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Then，whilemenwaitedtoseehimslain，Ericgaveagreatwar-shoutandsprangforward。
“Thouartmad！“shoutedthefolk。
“Yeshallsee！Yeshallsee！“screamedSkallagrim。
AgainOspakarsmoteandagainEriccaughttheblow；andbehold！hestruckback，thrustingwiththepointoftheshornshieldstraightatthefaceofOspakar。
“/Peck！Eagle；peck！/“criedSkallagrim。
OncemoreWhitefireshoneabovehim。Ericrushedinbeneaththesword，andwithallhismightystrengththrustthebuckler-pointatBlacktooth’sface。Itstruckfairandfull，andlo！thehelmofOspakarburstasunder。Hethrewwidehisgiantarms，thenfellasapinefallsuponthemountainedge。Hefellback，andhelaystill。
ButEric，stoopingoverhim，tookWhitefirefromhishand。
XXV
HOWTHEFEASTENDED
Foramomenttherewassilenceinthehall，formenhadknownnosuchfightasthis。
“Why，then，doyegape？“laughedSkallagrim，pointingwiththespear。
“DeadisOspakar！——slainbytheswordlessman！EricBrighteyeshathslainOspakarBlacktooth！“
ThentherewentupsuchashoutasneverwasheardinthehallofMiddalhof。
NowwhenGudrudaknewthatOspakarwassped，shelookedatEricasherested，leaningonhissword，andherheartwasfilledwithaweandlove。Shesprangfromherseat，and，comingtowhereBrighteyesstood，shegreetedhim。
“WelcometoIceland，Eric！“shesaid。“Welcome，thougloryofthesouth！“
NowSwanhildgrewwild，forshesawthatEricwasabouttotakeGudrudainhisarmsandkissherbeforeallmen。
“Say，Bj？rn。”shecried；“wiltthousufferthatthisoutlaw，havingslainOspakar，shouldleadGudrudahenceaswife？“
“HeshallneverdosowhileIlive。”criedBj？rn，nearlymadwithrage。“Thisismycommand，sister：thatthoudostseeEricnomore。”
“Say，Bj？rn。”answeredGudruda，“didIdream，ordidIindeedseetheethrustthebrokenbucklerbeforeEric’sfeet，sothathestumbledonitandfell？“
“Thatthousawest，lady。”saidSkallagrim；“forIsawitalso。”
NowBj？rngrewwhiteinhisanger。HedidnotanswerGudruda，butcalledaloudtohismentoslayEricandSkallagrim。GizurcalledalsotothefolkofOspakar，andSwanhildtothosewhocamewithher。
ThenGudrudafledbacktoherseat。
ButEriccriedaloudalso：“Yewholoveme，cleavetome。SufferitnotthatBrighteyesbecutdownofnorthernersandoutlandmen。Hearme，Atli’sfolk；hearme，carlesofColdbackandofMiddalhof！“
AndsogreatlydidmanyloveEricthathalfofthethrallsofBj？rn，andalmostallofthecompanyofSwanhildwhohadbeenAtli’sshield-
menandBrighteyes’comrades，drewswords，shouting“Eric！Eric！“ButthecarlesofOspakarcameontomakeanendofhim。
Bj？rnsaw，and，drawingsword，smoteatBrighteyes，takinghimunawares。ButSkallagrimcaughttheblowuponhisaxe，andbeforeBj？rncouldsmiteagainWhitefirewasaloftanddownfellBj？rn，dead！
ThatwastheendofBj？rn，Asmund’sson。
“Thouhastsqueakedthylast，rat！WhatdidItellthee？“criedSkallagrim。“TakeBj？rn’sshieldandbacktoback，lord，forherecomefoes。”
“Theregoesone。”answeredEric，pointingtothedoor。
NowHallofLithdaleslunkthroughthedoorway——Hall，theliar，whocutthegrapnel-chain——forhewishedtoseethelastofSkallagrim。
ButtheBaresarkstillheldEric’sspearinhishand。Hewhirleditaloft，andithissedthroughtheair。Theaimwasgood，for，ashecreptaway，thespearstruckHallbetweenneckandshoulder，pinninghimtothedoorpost，andtheretheliardied。
“Nowtheweaselisnailedtothebeam。”saidSkallagrim。“HallofLithdale，whatdidIpromisethee？“
“Guardthyheadandmyback。”quothEric；“blowsfall！“
NowmensmoteatEricandSkallagrim，nordidtheysparetosmiteinturn。Andasfoesfellbeforehim，Ericsteppedonepaceforwardtowardsthedoor，andSkallagrim，who，backtobackwithhim，heldoffthosewhopressedbehind，tookonesteprearwards。Thus，afoeforeverystep，theywontheirwaydownthelonghall。Fierceragedthefrayaroundthem，for，madewithhateanddrinkandthelustoffight，Swanhild’sfolk——Eric’sfriends——rememberingthewordsofAtli，fellonOspakar’s；andthepeopleofBj？rnfelloneachother，brotheronbrother，andfatheronson——normightthefraybestayed。Theboardswereoverthrown，deadmenlayamongthemeatsandmead，andthebloodoffreeman，lordandthrallranadownthefloor。Everywherethroughtheduskyhallglitteredthesheenofflashingswordsandrosetheclangofwar。Dartsclovetheairliketonguesofflame，andtheclamourofbattlebeatagainsttheroof。
BlindedoftheNornswhobroughtthesethingstopass，mensoughtnomercyandtheygavenone，butsmoteandslewtillfewwerelefttoslay。
AndstillGudrudasatinherbride-seat，and，witheyesfixedinhorror，watchedthewaxingofthewar。NeartoherstoodSwanhild，markingallthingswithafierce-setface，andcallingdowncursesonherfolk，whooneandallcried“Eric！Eric！“andsweptthethrallsofOspakarascornissweptofthesickle。
Andthere，nightothedoor，paleoffaceandbeautifultosee，goldenEricclovehisway，andwithhimwentblackSkallagrim。TerriblewastheflareofWhitefireasheflickedaloftlikethelevininthecloud。TerriblewastheflareofWhitefire；butmoreterriblewasthelightofEric’seyes，fortheyseemedtoflameinhishead，andwhereverthatfirefellitlightedmenthewaytodeath。Whitefiresungandflickered，andcrashedtheaxeofSkallagrim，andstillthroughthepressofwartheywontheirway。NowGizurstandsbeforethem，spearaloft，andWhitefireleapsuptomeethim。Lo！heturnsandflies。ThecowardsonofOspakardoesnotseekthefateofOspakar！
Thedooriswon。Theystandwithoutbutlittleharmed，whilewomenwailaloud。
“Tohorse！“criedSkallagrim；“tohorse，ereourluckfailus！“
“Thereisnoluckinthis。”gaspedEric；“forIhaveslainmanymen，andamongthemisBj？rn，thebrotherofherwhomIwouldmakemybride。”
