiedalsothanlivetohearsuchheavytidings。”hesaid。“Witch-work！witch-work！andthatfairwitch-

facewroughtit。”Andonceagainheslept，nordidhewaketillthesunwashigh。ButAtlicouldmakenothingofhiswords。

WhenSwanhildleftthesideofEricshemetHallofLithdalefacetofaceandhislooksweretroubled。

“Say，lady。”heasked，“willBrighteyeslive？“

“Grievenot，Hall。”sheanswered，“Ericwillsurelyliveandhewillbegladtofindamessmateheretogreethim，havingleftsomanyyonder。”andshepointedtothesea。

“Ishallnotbeglad。”saidHall，lettinghiseyesfall。

“Whynot，Hall？FearestthouSkallagrim？orhastthoudoneillbyEric？“

“Ay，lady，IfearSkallagrim，forhesworetoslayme，andthatkindofpromiseheeverkeeps。Also，ifthetruthmustout，IhavenotdealtaltogetherwellwithEric，andofallmenIleastwishtotalkwithhim。”

“Speakon。”shesaid。

Then，beingforcedtoit，Halltoldhersomethingofthetaleofthecuttingofthecable，beingcarefultoputanothercolouronit。

“Nowitseemsthatthouartacoward，Hall。”Swanhildsaidwhenhehaddone，“andIscarcelylookedforthatinthee。”forshehadnotbeendeceivedbytheglozingofhisspeech。“ItwillbebadfortheetomeetEricandSkallagrim，andthisismycounsel：thatthougoesthencebeforetheywake，fortheywillsitthiswinterhereinAtli’shall。”

“AndwhithershallIgo，lady？“

Swanhildgazedonhim，andasshedidsoadarkthoughtcameintoherheart：herewasaknavewhomightserveherends。

“Hall。”shesaid，“thouartanIcelander，andIhaveknownoftheefromachild，andthereforeIwishtoservetheeinthystrait，thoughthoudeservestitlittle。Seenow，AtlitheEarlhasafarmonthemainlandnottwohours’ridefromthesea。Thitherthoushaltgo，ifthouartwise，andthoushaltsittherethiswinterandbehiddenfromEricandSkallagrim。Nay，thankmenot，butlisten：itmaychancethatIshallhaveaservicefortheetodobeforespringiscome。”

“Lady，Ishallwaituponthyword。”saidHall。

“Good。Now，sosoonasitislight，IwillfindamantosailwiththeeacrosstheFirth，fortheseafalls，andbearmymessagetothestewardatAtli’sfarm。Alsoifthouneedestfaring-moneythoushalthaveit。Farewell。”

ThusthendidHallflybeforeEricandSkallagrim。

OnthemorrowEricandSkallagrimarose，sickandbruisedindeed，butnotatallharmed，andwentdowntotheshore。Theretheyfoundmanydeadmenoftheircompany，butneveraoneinwhomthebreathofliferemained。

SkallagrimlookedatEricandspoke：“Lastnightthemistcameupagainstthewind：lastnightwesawSwanhild’swraithuponthewaves，andthereisthepathitshowed，andthere“——andhepointedtothedeadmen——“isthewitch-seed’sflower。Nowto-daywesitinAtli’shallandherewemuststaythiswinteratSwanhild’sside，andinallthisthereliesariddlethatIcannotread。”

ButEricshookhishead，makingnoanswer。Then，leavingSkallagrimwiththedead，heturned，andstridingbackalonetowardsthehall，satdownonarockinthehomemeadowsand，coveringhisfacewithhishands，weptforhiscomrades。

AsheweptSwanhildcametohim，forshehadseenhimfromafar，andtouchedhimgentlyonthearm。

“Whyweepestthou，Eric？“shesaid。

“Iweepforthedead，Swanhild。”heanswered。

“Weepnotforthedead——theyareatpeace；ifthoumustweep，weepfortheliving。Nay，weepnotatall；rejoiceratherthatthouartheretomourn。Hastthounowordofgreetingformewhohavenotheardthyvoicethesemanymonths？“

“HowshallIgreetthee，Swanhild，whowouldneverhaveseenthyfaceagainifImighthavehadmywill？Knowestthouthatyesternight，aswelabouredinyonderFirth，wesawashapewalkingthewaterstoleadustoourdoom？HowshallIgreetthee，Swanhild，whoartawitchandevil？“

“Andknowestthou，Eric，thatyesternightIwokefromsleep，havingdreamedthatthoudidstlieupontheshore，andthusIsavedtheealive，asperchanceIhavesavedtheeaforetime？Ifthoudidstseeashapewalkingthewatersitwasthatshapewhichledtheehere。Hadstthousailedon，notonlythosethoumournest，butSkallagrimandthouthyselfhadnowbeennumberedwiththelost。”

“Bettersothanthus。”saidBrighteyes。“Knowestthoualso，Swanhild，thatwhenlastnightmylifecamebackagaininAtli’shall，methoughtthatAtli’swifeleanedovermeandkissedmeonthelips？Thatwasanilldream，Swanhild。”

“Somehadfounditnonesoill，Eric。”shemadeanswer，lookingonhimstrangely。“Still，itwasbutadream。ThoudidstdreamthatAtli’swifebreathedbackthebreathoflifeintothypalelips——besureofitthoudidstbutdream。Ah，Eric，fearmenomore；forgettheevilthatIhavewroughtintheblindnessandfollyofmyyouth。Nowthingsareotherwisewithme。NowIamaweddedwifeandfaithfulheartedtomylord。Now，ifIstilllovethee，itiswithasister’slove。

Thereforeforgetmysins，rememberonlythataschildrenweplayedupontheIcelandfells。Rememberthat，asboyandgirl，werodealongthemarshes，whilethesea-mewsclamouredroundourheads。Theworldiscold，Eric，andfewarethefriendswefindinit；manyarealreadygone，andsoonthefriendlessdarkdrawsnear。Soputmenotaway，mybrotherandmyfriend；but，foralittlespace，whilstthouarthereinAtli’shall，letuswalkhandinhandaswewalkedlongyearsagoinIceland，gatheringupthefifa-bloom，andwatchingthemidnightshadowscreepuptheicyj？kul’screst。”

ThusSwanhildspoketohimmostsweetly，inalowvoiceofmusic，whilethetearsgatheredinhereyes，talkingeverofIcelandthatheloved，andofdayslongdead，tillEric’sheartsoftenedinhim。

“AlmostdoIbelievethee，Swanhild。”hesaid，stretchingouthishand；“butIknowthus：thatthouartnevertwiceinthesamemood，andthatisbeyondmymeasuring。Thouhastdonemuchevilandthouhaststriventodomore；alsoIlovenotthosewhoseemtowalktheseaso’nights。Still，holdthoutothislastsayingofthineandthereshallbepeacebetweenuswhileIbidehere。”

Shetouchedhishandhumblyandturnedtogo。ButasshewentEricspokeagain：“Say，Swanhild，hastthoutidingsfromIcelandyonder？I

haveheardnowordofAsmundorofGudrudafortwolongyearsandmore。”

Shestoodstill，andadarkshadowthathecouldnotseeflittedacrossherface。

“Ihavefewtidings，Eric。”shesaid，turning，“andthosefew，ifI

maytrustthem，badenough。ForthisistherumourthatIhaveheard：

thatAsmundthePriest，myfather，isdead；thatGroa，mymother，isdead——how，Iknownot；and，lastly，thatGudrudatheFair，thylove，isbetrothedtoOspakarBlacktoothandwedshiminthespring。”

NowEricsprangupwithanoathandgraspedthehiltofWhitefire。

Thenhesatdownagainuponthestoneandcoveredhisfacewithhishands。

“Grievenot，Eric。”shesaidgently；“Iputnofaithinthisnews，forrumour，liketheblack-backedgull，oftenchangescolourinitsflightacrosstheseas。AlsoIhaditbutatfifthhand。Iamsureofthis，atleast，thatGudrudawillneverforsaketheewithoutacause。”

“ItshallgoillwithOspakarifthisbetrue。”saidEric，smilinggrimly，“forWhitefireisyetleftmeandwithitonetruefriend。”

“Runnottomeettheevil，Eric。ThoushaltcometoIcelandwiththesummerflowersandfindGudrudafaithfulandyetfairerthanofyore。

KnowestthouthatHallofLithdale，whowasthymate，hassatherethesetwomonths？Heisgonebutthismorning，Iknownotwhither，leavingamessagethathereturnsnomore。”

“Hedidwelltogo。”saidEric，andhetoldherhowHallhadcutthecable。

“Ay，wellindeed。”answeredSwanhild。“HadAtliknownthishewouldhavescourgedHallhencewithrodsofseaweed。Andnow，Eric，Idesiretoasktheeonemorething：whywearestthouthyhairlonglikeawoman’s？Indeed，fewwomenhavesuchhairasthineisnow。”

“Forthiscause，Swanhild：IsworetoGudrudathatnoneshouldcutmyhairtillshecutitoncemore。Itisagreatburdentomesurely，forneverdidhairgrowsofastandstrongasmine，andonceinafrayI

washeldfastbyitandwentneartothelosingofmylife。Still，I

willkeeptheoathevenifitgrowsontomyfeet。”andhelaughedalittleandshookbackhisgoldenlocks。

Swanhildsmiledalsoand，turning，went。Butwhenherfacewashiddenfromhimshesmilednomore。

“AsIlive。”shesaidinherheart，“beforespringrainsfallIagainwillcausetheetobreakthisoath，Eric。Ay，Iwillcutalockofthatbrighthairofthineandsenditforalove-tokentoGudruda。”

ButEricstillsatupontherockthinking。Swanhildhadsetanevilseedofdoubtinhisheart，andalreadyitputforthroots。Whatifthetaleweretrue？WhatifGudrudahadgivenherselftoOspakar？

Well，ifso——sheshouldsoonbeawidow，thatheswore。

Thenherose，andstalkedgrimlytowardsthehall。

XIX

HOWKOLLTHEHALF-WITTEDBROUGHTTIDINGSFROMICELAND

PresentlyasEricwalkedhemetAtlitheEarlseekinghim。Atligreetedhim。

“Ihaveseenstrangethings，Eric。”hesaid，“butnonemorestrangethanthiscomingofthineandthemannerofit。Swanhildisforesighted，andthatwasadoom-dreamofhers。”

“Ithinkherforesightedalso。”saidEric。“Andnow，Earl，knowestthouthis：thatlittlegoodcancometotheeatthehandsofonewhomthouhastsavedfromthesea。”

“Isetnofaithinsucholdwives’tales。”answeredAtli。“Herethouartcome，anditismywillthatthoushouldestsithere。Attheleast，Iwillgivetheenohelptogohence。”