“Betteronesuchfightthanmanybrides。”saidSkallagrim，shakinghisredaxe。“Wehavewongreatglorythisday，Brighteyes，andOspakarisdead——slainbyaswordlessman！“
NowEricandSkallagrimrantotheirhorses，nonehinderingthem，and，mounting，rodetowardsMosfell。
Allthateveningandallthenighttheyrode，andatmorningtheycameacrosstheblacksandtoMosfellslopesthatarebytheHecla。Heretheyrested，and，takingofftheirarmour，washedthemselvesinthestream：fortheywereverywearyandfoulwithbloodandwounds。Whentheyhadfinishedwashingandhadbuckledontheirharnessagain，Skallagrim，peeringacrosstheplainwithhishawk’seyes，sawmenridingfasttowardsthem。
“Foesaresoonafoot，lord。”hesaid。“Ithoughtwehadstayedtheirhungerforawhile。”
“WouldthatImightstaymine。”quothEric。“Iamweary，andunfitforfight。”
“Ihavestillstrengthforoneortwo。”saidSkallagrim，“andthengood-night！Butthesearenofoes。TheyareoftheColdbackfolk。Thecarlinehaskeptherword。”
ThenEricwasglad，andpresentlysixmen，headedbyJonhisthrall，thesamemanwhohadwatchedonMosfellwhenEricwentuptoslaytheBaresark，rodetothemandgreetedthem。“Beggarwomen。”saidJon，“whomtheymetatRanRiver，hadtoldthemofthedeathofOspakar，andofthegreatslayingatMiddalhof，andtheywouldknowifthetidingsweretrue。”
“Itistrue，Jon。”saidEric；“butfirstgiveusfood，ifyehaveit，forwearehungeredandspent。Whenwehaveeatenwewillspeak。”
Sotheyledupapack-horseandfromittookstockfishandsmokedmeat，ofwhichEricandSkallagrimateheartily，tilltheirstrengthcamebacktothem。
ThenEricspoke。“Comrades。”hesaid，“Iamanoutlawedman，and，thoughIhavenotsoughtit，muchbloodisonmyhead。Atliisdeadatmyhand；Ospakarisdeadatmyhand；Bj？rnthePriest，Asmund’sson，isdeadatmyhand，andwiththemmanyanotherman。Normaythematterstayhere，forGizur，Blacktooth’sson，yetlives，andBj？rnhaskininthesouth，andSwanhildwillbuyfriendswithgold，andallofthesewillsetonmetoslayme，sothatatthelastIdiebythesword。”
“Noneedforthat。”saidSkallagrim。“Ourvengeanceiswrought，andnow，asbefore，theseaisopen，andIthinkthatawelcomeawaitsusinLondon。”
“NowGudrudaiswidowedbeforeshewasfullywed。”saidEric，“thereforeIbideanoutlawedmanhereinIceland。Igohencenomore，thoughitbedeathtostay，unlessindeedGudrudatheFairgoeswithme。”
“Itwillbedeath，then。”saidSkallagrim，“andtheswordsareforgedthatweshallfeel。Theoddsaretooheavy，lord。”
“Mayhap。”answeredEric。“Nomanmayfleehisfate，andIshallnotaltogethergrievewhenminefindsme。Hearken，comrades：IgouptoMosfellheight，andthereIstay，tillthosebefoundwhocandragmefrommyhole。Butthisismycounseltoyou：thatyeleavemetomydoom，forIamanunluckymanwhoalwayschoosesthewrongroad。”
“ThatwillnotI。”saidSkallagrim。
“Norwe。”saidEric’sfolk；“SwanhildholdsColdback，andwearedriventothefells。Tothefellsthenwewillgowiththee，EricBrighteyes，andbecomecave-dwellersandoutlawsforthysake。Fearnot，thoushaltstillfindmanyfriends。”
“Ididnotlookforsuchathingatyourhands。”saidEric；“butstormywatersshowhowtheboatisbuilt。Maynobadluckcometoyoufromyourgoodfellowship。Andnowletustoournest。”
Thentheycaughtthehorses，androdewithBrighteyesupthesteepsideofMosfell，tillatlengththeycametothatsecretdellwhichSkallagrimhadonceshowntoEric。Heretheyturnedthehorsesloosetofeed，and，goingforwardonfoot，reachedthedarkandnarrowpassthatBrighteyeshadtrodwhenhesoughtfortheBaresarkfoe。
Skallagrimledthewayalongit，thencameEricandtherest。Onebyonetheysteppedontothegiddypointofrock，and，catchingatthebirch-bush，enteredthehole。Sotheygainedtheplatformandthegreatcavebeyond；andtheyfoundthatnomanhadsetfoottheresincethedaywhenErichadstrivenwithSkallagrim。Forthereontherock，rottenwiththeweather，laythathaftofwoodwhichBrighteyeshadhewedfromtheaxeofSkallagrim，andinthecaveweremanythingsbesideastheBaresarkhadleftthem。
Sotheytookuptheirdwellinginthecave，Eric，Skallagrim，andthesixColdbackmen，andtheretheydweltmanymonths。ButEricsentouthismen，oneatatime，andgottogetherfoodandastoreofsheepskins，andotherneedfulthings。Forheknewthiswell：thatGizurandSwanhildwouldbeforelongcomeupagainstthem，and，iftheycouldnottakethembyforce，wouldsetthemselvestowatchthemountain-pathandstarvethemout。
WhenEricandSkallagrimrodeawayfromMiddalhofthefightstillragedfiercelyinthehall，andnothingbutdeathmightstayit。Themindsofmenweremad，andtheysmoteoneanother，andsleweachother，tillatlengthofallthatmarriagecompanyfewwereleftunharmed，exceptGizur，Swanhild，andGudruda。Fortheservingthrallsandwomenfolkhadfledthehall，andwiththemsomepeacefulmen。
ThenGudrudaspokeasoneinadream。
“Saevuna’sprophecywastrue。”shesaid，“redwasthemarriage-feastofAsmundmyfather，redderhasbeenthemarriage-feastofOspakar！
ShesawthehallofMiddalhofonegoreofblood，andlo！itisso。
lookuponthywork，Swanhild。”andshepointedtothepiled-updead——
“lookuponthywork，witch-sister，andgrowfearful：forallthisdeathisonthyhead！“
Swanhildlaughedaloud。“Ithinkitamerrysight。”shecried。“Themarriage-feastofAsmundourfatherwasred，andthymarriage-feast，Gudruda，hasbeenredder。WouldthatthybloodandthebloodofEricranwiththebloodofBj？rnandOspakar！Thattalemustyetbetold，Gudruda。ThereshallbebindingonofHell-shoesatMiddalhof，butI
bindthemnot。Mytaskisstilltocome：forIwilllivetofastentheHell-shoesonthefeetofEric，andonthyfeet，Gudruda！Attheleast，Ihavebroughtaboutthismuch，thatthoucanstscarcelywedErictheoutlaw：forwithhisownhandheslewBj？rnourbrother，andbecauseofthisIcountallthatdeathasnothing。ThoucanstnotmatewithBrighteyes，lestthewidewoundsofBj？rnthybrothershouldtaketonguesandcrythyshamefromseatosea！“