“ThenwemustbideinStraumey，itseems。”saidEric：“forofallmygoodsandgearthisaloneisleftme。”andhelookedatWhitefire。

“Thouhaststillagoldringortwouponthyarm。”answeredtheEarl，laughing。“Butsurely，Eric，thouwouldstnotbegone？“

“Iknownot，Earl。Listen：itiswellthatIshouldbeplainwiththee。Once，beforethoudidstwedSwanhild，shehadanothermind。”

“Ihaveheardsomethingofthat，andIhaveguessedmore，Brighteyes；

butmethinksSwanhildislittlegiventogaddingnow。Sheisascoldasice，andnogoodwifeforanyman。”andAtlisighed，“’Snowmeltsnotifsunshinesnot，’sorunsthesaw。Thouartanhonestman，Eric，andnowhispererintheearsofothers’wives。”

“Iamnotmindedindeedtodotheesuchharm，Earl，butthisthouknowest：thatwoman’sguileandbeautyareswordsfewshieldscanbrook。NowIhavespoken——andtheyarehardwordstospeak——beitasthouwilt。”

“Itismywillthatthoushouldestsitherethiswinter，Eric。HadI

myway，indeed，neverwouldestthousitelsewhere。Listen：thingshavenotgonewellwithmeoflate。Agehathagripofme，andfoesriseupagainstonewhohasnosons。Thatwasanillmarriage，too，whichI

madewithSwanhildyonder：forshelovesmenot，andIhavefoundnolucksincefirstIsawherface。Moreover，itisinmymindthatmydaysarealmostsped。Swanhildhasalreadyforetoldmydeath，and，asthouknowestwell，sheisforesighted。SoIpraythee，Eric，bidethouherewhilethoumayest，forIwouldhavetheeatmyside。”

“Itshallbeasthouwilt，Earl。”saidEric。

SoEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailsatthatwinterinthehallofAtlitheEarlatStraumey。FormanyweeksallthingswentwellandEricforgothisfears。Swanhildwasgentletohimandkindly。Shelovedmuchtotalkwithhim，evenofGudrudaherrival；butnowordoflovepassedherlips。Nevertheless，shedidbutbidehertime，forwhenshestruckshedeterminedtostrikehome。AtliandEricwereeversidebyside，andEricgavetheEarlmuchgoodcounsel。Hepromisedtodothisalso，fornow，beingsimple-minded，hisdoubtshadpassedandhehadnomorefearofSwanhild。OnthemainlandlivedacertainchiefwhohadseizedlargelandsofAtli’s，andheldthemforayearormore。NowEricgavehiswordthat，beforehesailedforIcelandintheearlysummer，hewouldgoupagainstthismananddrivehimfromthelands，ifhecould。ForBrighteyesmightnotcometoIcelandtillharduponmidsummer，whenhisthreeyearsofoutlawrywerespent。

Thewinterworeawayandthespringcame。ThenAtligatheredhismenandwentwithEricinboatstowherethechiefdweltwhoheldhislands。Theretheyfellonhimandtherewasafiercefight。ButintheendthemanwasslainbySkallagrim，andEricdidgreatdeeds，aswashiswont。NowinthisfrayEricwaswoundedinthefootbyaspear，sothathemustbebornebacktoStraumey，andhelaythereinthehallformanydays。Swanhildnursedhim，andmostdayshesattalkingwithherinherbower。

WhenEricwasnearlyhealedofhishurt，theEarlwentwithallhispeopletoacertainislandoftheOrkneystogatherscat[*]thatwasunpaid，andSkallagrimwentwithhim。ButEricdidnotgo，becauseofhishurt，fearinglestthewoundshouldopenifhewalkedovermuch。

Thusitcametopassthat，exceptforsomewomen，hewasleftalmostalonewithSwanhild。

[*]Tribute。

Now，whenAtlihadbeengonethreedays，itchancedonanafternoonthatSwanhildheardhowamanfromIcelandsoughtspeechwithher。Shebadethembringhimintowhereshewasaloneinherbower，forEricwasnotthere，havinggonedowntotheseatofish。

ThemancameandsheknewhimatonceforKolltheHalf-witted，whohadbeenhermotherGroa’sthrall。OnhisshoulderswasthecloakthatOspakarBlacktoothhadgivenhim；itwasmuchtornnow，andhehadawornandhungrylook。

“Whencecomestthou，Koll？“sheasked，“andwhatarethytidings？“

“FromScotlandlast，lady，whereIsatthiswinter；beforethat，fromIceland。Asformytidings，theyareheavy，ifthouhastnotheardthem。AsmundthePriestisdead，anddeadisUnnahiswife，poisonedbythymother，Groa，attheirmarriage-feast。Dead，too，isthymother，Groa。Bj？rn，Asmund’sson，shotherwithanarrow，andsheliesinGoldfosspool。”

NowSwanhildhidherfaceforawhileinherhands。Thenshelifteditanditwaswhitetosee。“Speakestthoutruth，fox？Ifthouliest，thisIsweartothee——thytongueshallbedraggedfromtheebytheroots！“

“Ispeakthetruth，lady。”heanswered。Butstillhespokenotallthetruth，forhesaidnothingofthepartwhichhehadplayedinthedeathsofAsmundandUnna。Thenhetoldherofthemanneroftheirend。

Swanhildlistenedsilently——thensaid：

“WhatnewsofGudruda，Asmund’sdaughter？Isshewed？“

“Nay，lady。FolkspokeofherandOspakar，thatwasall。”

“Hearken，Koll。”saidSwanhild，“bearingsuchheavytidings，canstthounotweighttheshipalittlemore？EricBrighteyesishere。Canstthounotsweartohimthat，whenthoudidstleaveIcelanditwassaidwithoutquestionthatGudrudahadbetrothedherselftoOspakar，andthatthewedding-feastwassetforthislastYule？Thouhastahungrylook，Koll，andmethinksthatthingshavenotgonealtogetherwellwiththeeoflate。Now，ifthoucanstsochargethymemory，thoushaltloselittlebyit。But，ifthoucanstnot，thenthougoesthencefromStraumeywithneveraluck-pennyinthypurse，andneverasuptostaythystomachwith。”

NowofallthingsKollleastdesiredtobesentfromStraumey；for，thoughSwanhilddidnotknowit，hewassoughtforonthemainlandasathief。

“ThatImaydo，lady。”hesaid，lookingathercunningly。“NowI

rememberthatGudrudatheFairchargedmewithacertainmessageforEricBrighteyes，ifIshouldchancetoseehimasIjourneyed。”

ThenSwanhild，Atli’swife，andKolltheHalf-wittedtalkedlongandearnestlytogether。

AtnightfallEriccameinfromhisfishing。Hisheartwaslight，forthetimedrewnearwhenheshouldsailforhome，andhedidnotthinkonevil。FornowhefearedSwanhildnolonger，and，nofreshtidingshavingcomefromIcelandaboutOspakarandGudruda，hehadalmostputthematterfromhismind。Onhewalkedtothehall，limpingsomewhatfromhiswound，butsingingashecame，andbearinghisfishslunguponapole。

Atthemen’sdoorofthehallawomanstoodwaiting。ShetoldEricthattheladySwanhildwouldspeakwithhiminherbower。Thitherhewentandknocked。Gettingnoanswerheknockedagain，thenentered。

Swanhildsatonacouch。Shewasweeping，andherhairfellaboutherface。

“Whatnow，Swanhild？“hesaid。

Shelookedupheavily。“Illnewsfortheeandme，Eric。Koll，whowasmymother’sthrall，hascomehitherfromIceland，andthesearehistidings：thatAsmundisdead，andUnna，thycousin，ThorodofGreenfell’sdaughter，isdead，andmymotherGroaisdeadalso。”

“Heavytidings，truly！“saidEric；“andwhatofGudruda，isshealsodead？“

“Nay，Ericsheiswed——wedtoOspakar。”

NowEricreeledagainstthewall，clutchingit，andforaspaceallthingsswamroundhim。“WhereisthisKoll？“hegasped。“SendmeKollhither。”

Presentlyhecame，andEricquestionedhimcoldlyandcalmly。ButKollcouldliefullwell。ItissaidthatinhisdaytherewasnooneinIcelandwhocouldliesowellasKolltheHalf-witted。HetoldErichowitwassaidthatGudrudawasplightedtoOspakar，andhowthematchhadbeenagreedonattheAlthinginthesummerthatwasgone(andindeedtherehadbeensomesuchtalk)，andhowthatthefeastwastobeatMiddalhofonlastYuleDay。

“Isthatallthytidings？“saidEric。“Ifso，Igivenoheedtothem：

forever，Koll，Ihaveknowntheeforaliar！“

“Nay，Eric，itisnotall。”answeredKoll。“Asitchanced，twodaysbeforetheshipinwhichIsailedwasbound，IsawGudrudatheFair。

ThensheaskedmewhitherIwasgoing，andItoldherthatIwouldjourneytoLondon，wheremensaidthouwert，andaskedherifshewouldsendamessage。Thenshealightedfromherhorse，Blackmane，andspokewithmeapart。’Koll，’shesaid，’itwellmayhappenthatthouwiltseeEricBrighteyesinLondontown。Now，ifthouseesthim，I

chargetheestraightlytellhimthis。Tellhimthatmyfatherisdead，andmybrotherBj？rn，whorulesinhisplace，isahardman，andhaseverurgedmeontowedOspakar，tillatlast，havingnochoice，I

haveconsentedtoit。AndsaytoEricthatIgrievemuchandsorely，andthat，thoughwetwainshouldnevermeetmore，yetIshallalwaysholdhismemorydear。’“

“ItisnotlikeGudrudatospeakthus。”saidEric：“shehadeverastoutheartandthesearecravenwords。Koll，Iholdthatthouliest；

and，ifindeedIfinditso，I’llwringtheheadfromoffthee！“

“Nay，Eric，Ilienot。WhereforeshouldIlie？Hearken：thouhastnotheardallmytale。WhentheladyGudrudahadmadeanendofspeakingshedrewsomethingfromherbreastandgaveitme，saying：’GivethistoEric，inwitnessofmywords。’“

“Showmethetoken。”saidEric。

Now，manyyearsago，whentheywereyetboyandgirl，itchancedthatErichadgiventoGudrudathehalfofanancientgoldpiecethathehadfoundupontheshore。Hehadgivenherhalf，andhalfhehadkept，wearingitnexthisheart。Butheknewnotthis，forshefearedtotellhim，thatGudrudahadlostherhalf。Norindeedhadshelostit，forSwanhildhadtakenthelove-tokenandhiddenitaway。NowshebroughtitforthforKolltobuildhisliesupon。