Gudrudamadenoanswer，butsatasonecarvedinstone。ThenSwanhildspokeagain：
“Letusawaytothenorth，Gizur；theretogatherstrengthtomakeanendofEric。Say，wiltthouhelpus，Gudruda？Theblood-feudforthedeathofBj？rnisthine。”
“Yeareenoughtobringaboutthefallofoneunfriendedman。”Gudrudasaid。“Go，andleavemewithmysorrowandthedead。Nay！beforethougoest，listen，Swanhild，forthereisthatinmyheartwhichtellsmeIshallneverlookagainuponthyface。Fromeviltoevilthouhastevergone，Swanhild，andfromeviltoevilthouwiltgo。Itmaywellchancethatthywickednesswillwin。Itmaywellchancethatthouwiltcrownthycrimeswithmyslayingandtheslayingofthemanwholovesme。ButItelltheethis，traitress——murderess，asthouart——thatherethetaleendsnot。Notbydeath，Swanhild，shaltthouescapethedeedsoflife！/There/theyshallriseupagainstthee，and/there/everyshamethatthouhastworked，everysinthatthouhastsinned，andeverysoulthatthouhastbroughttoHela’shalls，shallcometohaunttheeandtodrivetheeonfromagetoage！Thatwitchcraftwhichthoulovestshallmeshthee。Shadowsshallbewilderthee；fromthebowlofemptylongingsthoushaltdrinkanddrink，andnotbesatisfied。Yea！
lustsshallmockandmaddenthee。Thoushaltridethewinds，thoushaltsailtheseas，butthoushaltfindnoharbour，andnevershaltthousetfootuponashoreofpeace。
“Goon，Swanhild——dyethosehandsinblood——wadethroughtheriverofshame！Seekthydesire，andfinding，lose！Workthyevil，andwinning，fail！Iyetshalltriumph——Iyetshalltramplethee；and，inaplacetocome，withEricatmyside，IshallmakeamockofSwanhildthemurderess！Swanhildtheliar，andthewanton，andthewitch！Nowgettheegone！“
Swanhildheard。ShelookedupatGudruda’sfaceanditwasalightaswithafire。Shestrovetoanswer，butnowordscame。ThenGroa’sdaughterturnedandwent，andwithherwentGizur。
Nowwomenandthrallscameinanddrewoutthewoundedandthosewhostillbreathedfromamongthedead，takingthemtothetemple。TheyboreawaythebodyofOspakaralso，buttheylefttherest。
AllnightlongGudrudasatinthebride’sseat。Thereshesatinthesilversummermidnight，lookingontheslainwhowerestrewnaboutthegreathall。Allnightshesataloneinthebride’sseatthinking——everthinking。
How，then，woulditend？ThereherbrotherBj？rnlaya-cold——Bj？rnthejustlyslainofBrighteyes；yethowcouldshewedthemanwhoslewherbrother？FromOspakarshewasdivorcedbydeath；fromEricshewasdivorcedbythebloodofBj？rnherbrother！Howmightsheunravelthistangledskeinandfloattowealuponthisseaofdeath？Allthingswentamiss！Thedoomwasonher！Shehadlivedtoanillpurpose——herlovehadwroughtevil！Whatavailedittohavebeenborntobefairamongwomenandtohavedesiredthatwhichmightnotbe？Andsheherselfhadbroughtthesethingstopass——shehadloosedtherockwhichcrushedher！Whyhadshehearkenedtothatfalsetale？
Gudrudasatonhighinthebride’sseat，askingwisdomofthepiled-updead，whilethecoldblueshadowsofthenightlessnightgatheredoverherandthem——gathered，andwaned，andgrewatlasttotheglareofday。
XXVI
HOWERICVENTUREDDOWNTOMIDDALHOFANDWHATHEFOUND
GizurwentnorthtoSwinefell，andSwanhildwentwithhim。FornowthatOspakarwasdeadatEric’shand，GizurruledinhisplaceatSwinefell，andwasthegreatestlordinallthenorth。HelovedSwanhild，anddesiredtomakeherhiswife；butsheplayedwithhim，talkingdarklyofwhatmightbe。Swanhildwasnotmindedtobethewifeofanyman，exceptofEric；toallothersshewascoldasthewinterearth。Still，shefooledGizurasshehadfooledAtlitheGood，andhegrewblindwithloveofher。ForstillthebeautyofSwanhildwaxedasthemoonwaxesinthesky，andherwickedeyesshoneasthestarsshinewhenthemoonhasset。
NowtheycametoSwinefell，andthereGizurburiedOspakarBlacktooth，hisfather，withmuchstate。Hesethiminachamberofrockandtimbersonamountain-top，whencehemightseeallthelandsthatoncewerehis，andbuiltupagreatmoundofearthabovehim。TothisdaypeopletellthathereonYulenightblackOspakarburstsout，andgoldenEricridesdowntheblasttomeethim。Thencometheclangofswords，andgroans，andthesoundofrivenhelms，tillpresentlyBrighteyespassessouthwardonthewind，bearinginhishandthehalfofaclovenshield。
SoGizurboundtheHell-shoesonhisfather，andsworethathewouldneitherrestnorstaytillEricBrighteyeswasdeadanddeadwasSkallagrimLambstail。ThenhegatheredagreatforceofmenandrodesouthtoColdback，totheslayingofEric，andwithhimwentSwanhild。
GudrudasataloneinthehauntedhallofMiddalhofandbroodedonherloveandonherfate。Eric，too，satinMosfellcaveandbroodedonhisevilchance。Hisheartwassickwithsorrow，andtherewaslittlethathecoulddoexceptthinkaboutthepast。Hewouldnotgotoforay，afterthefashionofoutlaws，andtherewasnoneedofthis。
Forthetalkofhismightydeedsspreadthroughtheland，sothatthepeoplespokeoflittleelse。AndthemenofhisquarterweresoproudofthesedeedsofEric’sthat，thoughsomeoftheirkindhadfallenathishandsinthegreatfightofMiddalhofandsomeatthehandsofSkallagrim，yettheyspokeofhimasmenspeakofaGod。Moreovertheybroughthimgiftsoffoodandclothingandarms，asmanyashispeoplecouldcarryaway，andlaidtheminabooththatisontheplainnearthefootofMosfell，whichthenceforthwasnamedEricsfell。Further，theybadehisthrallstellhimthat，ifhewishedit，theywouldfindhimagoodshipofwartotakehimfromIceland——ay，andmanitwithloyalmenandtrue。
EricthankedthemthroughJonhisthrall，butansweredthathewishedtodiehereinIceland。