ThenKolldrewoutthehalf-piecefromaleatherpurseandpassedittohim。Ericplungedhishandintohisbreastandfoundhishalf。Heplacedthetwosidebyside，whileSwanhildwatchedhim。Lo！theyfittedwell。

ThenEriclaughedaloud，ahardandbitterlaugh。“Therewillbeslaying。”hecried，“beforeallthistaleistold。Takethyfeeandbegone，thoumessengerofill。”andhecastthebrokenpieceatKoll。

“Foroncethouhastspokenthetruth。”

Kollstooped，foundthegoldandwent，leavingBrighteyesandSwanhildfacetoface。

Hehidhisbrowinhisarmsandgroanedaloud。SoftlySwanhildcreptuptohim——softlyshedrewhishandsaway，holdingthembetweenherown。

“Heavytidings，Eric。”shesaid，“heavytidingsfortheeandme！Sheisamurderesswhogavemebirthandshehasslainmyownfather——myfatherandthycousinUnnaalso。Gudrudaisatraitress，atraitressfairandfalse。Ididilltobebornofsuchawoman；thoudidstilltoputthyfaithinsuchawoman。Togetherletusweep，forourwoeisequal。”

“Ay，letusweeptogether。”Ericanswered。“Nay，whyshouldweweep？

Togetherletusbemerry，forweknowtheworst。Allwordsaresaid——

allhopesaresped！Letusbemerry，then，fornowwehavenomoretidingstofear。”

“Ay。”Swanhildanswered，lookingonhimdarkly，“wewillbemerryandlaughoursorrowsdown。Ah！thoufoolishEric，underwhatunluckystarwastthoubornthatthouknewestnottruefromfalse？“andshecalledtheserving-women，biddingthembringfoodandwine。

NowEricsatalonewithSwanhildinherbowerandmadepretencetoeat。Buthecouldeatlittle，thoughhedrankdeepofthesouthernwine。ClosebesidehimsatSwanhild，fillinghiscup。Shewaswondrousfairthatnight，anditseemedtoEricthathereyesgleamedlikestars。Sweetlyshespokealsoandwisely。Shetoldstrangetalesandshesangstrangesongs，andeverhereyesshonemoreandmore，andevershecreptclosertohim。Eric’sbrainwasafire，thoughhisheartwascoldanddead。Helaughedloudandmightily，hetoldgreattalesofdeedsthathehaddone，growingboastfulinhisfolly，andstillSwanhild’seyesshonemoreandmore，andstillshecreptcloser，wooinghiminmanyways。

NowofasuddenEricthoughtofhisfriend，EarlAtli，andhismindgrewclear。

“Thismaynotbe，Swanhild。”hesaid。“YetIwouldthatIhadlovedtheefromthefirst，andnotthefalseGudruda：for，withallthydarkways，atleastthouartbetterthanshe。”

“Thouspeakestwisely，Eric。”Swanhildanswered，thoughshemeantnotthatheshouldgo。“TheNornshaveappointedusanevilfate，givingmeaswifetoanoldmanwhomIdonotlove，andtheeforalovertoawomanwhohasbetrayedthee。Ah，EricBrighteyes，thoufoolishEric！

whyknewestthounotthefalsefromthetruewhileyettherewastime？

Nowareallwordssaidandallthingsdone——norcantheybeundone。Gohence，Eric，ereillcomeofit；but，beforethougoest，drinkonecupofparting，andthenfarewell。”

Andsheslippedfromhimandfilledthecup，mixinginitacertainlove-portionthatshehadmadeready。

“GiveitmethatImayswearanoathonit。”saidEric。

Swanhildgavehimthecupandstoodbeforehim，watchinghim。

“Hearken。”hesaid：“Iswearthis，thatbeforesnowfallsagaininIcelandIwillseeOspakardeadatmyfeetorliedeadatthefeetofOspakar。”

“Wellspoken，Eric。”Swanhildanswered。“Now，beforethoudrinkest，grantmeonelittleboon。Itisbutawoman’sfancy，andthoucanstscarcedenyme。Theyearswillbelongwhenthouartgone，forfromthisnightitisbestthatweshouldmeetnomore，andIwouldkeepsomethingoftheetocallbackthymemoryandthememoriesofouryouthwhenthouhastpassedawayandIgrowold。”

“Whatwouldsthavethen，Swanhild？Ihavenothinglefttogive，exceptWhitefirealone。”

“IdonotaskWhitefire，Eric，thoughWhitefireshallkissthegift。I

asknothingbutonetressofthatgoldenhairofthine。”

“OnceIsworethatnoneshouldtouchmyhairagainexceptGudruda’sself。”

“Itwillgrowlong，then，Eric，fornowGudrudatendsblacklocksandthinkslittleongolden。Brokenarealloaths。”

Ericgroaned。“Alloathsarebrokeninsooth。”hesaid。“Havethenthywill；“and，loosingthepeace-strings，hedrewWhitefirefromitssheathandgaveherthegreatwar-sword。

Swanhildtookitbythehilt，and，liftingatressofEric’syellowhair，sheshorethroughitdeftlywithWhitefire’srazor-edge，smilingassheshore。Withthesamewar-bladeonwhichEricandGudrudahadpledgedtheirtroth，didSwanhildcutthelocksthatErichadswornnohandshouldclipexceptGudruda’s。