Now，whenErichadsattwomonthsandmoreinMosfellcaveandautumnwascoming，helearnedthatGizurandSwanhildhadmoveddowntoColdback，andwiththemagreatcompanyofmenwhoweresworntoslayhim。HeaskedifGudrudatheFairhadalsogatheredmenforhisslaying。Theytoldhimno；thatGudrudastayedwithherthrallsandwomenatMiddalhof，mourningforBj？rnherbrother。FromthesetidingsErictooksomeheartofhope：attheleastGudrudalaidnoblood-feudagainsthim。Forhewaited，thinking，ifindeedsheyetlovedhim，thatGudrudawouldsendhimsomewordortokenofherlove。Butnowordcame，sincebetweenthemranthebloodofBj？rn。OnthemorrowofthesetidingsSkallagrimspoketoEric。
“Thisismycounsel，lord。”hesaid，“thatwerideoutbynightandfallonthefolkofGizuratColdback，andburnthesteadoverthem，puttingthemtothesword。Iamwearyofsittingherelikeaneagleinacage。”
“Suchisnocounselofmine，Skallagrim。”answeredBrighteyes。“Iamwearyofsittinghere，indeed；butIamyetmorewearyofbringingmentotheirdeath。Iwillshednomoreblood，unlessitistosavemyownhead。WhenthepeopleofGizurcametoseekmeonMosfell，theyshallfindmehere；butIwillnotgotothem。”
“Thyheartisoutofthee，lord。”saidSkallagrim；“thouwastnotwonttospeakthus。”
“Ay，Skallagrim。”saidEric，“theheartisoutofme。YetIridefromMosfellto-day。”
“Whither，lord？“
“ToMiddalhof，tohavespeechwithGudrudatheFair。”
“Likeenough，then，thouwiltbesilentthereafter。”
“Itwellmaybe。”saidEric。“YetIwillride。Icanbearthisdoubtnolonger。”
“ThenIshallcomewiththee。”saidSkallagrim。
“Asthouwilt。”answeredEric。
SoatmiddayEricandSkallagrimrodeawayfromMosfellinastormofrain。TherainwassoheavythatthoseofGizur’sspieswhowatchedthemountaindidnotseethem。Allthatdaytheyrodeandallthenight，tillbymorningtheycametoMiddalhof。ErictoldSkallagrimtostaywiththehorsesandletthemfeed，whilehewentonfoottoseeifbychancehemightgetspeechwithGudruda。ThistheBaresarkdid，thoughhegrumbledatthetask，fearinglestEricshouldbedonetodeath，andhenottheretodiewithhim。
NowEricwalkedtowithintwobowshotsofthehouse，thensatdowninadellbytheriver，fromtheedgeofwhichhecouldseethosewhopassedinandout。Presentlyhisheartgavealeap，fortherecameoutfromthewoman’sdooraladytallandbeautifultosee，andwithgoldenhairthatflowedaboutherbreast。ItwasGudruda，andhesawthatsheboreanapkininherhand。ThenEricknew，accordingtohercustomonthewarmmornings，thatshecamealonetobatheintheriver，asshehadalwaysdonefromachild。Itwasherhabittobathehereinthisplace：foratthebottomofthedellwasaspotwherereedsandbushesgrewthick，andthewaterlayinabasinofrockandwasclearandstill。Foratthisspotahotspringranintotheriver。
Ericwentdownthedell，hidhimselfcloseinthebushesandwaited，forhefearedtospeakwithGudrudaintheopenfield。Awhilepassed，andpresentlytheshadowoftheladycreptovertheedgeofthedell，thenshecameherselfinthatbeautywhichsinceherdayhasnotbeenknowninIceland。Herfacewassadandsweet，herdarkandlovelyeyesweresad。Onshecame，tillshestoodwithinaspear’slengthofwhereEriclay，crouchedinthebush，andlookingatherthroughthehedgeofreeds。Hereaflatrockoverhungthewater，andGudrudasatherselfonthisrock，and，shakingoffhershoes，dippedherwhitefeetinthewater。Thensuddenlyshethrewasidehercloak，baringherarms，and，gazingupontheshadowofherbeautyinthemirrorofthewater，sighedandsighedagain，whileEriclookedatherwithaburstingheart，forasyethecouldfindnowordstosay。
Nowshespokealoud。“Ofwhatusetobesofair？“shesaid。“Oh，whereforewasIbornsofairtobringdeathtomanyandsorrowonmyselfandhimIlove？“Andsheshookhergoldenhairaboutherarmsofsnow，and，holdingthenapkintohereyes，weptsoftly。ButitseemedtoEricthatbetweenhersobsshecalleduponhisname。
NowEriccouldnolongerbearthesightofGudrudaweeping。Whileshewept，hidinghereyes，herosefrombehindthescreenofreedsandstoodbesideherinsuchfashionthathisshadowfelluponher。Shefeltthesunlightpassandlookedup。Lo！itwasnocloud，buttheshapeofEric，andthesunglitteredonhisgoldenhelmandhair。
“Eric！“Gudrudacried；“Eric！“Then，rememberinghowshewasattired，snatchinghercloak，shethrewitaboutherarmsandthrustherwetfeetintohershoes。“Outuponthee！“shesaid；“isitnotenough，then，thatthoushouldstbreakthytrothforSwanhild’ssake，thatthoushouldstslaymybrotherandturnmyhalltoshambles？Wouldstnowstealuponmethus！“
“Methoughtthatthoudidstweepandcalluponmyname，Gudruda。”hesaidhumbly。
“Bywhatrightartthouheretohearkentomywords？“sheanswered。
“Isit，then，strangethatIshouldspeakthenameofhimwhoslewmybrother？IsitstrangethatIshouldweepoverthatbrotherwhomthoudidstslay？Gettheegone，Brighteyes，beforeIcallmyfolktokillthee！“
“Callon，Gudruda。Isetlittlepriceuponmylife。IlaiditinthehandsofchancewhenIcamefromMosfelltospeakwiththee，andnowI
willpayitdownifsoitpleasesthee。Fearnot，thythrallsshallhaveaneasytask：forIshallscarcelycaretoholdmyown。Say，shallIcallforthee？“
“Hush！Speaknotsoloud！Folkmayhearthee，Eric，andthenthouwiltbeindanger——Iwouldsaythat，thenshallillthingsbetoldofme，becauseIamfoundwithhimwhoslewmybrother？“
“IslewOspakartoo，Gudruda。SurelythedeathofhimbywhosesidethoudidstsitaswifeismoretotheethanthedeathofBj？rn？“
“Thebride-cupwasnotyetdrunk，Eric；thereforeIhavenoblood-feudforOspakar。”
“Isit，then，thywillthatIshouldgo，lady？“
“Yes，go！——go！Neverletmeseethyfaceagain！“
Brighteyesturnedwithoutaword。HetookthreepacesandGudrudawatchedhimashewent。