Hetookbacktheswordandsheathedit，and，knottingthelongtress，Swanhildhiditinherbosom。

“Nowdrinkthecup，Eric。”shesaid——“pledgemeandgo。”

Ericdranktothedregsandcastthecupdown，andlo！allthingschangedtohim，forhisbloodwasafire，andseasseemedtorollwithinhisbrain。OnlybeforehimstoodSwanhildlikeashapeoflightandglory，andhethoughtthatshesangsoftlyoverhim，alwaysdrawingnearer，andthatwithhercameascentofflowerslikethescentoftheIcelandmeadsinMay。

“Alloathsarebroken，Eric。”shemurmured，“alloathsarebrokenindeed，andnowmustnewoathsbesworn。Forcutisthygoldenhair，Brighteyes，andnotbyGudruda’shand！“

XX

HOWERICWASNAMEDANEW

Ericdreamed。HedreamedthatGudrudastoodbyhimlookingathimwithsoft，sadeyes，whilewithherhandshepointedtohishair，andspake。

“Thouhastdoneill，Eric。”sheseemedtosay。“Thouhastdoneilltodoubtme；andnowthouartforevershamed，forthouhastbetrayedAtli，thyfriend。Thouhastbrokenthyoath，andthereforehastthoufallenintothispit；forwhenSwanhildshorethatlockofthine，mywatchingSpiritpassed，leavingtheetoSwanhildandthyfate。Now，I

telltheethis：thatshameshallleadtoshame，andmanylivesshallpayforfeitforthysin，Eric。”

Ericawoke，thinkingthatthiswasindeedanevildreamwhichhehaddreamed。Hewoke，andlo！byhimwasSwanhild，Atli’swife。Helookeduponherbeauty，andfearandshamecreptintohisheart，fornowheknewthatitwasnodream，buthewaslostindeed。HelookedagainatSwanhild，andhatredandloathingofhershookhim。Shehadovercomehimbyherarts；thatcupwasdruggedwhichhehaddrunk，andhewasmadwithgrief。Yes，shehadplayeduponhiswoelikeaharperonaharp，andnowhewasashamed——nowhehadbetrayedhisfriendwholovedhim！HadWhitefirebeentohishandatthatmoment，Erichadsurelyslainhimself。Butthegreatswordwasnotthere，forithunginSwanhild’sbower。Ericgroanedaloud，andSwanhildturnedatthesound。Buthesprangawayandstoodoverher，cursingher。

“Thouwitch！“hecried，“whathastthoudone？Whatdidstthoumixinthatcupyestre’en？ThouhastbroughtmetothisthatIhavebetrayedAtli，myfriend——Atli，thylord，wholefttheeinmykeeping！“

HeseemedsoterribleinhiswoeandragethatSwanhildshrankfromhim，and，throwingherhairaboutherface，peepedathimthroughitsmeshesasonceshehadpeepedatAsmund。

“Itislikeaman。”shesaid，gatheringuphercourageandherwit；

“’tislikeaman，havingwonmylove，nowtoturnuponmeandupbraidme。Fieuponthee，Eric！thouhastdealtillwithmetobringmetothis。”

NowEricceasedhisraving，andspokemorecalmly。

“Wellthouknowestthetruth，Swanhild。”hesaid。

“Hearken，Eric。”sheanswered。“Letthisbesecretbetweenus。Atliisold，andmethinksthatnotforlongshallhebidehereinStraumey。

Soonhewilldie；itisuponmymindthathesoonwilldie，and，beingchildless，hislandsandgoodspasstome。Then，Eric，thoushaltsitinAtli’shall，andinallhonourshallAtli’swifebecomethybride。”

Ericlistenedcoldly。“Icanwellbelieve。”hesaid，“thatthouhastitinmindtoslaythylord，forallevilisinthyheart，Swanhild。

Nowknowthis：thatifinhonourordishonourmylipstouchthatfairfaceofthineagain，maythelimbsrotfromthytrunk，andmayIliealogforeverinthehallsofHela！Ifevermyeyesoftheirownwilllookagainuponthybeauty，mayIgoblindandbegmymeatfromhomesteadtohomestead！Ifevermytonguewhisperwordofloveintothyears，maydumbnessseizeit，andmayitwithertotheroot！“

Swanhildheardandsankuponthegroundbeforehim，herheadbowedalmosttoherfeet。

“Now，Swanhild，faretheewell。”saidEric。“Livingordead，mayI

neverseethyfaceagain！“

Shegazedupthroughherfallinghair；herfacewaswildandwhite，andhereyesglowedinitasliveembersglowintheashesofburntwood。

“Wearenotsoeasilyparted，Eric。”shesaid。“NotforthiscameItowitchcraftandtosin。Thoufool！hastthouneverheardthat，ofallthefoesamanmayhave，noneissoterribleasthewomanhehasscorned？Thoushaltlearnthislesson，EricBrighteyes，Thorgrimur’sson：forherewehavebutthebeginningofthetale。Foritsend，I

willwriteitinrunesofblood。”

“Writeon。”saidEric。“Thoucanstdonoworsethanthouhastdone。”

andhepassedthence。

ForawhileSwanhildcrouchedupontheground，broodinginsilence。

Thensherose，and，throwingupherarms，weptaloud。

“IsitforthisthatIhavesoldmysoultotheHell-hag？“shecried。

“IsitforthisthatIhavebecomeawitch，andsunksolowasIsanklastnight——tobescorned，tobehated，tobebetrayed？NowEricwillgotoAtliandtellthistale。Nay，thereIwillbebeforehandwithhim，andwithanotherstory——anancientwileofwomentruly，butonethatneveryethasfailedthem，noreverwill。Andthenforvengeance！