“Eric！“shecalled。“Eric！thoumayestnotgoyet：foratthishourthethrallsbringdownthekinetomilk，andtheywillseethee。Liestthouhidhere。I——Iwillgo。Forthough，indeed，thoudostdeservetodie，Iamnotwillingtobringtheetothyend——becauseofoldfriendshipIamnotwilling！“
“Ifthougoest，Iwillgoalso。”saidEric。“Thrallsornothralls，I
willgo，Gudruda。”
“Thouartcrueltodrivemetosuchachoice，andIhaveamindtogivetheetothyfate。”
“Asthouwilt。”saidEric；butshemadeasthoughshedidnothearhiswords。
“Now。”shesaid，“ifwemuststayhere，itisbetterthatwehidewherethoudidsthide，lestsomecomeuponthee。”Andshepassedthroughthescreenofrushesandsatdowninagrassyplacebeyond，andspokeagain。
“Nay，sitnotnearme；sityonder。Iwouldnottouchthee，norlookuponthee，whowastSwanhild’slove，anddidstslayBj？rnmybrother。”
“Say，Gudruda。”saidEric，“didInottelltheeofthemagicartsofSwanhild？DidInottelltheebeforeallmenyonderinthehall，anddidstthounotsaythatthoudidstbelievemywords？Speak。”
“Thatistrue。”saidGudruda。
“Wherefore，then，dostthoutauntmewithbeingSwanhild’slove——withbeingtheloveofherwhomofallaliveIhatethemost——andwhosewickedguilehasbroughtthesesorrowsonus？“
ButGudrudadidnotanswer。
“AndforthismatterofthedeathofBj？rnatmyhands，think，Gudruda：wasItoblameinit？DidnotBj？rnthrusttheclovenshieldbeforemyfeet，andthusgivemeintothehandofOspakar？Didhenotafterwardssmiteatmefrombehind，andwouldhenothaveslainmeifSkallagrimhadnotcaughttheblow？WasI，then，toblameifIsmotebackandiftheswordflewhome？Wiltthoulettheneedfuldeedriseupagainstourlove？Speak，Gudruda！“
“Talknomoreoflovetome，Eric。”sheanswered；“thebloodofBj？rnhasblottedoutourlove：itcriestomeforvengeance。HowmayI
speakoflovewithhimwhoslewmybrother？Listen！“shewenton，lookingonhimsidelong，asonewhowishedtolookandyetnotseemtosee：“herethoumusthideanhour，and，sincethouwiltnotsitinsilence，speaknotenderwordstome，foritisnotfitting；buttellmeofthosedeedsthoudidstinthesouthlandsoversea，beforethouwentesttowooSwanhildandcamesthithertokillmybrother。Fortillthenthouwastmine——tillthenIlovedthee——whonowlovetheenot。
ThereforeIwouldhearofthedeedsofthatEricwhomonceIloved，beforehebecameasonedeadtome。”
“Heavywords，lady。”saidEric——“wordstomakedeatheasy。”
“Speaknotso。”shesaid；“itisunmanlythustoworkuponmyfears。
TellmethosetidingsofwhichIask。”
SoErictoldherallhisdeeds，thoughheshowedsmallboastfulnessaboutthem。Hetoldherhowhehadsmittenthewar-dragonsofOspakar，howhehadboardedtheRavenandwithSkallagrimslainthosewhosailedinher。HetoldheralsoofhisdeedsinIreland，andofhowhetookthevikingshipsandcametoLondontown。
Andashetold，Gudrudalistenedasonewhohunguponherlover’sdyingwords，andtherewasbutonelightintheworldforher，thelightofEric’seyes，andtherewasbutonemusic，themusicofhisvoice。Nowshelookeduponhimsidelongnolonger，butwithopeneyesandpartedlipsshedrankinhiswords，andalways，thoughsheknewitnotherself，shecreptclosertohisside。
ThenhetoldherhowhehadbeengreatlyhonouredoftheKingofEngland，andofthebattleshehadfoughtinathisside。Lastly，ErictoldherhowtheKingwouldhavegivenhimacertaingreatladyofroyalbloodinmarriage，andhowEdmundhadbeenangeredbecausehewouldnotstayinEngland。
“Tellmeofthislady。”saidGudruda，quickly。“Isshefair，andhowisshenamed？“
“Sheisfair，andhernameisElfrida。”saidEric。
“Anddidstthouhavespeechwithheronthismatter？“
“Somewhat。”
NowGudrudadrewherselfawayfromEric’sside。
“Whatwasthepurportofthyspeech？“shesaid，lookingdown。“Speaktruly，Eric。”
“Itcametolittle。”heanswered。“ItoldherthattherewasoneinIcelandtowhomIwasbetrothed，andtoIcelandImustgo。”
“AndwhatsaidthisElfrida，then？“
“ShesaidthatIshouldgetlittleluckatthehandsofGudrudatheFair。Moreover，sheasked，shouldmybetrothedbefaithlesstome，orputmefromher，ifIshouldcomeagaintoEngland。”
NowGudrudalookedhiminthefaceandspoke。“Say，Eric，isitinthymindtosailforEnglandinthespring，ifthoucanstescapethyfoessolong？“
NowErictookcounselwithhimself，andinhisloveanddoubtgrewguilefulashehadneverbeenbefore。ForheknewwellthatGudrudahadthisweakness——shewasajealouswoman。
“Sincethoudostputmefromthee，thatisinmymind，lady。”heanswered。
Gudrudaheard。ShethoughtonthegreatandbeauteousLadyElfrida，farawayinEngland，andofEricwalkingatherside，andsorrowtookholdofher。Shesaidnoword，butfixedherdarkeyesonBrighteyes’
face，andlo！theyfilledwithtears。
Ericmightnotbearthissight，forhisheartbeatwithinhimasthoughitwouldburstthebyrnieoverit。Suddenlyhestretchedouthisarmsandswepthertohisbreast。Softandsweethekissedher，againandyetagain，andshestrugglednot，thoughsheweptalittle。
“Itissmallblametome。”shewhispered，“ifthoudostholdmeonthybreastandkissme，forthouartmorestrongthanI。Bj？rnmustknowthisifhisdeadeyesseeaught。Yetforthee，Eric，itisthegreatestshameofallthyshames。”
“Talknot，mysweet；talknot。”saidEric，“butkissthoume：forthouknowestwellthatthoulovestmeyetasIlovethee。”
NowtheendofitwasthatGudrudayieldedandkissedhimwhomshehadnotkissedformanyyears。
“Looseme，Eric。”shesaid；“Iwouldspeakwiththee。”andheloosedher，thoughunwillingly。
“Hearken。”shewenton，hidingherfairfaceinherhands：“itistruethatforlifeanddeathIlovetheenowasever——howmuchthoumayestneverknow。ThoughBj？rnbedeadatthyhands，yetIlovethee；buthowImaywedtheeandnotwinthegreatestshame，thatIknownot。I
amsureofonething，thatwemaynotbidehereinIceland。Nowif，indeed，thoulovestme，listentomyrede。GettheebacktoMosfell，Eric，andsitthereinsafetythroughthiswinter，fortheymaynotcomeattheeyonderonMosfell。Then，ifthouartwilling，inthespringIwillmakereadyaship，forIhavenoshipnow，and，moreover，itistoolatetosail。Then，perchance，leavingallmylandsandgoods，Iwilltakethyhand，Eric，andwewillfaretogethertoEngland，seekingsuchfortuneastheNornsmaygiveus。Whatsayestthou？“
“Isayitisagoodrede，andwouldthatthespringwerecome。”
“Ay，Eric，wouldthatthespringwerecome。Ourlothasbeenhard，andIdoubtmuchifthingswillgowellwithusatthelast。Andnowthoumusthence，forpresentlytheserving-womenwillcometoseekme。
Guardthyself，Eric，asthoulovestme——guardthyself，andbewareofSwanhild！“Thenoncemoretheykissedsoftandlong，andEricwent。
ButGudrudasatawhilebehindthescreenofreeds，andwasveryhappyforaspace。Foritwasasthoughthewinterwerepastandsummershoneuponherheartagain。
XXVII
HOWGUDRUDAWENTUPTOMOSFELL
EricwalkedwarilytillhecametothedellwherehehadleftSkallagrimandthehorses。ItwasthesamedellinwhichGroahadbrewedthepoison-draughtforAsmundthePriestandUnna，Thorod’sdaughter。
“Whatnews，lord？“saidSkallagrim。“ThouwastgonesolongthatI
thoughtofseekingthee。HastthouseenGudruda？“
“Ay。”saidEric，“andthisistheupshotofit，thatinthespringwesailforEnglandandbidfarewelltoIcelandandourillluck。”
“Would，then，thatitwerespring。”saidSkallagrim，speakingBrighteyes’ownwords。“Whynotsailnowandmakeanend？“
“Gudrudahasnoshipanditislatetotakethesea。AlsoIthinkthatshewouldletatimegobybecauseoftheblood-feudwhichshehasagainstmeforthedeathofBj？rn。”
“IwouldratherriskthesethingsthanstaythewinterthroughinIceland。”saidSkallagrim，“itislongfromnowtospring，andyonwolf’sdeniscold-lyinginthedarkmonths，asIknowwell。”
“Thereislightbeyondthedarkness。”saidEric，andtheyrodeaway。
EverythingwentwellwiththemtilllateatnighttheycametotheslopesofMosfell。Theywerehalfasleepontheirhorses，beingwearywithmuchriding，andthehorseswerewearyalso。Suddenly，Skallagrim，lookingup，caughtthefaintgleamoflightfromswordshiddenbehindsomestones。
“Awake，lord！“hecried，“herearefoesahead。”
Gizur’sfolkbehindthestonesheardhisvoiceandcameoutfromtheirambush。Thereweresixofthem，andtheyformedinlinebeforethepair。Theywerewatchingthemountain，forarumourhadreachedthemthatEricwasabroad，and，seeinghim，theyhadhiddenhastilybehindthestones。
“Nowwhatcounselshallwetake？“saidEric，drawingWhitefire。
“Wehaveoftenstoodagainstmenmorethansix，andsometimeswehaveleftmorementhansixtomarkwherewestood。”answeredSkallagrim。
“Itismycounselthatwerideatthem！“
“Sobeit。”saidEric，andhespurredhiswearyhorsewithhisheels。
NowwhenthesixsawEricandSkallagrimchargeonthemboldly，theywavered，andtheendofitwasthattheybrokeandfledtoeithersidebeforeablowwasstruck。Forithadcometothispass，sogreatwastheterrorofthenamesofEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstail，thatnosixmendaredtostandbeforetheminopenfight。
Sothepathbeingcleartheyrodeonuptheslope。Butwhentheyhadgonealittleway，Skallagrimturnedhishorse，andmockedthosewhohadlaininambush，saying：
“Yefightwell，yecarlesofGizur，Ospakar’sson！Yeareheroes，surely！Saynow，mightymen，willyestandthereifIcomedownaloneagainstyou？“
Atthesewordsthemengrewmadwithwrath，andflungtheirspears。
Skallagrimcaughtoneonhisshieldanditfelltotheearth，butanotherpassedoverhisheadandstruckEricontheleftshoulder，neartheneck，makingadeepwound。Feelingthespearfastinhim，Ericgraspeditwithhisrighthand，drewitforth，andturning，hurleditsohard，thatthemanbeforeitgothisdeathfromtheblow，forhisshielddidnotservetostayit。Thentherestfled。
SkallagrimboundupEric’swoundaswellashecould，andtheywentontothecave。ButwhenEric’sfolk，watchingabove，sawthefighttheyrandownandmethim。NowthehurtwasbadandEricbledmuch；still，withintendaysithealedupforthetime。
ButalittlewhileafterEric’swoundwasskinnedover，thesnowssetinonMosfell，andthedaysgrewshortandthenightslong。OnceGizur’smentothenumberoffiftycamehalfwayupthemountaintotakeit；but，whentheysawhowstrongtheplacewas，theyfeared，andwentback，andafterthatreturnednomore，thoughtheyalwayswatchedthefell。
Itwasverydarkandlonesomethereuponthefell。ForawhileErickeptingoodheart，butasthedayswentbyhegrewtroubled。Forsincehewaswoundedthishadcomeuponhim，thathefearedthedark，andthedeathofAtliathishandandAtli’swordsweighedmoreandmoreuponhismind。Theyhadnocandlesonthefell，yet，ratherthanstayintheblacknessofthecave，EricwouldwrapsheepskinsabouthimandsitbytheedgeofthatgulfdownwhichtheheadoftheBaresarkhadforetoldhisfall，andlookoutatthewideplainsandfellsandice-mountains，gleaminginthesilvershineoftheNorthernlightsorinthewhitebeamsofthestars。
ItchancedthatErichadbiddenthemenwhostayedwithhimtobuildastonehutupontheflatspaceofrockbeforethecave，andtoroofitwithturves。Hehaddonethisthatworkmightkeeptheminheart，alsothattheymighthaveaplacetostoresuchgoodsastheyhadgathered。
Nowtherewasonestonelyingnearthatnotwomenoftheirnumbercouldmove，exceptSkallagrimandoneother。Oneday，whileitwaslight，Ericwatchedthesetworollingthestonealongtowhereitmuststand，anditwasslowwork。Presentlytheystayedtorest。ThenEriccameandputtinghishandsbeneaththestone，lifted，andwhilemenwondered，herolledthemassalone，towhereitshouldbesetasthecornerstoneofthehut。