Iwillseetheedead，Eric，anddeadwillIseeGudrudaatthyside！

Afterwardsletdarknesscome——ay，thoughthehorrorridesit！Swift！——

Imustbeswift！“

EricpassedintoSwanhild’sbower，and，findingWhitefire，boreitthence。Onthetablewasfood。Hetookit。Then，goingtotheplacewherehewaswonttosleep，hearmedhimself，girdinghisbyrnieonhisbreastandhisgoldenhelmuponhishead，andtakingshieldandspearinhishand。Thenhepassedout。Bythemen’sdoorhefoundsomewomenspreadingfishinthesun。Ericgreetedthem，sayingthatwhentheEarlcameback，forhewastocomeonthatmorning，hewouldfindhimonthesouth-westernrocksnightowheretheGudrudasank。ThishebeggedofthemtotellAtli，forhedesiredspeechwithhim。

ThewomenwonderedthatBrighteyesshouldgoforththusandfullyarmed，but，holdingthathehadsomedeedtodo，theysaidnothing。

Ericcametotherocks，andtherehesatalldaylonglookingonthesea，andgrievingsobitterlythathethoughthisheartwouldburstwithinhim。ForofallthedaysofEric’slifethiswastheheaviest，exceptoneotheronly。

ButSwanhild，goingtoherbower，causedKolltheHalf-wittedtobesummoned。Tohimshespokelongandearnestly，andtheymadeashamefulplottogether。ThenshebadeKollwatchforAtli’scomingand，whenhesawtheEarlleavehisboats，toruntohimandsaythatshewouldspeakwithhim。

AfterthisSwanhildsentamanacrossthefirthtothesteadwhereHallofLithdalesat，biddinghimtocometoheratspeed。

Whentheafternoongrewtowardstheevening，Koll，watching，sawtheboatsofAtlidrawtothelanding-place。Thenhewentdown，and，goingtotheEarl，bowedbeforehim：

“Whatwouldstthou，fellow，andwhoartthou？“askedAtli。

“IamamanfromIceland；perchance，lord，thousawestmeinAsmund’shallatMiddalhof。IamsentherebytheLadySwanhildtosaythatshedesiresspeechwiththee，andthatatonce。”Then，seeingSkallagrim，Kollfledbacktothehouse，forhefearedSkallagrim。

NowAtliwasuneasyinhismind，and，sayingnothing，hehurrieduptothehall，andthroughitintoSwanhild’sbower。

Thereshesatonacouch，hereyesredwithweeping，andhercurlinghairunbound。

“Whatnow，Swanhild？“heasked。“Whylookestthouthus？“

“WhylookIthus，mylord？“sheansweredheavily。“BecauseIhavetotelltheethatwhichIcannotfindwordstofit。”andsheceased。

“Speakon。”hesaid。“IsaughtwrongwithEric？“

ThenSwanhilddrewnearandtoldhimafalsetale。

WhenitwasdoneforamomentorsoAtlistoodstill，andgrewwhitebeneathhisruddyskin，whiteashisbeard。Thenhestaggeredbackagainstthewainscotingofthebower。

“Woman，thouliest！“hesaid。“NeverwillIbelievesovileathingofEricBrighteyes，whomIhaveloved。”

“WouldthatIcouldnotbelieveit！“sheanswered。“WouldthatIcouldthinkitwasbutanevildream！Butalas！Nay，Iwillproveit。SufferthatIsummonKoll，theIcelander，whowasmymother’sthrall——Groawhonowisdead，forIhavethattidingsalso。Hesawsomethingofthisthing，andhewillbearmewitness。”

“Calltheman。”saidAtlisternly。

SoKollwassummoned，andtoldhislieswithaboldface。Hewassowelltaught，andsocloselydidhisstorytallywiththatofSwanhild，thatAtlicouldfindnoflawinit。

“NowIamsure，Swanhild，thatthouspeakesttruth。”saidtheEarlwhenKollhadgone。“AndnowalsoIhavesomewhattosaytothisEric。

Forthee，restthyself；thatwhichcannotbemendedmustbeborne。”

andhewentout。

Now，whenSkallagrimcametothehouseheaskedforEric。ThewomentoldhimthatBrighteyeshadgonedowntothesea，fullyarmed，inthemorning，andhadnotreturned。

“Thentheremustbefightingtoward，andthatIamlothtomiss。”saidSkallagrim，and，axealoft，hestartedforthesouth-westernrocksatarun。Skallagrimcametotherocks。TherehefoundEric，sittinginhisharness，lookingoutacrossthesea。Theeveningwaswetandwindy；therainbeatuponhimashesat，butErictooknoheed。

“Whatseekestthou，lord？“askedtheBaresark。

“Rest。”saidEric，“andIfindnone。”

“Thouseekestresthelmonheadandswordinhand？Thisisastrangething，truly！“

“StrangerthingshavebeenSkallagrim。Wouldstthouhearatale？“andhetoldhimall。

“WhatsaidI？“askedSkallagrim。“WehadfaredbetterinLondontown。

Flyingfromthedovethouhastfoundthefalcon。”