“Yeareallchildren。”hesaid，andlaughedmerrily。
“Ay，whenwesetourstrengthagainstthine，lord。”answeredSkallagrim；“butlook：thebloodrunsfromthyneck——thespear-woundhasbrokenoutafresh。”
“Soitis，surely。”saidEric。Thenhewashedthewoundandbounditup，thinkinglittleofthematter。
Butthatnight，accordingtohiscustom，EricsatontheedgeofthegulfandlookedatthewinterlightsastheyplayedoverHecla’ssnows。Hewassadandheavyatheart，forhethoughtofGudrudaandwonderedmuchiftheyshouldlivetowed。RememberingAtli’swords，hehadlittlefaithinhisgoodluck。NowasEricsatandthought，thebandageonhisneckslipped，sothatthehurtbled，andthefrostgotholdofthewoundandfrozeit，andfrozehislonghairtoitalso，insuchfashionthatwhenhewenttothecavewhereallmenslept，hecouldnotloosehishairfromthesore，butlaydownwithitfrozentohim。Onthemorrowthehairwascakedsofastabouthisneckthatitcouldonlybefreedbyshearingit。ButthisEricwouldnotsuffer。
None，hesaid，shouldshearhishair，exceptGudruda。Thushehadsworn，andwhenhebroketheoathmisfortunehadcomeofit。Hewouldbreakthatvownomore，ifitcosthimhislife。ForsorrowandhisillluckhadtakensogreataholdofEric’smindthatinsomewayshewasscarcelyhimself。
Soitcametopassthathefellmoreandmoresick，tillatlengthhecouldnotrisefromhisbedinthecave，butlaytherealldayandnight，staringatthelittlelightwhichpiercedthegloom。Still，hewouldnotsufferthatanyoneshouldtouchhishair。Andwhenonestoleuponhimsleeping，thinkingsotocutitbeforehewoke，andcomeatthewound，suddenlyhesatupanddealtthemansuchabuffetontheheadthathewentneartodeathfromit。
ThenSkallagrimspoke。
“Onthismatter。”hesaid，“itseemsthatBrighteyesismad。Hewillnotsufferthatanytouchhishair，exceptGudruda，andyet，ifhishairisnotshorn，hemustdie，forthewoundwillfesterunderit。
Normaywecutitbystrength，forthenhewillkillhimselfinstruggling。Itiscometothisthen：eitherGudrudamustbebroughthitherorEricwillshortlydie。”
“Thatmaynotbe。”theyanswered。“HowcantheladyGudrudacomehereacrossthesnows，evenifshewillcome？“
“Comeshecan，ifshehastheheart。”saidSkallagrim，“thoughIputlittletrustinwomen’shearts。Still，IridedowntoMiddalhof，andthou，Jon，shaltgowithme。Fortherest，Ichargeyouwatchyourlord；for，ifIcomebackandfindanythingamiss，thatshallbethedeathofsome，andifIdonotcomebackbutperishontheroad，yetI
willhauntyou。”
NowJonlikednotthistask；still，forloveofEricandfearofSkallagrim，hesetoutwiththeBaresark。Theyhadahardjourneythroughthesnow-driftsandthedark，butonthethirddaytheycametoMiddalhof，knockeduponthedoorandentered。
Nowitwassupper-time，andpeople，sittingatmeat，sawagreatblackman，coveredwithsnowandrime，stalkupthehall，andafterhimanothersmallerman，whogroanedwiththecold，andtheywonderedatthesight。Gudrudasatonthehighseatandthefirelightbeatuponherface。
“Whocomeshere？“shesaid。
“Onewhowouldspeakwiththee，lady。”answeredSkallagrim。
“HereisSkallagrimtheBaresark。”saidaman。“Heisanoutlaw，letuskillhim！“
“Ay，itisSkallagrim。”heanswered，“andifthereiskillingtobedone，whyhere’sthatwhichshalldoit。”andhedrewouthisaxeandsmiledgrimly。
Thenallheldtheirpeace，fortheyfearedtheaxeofSkallagrim。
“Lady。”hesaid，“Idonotcomeforslayingorsuchchild’splay，I
cometospeakawordinthineear——butfirstIaskacupofmeadandamorseloffood，forwehavespentthreedaysinthesnows。”
Sotheyateanddrank。ThenGudrudabadetheBaresarkdrawnearandtellherhistale。
“Lady。”saidhe，“Eric，mylord，liesdyingonMosfell。”
Gudrudaturnedwhiteasthesnow。
“Dying？——Ericliesdying？“shesaid。“Why，then，artthouhere？“
“Forthiscause，lady：Ithinkthatthoucanstsavehim，ifheisnotalreadysped。”Andhetoldherallthetale。
NowGudrudathoughtawhile。
“Thisisahardjourney。”shesaid，’anditdoesnotbecomeamaidtovisitoutlawsintheircaves。YetIamcometothis，thatIwilldiebeforeIshrinkfromanythingthatmaysavethelifeofEric。Whenmustweride，Skallagrim？“
“Thisnight。”saidtheBaresark。“Thisnightwhilethemensleep，fornownightanddayarealmostthesame。ThesnowisdeepandwehavenotimetoloseifwewouldfindBrighteyesliving。”
“Thenwewillrideto-night。”answeredGudruda。
Afterwards，whenpeopleslept，GudrudatheFairsummonedherwomen，andbadethemsaytoallwhoaskedforherthatshelaysickinbed。
Butshecalledthreetrustythralls，biddingthembringtwopack-
horsesladenwithhay，food，drugs，candlesmadeofsheep’sfat，andothergoods，andridewithher。Then，allbeingready，theyrodeawaysecretlyupStonefell，GudrudaonherhorseBlackmane，andtheothersongoodgeldingsthathadbeenhay-fedintheyard，andbydaylighttheypassedupHorse-HeadHeights。Theyslepttwonightsinthesnow，andonthesecondnightalmostperishedthere，formuchsoftsnowfell。Butafterwardscamefrostandabitternortherlywindandtheypassedon。Gudrudawasastrongwomanandgreatofheartandwill，andsoitcameaboutthatonthethirddayshereachedMosfell，wearybutlittleharmed，thoughthefingersofherlefthandwerefrostbitten。
Theyclimbedthemountain，andwhentheycametothedellwherethehorseswerekept，certainofEric’smenmetthemandtheirfacesweresad。
“HowgoesitnowwithBrighteyes？“saidSkallagrim，forGudrudacouldscarcelyspeakbecauseofdoubtandcold。“Ishedead，then？“
“Nay。”theyanswered，“butliketodie，forheisbesidehimselfandraveswildly。”
“Pushon。”quothGudruda；“pushon，lestitbetoolate。”
Sotheyclimbedthemountainonfoot，wonthepassandcametothatgiddypointofrockwherehemusttreadwhowouldreachtheplatformthatisbeforethecave。NowsinceshehadhungbyherhandsoverGoldfossgulf，Gudrudahadfearedtotreaduponaheightwithnothingtoholdto。Skallagrimwentfirst，thencalledtohertofollow。