“Ihavefoundthefalcon，comrade，andshehaspeckedoutmyeyes。NowIwouldspeakwithAtli，andthenIgohence。”

“Hencegothetwainofus，lord。TheEarlwillbeherepresentlyandroughwordswillflyinthisroughweather。IsWhitefiresharp，Brighteyes？“

“Whitefirewassharpenoughtoshearmyhair，Skallagrim；butifAtliwouldstrikelethimlayon。Whitefirewillnotbealoftforhim。”

“Thatweshallsee。”saidSkallagrim。“Atleast，ifthouartharmedbecauseofthisloosequean，myaxewillbealoft。”

“Keepthouthineaxeinitsplace。”saidEric，andashespokeAtlicame，andwithhimmanymen。

EricroseandturnedtomeettheEarl，lookingonhimwithsadeyes。

ForAtli，hisfacewasasthefaceofatrappedwolf，forhewasmadwithrageattheshamethathadbeenputuponhimandtheilltalethatSwanhildhadtoldofEric’sdealingswithher。

“ItseemsthattheEarlhasheardofthesetidings。”saidSkallagrim。

“ThenIshallbesparedthetellingofthem。”answeredEric。

Nowtheystoodfacetoface；Atlileaneduponhisdrawnsword，andhiswrathwassofiercethatforawhilehecouldnotspeak。Atlengthhefoundwords。

“Seeyethatman，comrades？“hesaid，pointingatEricwiththesword。

“Hehasbeenmyguestthesemanymonths。Hehassatinmyhallandeatenofmybread，andIhavelovedhimasason。Andwotyehowhehasrepaidme？Hehasputmetothegreatestshame，meandmywifetheLadySwanhild，whomIleftinhisguard——tosuchshame，indeed，thatI

cannotspeakit。”

“Truewords，Earl。”saidEric，whilefolkmurmuredandhandledtheirswords。

“True，butnotallthetruth。”growledSkallagrim。“MethinkstheEarlhasheardagarbledtale。”

“Truewords，thyselfthousayestit。”wentonAtli“thouhoundthatI

savedfromthesea！’Ran’sgift，Hela’sgift，’sorunsthesaw，andnowfromRantoHelathoushaltgo，thoumishandlerofdefencelesswomen！“

“HereissomewhatofwhichIknownothing。”saidEric。

“Andhereissomethingofwhichthoushaltknow。”answeredAtli，andheshookhisswordbeforeEric’seyes。“Guardthyself！“

“Nay，Earl；thouartold，andIhavedonethewrong——Imaynotfightwiththee。”

“Artthouacowardalso？“saidtheEarl。

“Somehavedeemedotherwise。”saidEric，“butitistruethatheavyheartmakesweakhand。Neverthelessthisismyrede。Withtheearetenmen。StandthouasideandletthemfallonmetillIamslain。”

“Theoddsaretooheavyevenforthee。”saidSkallagrim。“Backtoback，lord，aswehavestoodaforetime，andletusplaythisgametogether。”

“Notso。”criedAtli，“thisshameismine，andIhavesworntoSwanhildthatIwillwipeitoutinEric’sblood。Standthoubeforemeanddraw！“

ThenEricdrewWhitefireandraisedhisshield。AtlitheEarlrushedathimandsmoteagreattwo-handedblow。Ericcaughtitonhisshieldandsufferednoharm；buthewouldnotsmiteback。

Atlidroppedhispoint。“Nidderingartthou，andcowardtothelast！“

hecried。“See，men，EricBrighteyesfearstofight。IamnotcometothisthatIwillcutdownamanwhoistoofaint-heartedtogiveblowforblow。Thisismyword：takeyeyourspear-shaftsandpushthiscowardtotheshore。Thenputhiminaboatanddrivehimhence。”

NowEricgrewredastheredlightofsunset，forhismanhoodmightnotbearthis。

“Takeshield。”hesaid，“and，Earl，onthineownheadbethyblood，fornoneshalllivetocallEricnidderingandcoward。”

Atlilaughedinhisfollyandhisrage。Hetookashield，and，oncemorespringingonBrighteyes，struckagreatblow。

Ericparried，thenwhirledWhitefireonhighandsmote——onceandonceonly！Downrushedthebrightbladelikeastarthroughthenight。

SwordandshielddidAtlilifttocatchtheblow。Throughshielditsheared，andarmthatheldtheshield，throughbyrniemailanddeepintoEarlAtli’sside。Hefellpronetoearth，whilemenheldtheirbreath，wonderingatthegreatnessofthatstroke。

ButEricleanedonWhitefireandlookedattheoldEarlupontherock。

“Now，Atli，thouhasthadthyway。”hesaid，“andmethinksthingsareworsethantheywerebefore。ButIwillsaythis：wouldthatIlaythereandthoustoodesttowatchmedie，forasliefwouldIhaveslainmyfatherasthee，EarlAtli。ThereliesSwanhild’swork！“

AtligazedupwardsintoEric’ssadeyesand，whilehegazedso，hisragelefthim，andofasuddenalightbrakeuponhismind，aseventhenthelightofthesettingsunbrakethroughthedrivingmist。

“Eric。”hesaid，“drawnearandspeakwithmeereIamsped。MethinksthatIhavebeenbeguiledandthatthoudidstnotdothisthingthatSwanhildsaidandKollborewitnessto。”

“WhatdidSwanhildsay，then，EarlAtli？“