Thriceshelooked，andturnedaway，trembling，fortheplacewasawfulandthefallbottomless。Thenshespokealoudtoherself：
“EricdidnotfeartoriskhislifetosavemewhenIhungoverGoldenFalls；less，then，shouldIfeartoriskminetosavehim。”andshesteppedboldlydownuponthepoint。Butwhenshestoodthere，overthegiddyheight，shiversranalongherbody，andhermindgrewdark。Sheclutchedattherock，gaveonelowcryandbegantofall。Indeedshewouldhavefallenandbeenlost，hadnotSkallagrim，lyingonhisbreastinthenarrowhole，stretchedouthisarms，caughtherbythecloakandkirtleanddraggedhertohim。Presentlyhersensescameback。
“Iamsafe！“shegasped，“butbyaverylittle。MethinksthathereinthisplaceImustliveanddie，forIcannevertreadyonderrockagain。”
“Thoushaltpassitsafeenough，lady，witharoperoundthee。”saidSkallagrim，andledthewaytothecave。
Gudrudaentered，forgettingallthingsinherloveofEric。Agreatfireofturfburnedinthemouthofthecavetotemperthebitterwindandfrost，andbyitslightGudrudasawherlovethroughthesmoke-
reek。Helayuponabedofskinsatthefarendofthecaveandhisbrightgreyeyeswerewild，hiswanfacewaswhite，andnowofasuddenitgrewredwithfever，andthenwaswhiteagain。Hehadthrownthesheepskinsfromhismightychest，thebonesofwhichstoodoutgrimly。Hislongarmswerethrustthroughthelocksofhisgoldenhair，andononesideofhisneckthehairclungtohimanditwasbutablackmass。
Heravedloudlyinhismadness。“Touchmenot，carles，touchmenot；
yethinkmespentandweak，but，byThor！ifyetouchmyhair，Iwillloosenthekneesofsome。Gudrudaaloneshallshearmyhair：IhaveswornandIwillkeeptheoaththatIoncebroke。Givemesnow！snow！
mythroatburns！Heapsnowonmyhead，Ibidyou。Yewillnot？Yemockme，thinkingmeweak！Where，then，isWhitefire？——Ihaveyetadeedtodo！Whocomesyonder？Isitawoman’sshapeorisitbutasmoke-
wraith？’TisSwanhildtheFatherlesswhowalksthewaters。Begone，Swanhild，thouwitch！thouhastworkedevilenoughuponme。Nay，itisnotSwanhild，itisElfrida；lady，hereinEnglandImaynotstay。InIcelandIamathome。Yea，yea，thingsgocrossly；perchanceinthisgardenwemayspeakagain！“
NowGudrudacouldbearhiswordsnolonger，burrantohimandkneltbesidehim。
“Peace，Eric！“shewhispered。“Peace！ItisI，thylove。ItisGudruda，whoamcometothee。”
Heturnedhisheadandlookeduponherstrangely。
“No，no。”hesaid，“itisnotGudrudatheFair。Shewillhavelittletodowithoutlaws，andthisistooroughaplaceforhertocometo。
ItisdarkalsoandAtlispeaksinthedarkness。IfthouartGudruda，givemeasign。WhycomestthouhereandwhereisSkallagrim？Ah！thatwasagoodfight——
“DownamongtheballasttumblingOspakar’sshield-carleswererolled。
“Butheshouldneverhaveslainthesteersman。TheaxegoesfirstandSkallagrimfollowsafter。Ha，ha！Ay，Swanhild，we’llmingletears。
Givemethecup。Why，whatisthis？Thouartafire，agloryglowsaboutthee，andfromtheefloatsascentlikethescentoftheIcelandmeadsinMay。”
“Eric！Eric！“criedGudruda，“Iamcometoshearthyhair，asthoudidstswearthatIaloneshoulddo。”
“NowIknowthatthouartGudruda。”saidthecrazedman。“Cut，cut；
butletnotthoseknavestouchmyhead，lestIshouldslaythem。”
ThenGudrudadrewouthershears，andwithoutmoreadoshoreoffBrighteyes’goldenlocks。Itwasnoeasytask，fortheywerethickasahorse’smane，andgluedtothewound。Yetwhenshehadcutthem，sheloosenedthehairfromthefleshwithwaterwhichsheheateduponthefire。Thewoundwasinabadstateandblue，stillEricneverwincedwhileshedraggedthehairfromit。Thenshewashedthesoreclean，andputsweetointmentonitandcovereditwithnapkins。
Thisdone，shegaveEricbrothandhedrank。Then，layingherhanduponhishead，shelookedintohiseyesandbadehimsleep。Andpresentlyheslept——whichhehadscarcelydoneformanydays——sleptlikealittlechild。
Ericsleptforadayandanight。Butatthatsamehouroftheevening，whenhehadfallenasleep，Gudruda，watchinghimbythelightofataperthatwassetuponarock，sawhimsmileinhisdreams。
Presentlyheopenedhiseyesandstaredatthefirewhichglowedinthemouthofthecave，andthegreatshadowsthatfellupontherocks。
“Strange！“sheheardhimmurmur，“itisverystrange！butIdreamedI
slept，andthatGudrudatheFairleanedovermeasIslept。Where，then，isSkallagrim？PerhapsIamdeadandthatisHela’sfire。”andhetriedtolifthimselfuponhisarm，butfellbackfromfaintness，forhewasveryweak。ThenGudrudatookhishand，and，leaningoverhim，spoke：
“Hush，Eric！“shesaid；“thatwasnodream，forIamhere。Thouhastbeensicktodeath，Eric；butnow，ifthouwiltrest，thingsshallgowellwiththee。”
“/Thou/arthere？“saidEric，turninghiswhitefacetowardsher。“DoIstilldream，orhowcomestthouheretoMosfell，Gudruda？“
“Icamethroughthesnows，Eric，tocutthyhair，whichclungtothefesteringwound，forinthymadnessthouwouldstnotsufferanyonetotouchit。”
“Thoucamestthroughthesnows——overthesnows——tonurseme，Gudruda？
Thoumustlovememuchthen。”andhewassoweakthat，ashespoke，thetearsrolleddownEric’scheeks。
ThenGudrudakissedhim，weepingalso，and，layingherfacebyhis，badehimbeatpeace，forshewastheretowatchhim。
XXVIII
HOWSWANHILDWONTIDINGSOFERIC
NowEric’sstrengthcamebacktohimandhisheartopenedinthelightofGudruda’seyeslikeaflowerinthesunshine。Foralldaylongshesatathisside，holdinghishandandtalkingtohim，andtheyfoundmuchtosay。
Butonthefifthdayfromthedayofhisawakeningshespokethus：
“Eric，nowImustgobacktoMiddalhof。ThouartsafeanditisnotwellthatIshouldstayhere。”
“Notyet，Gudruda。”hesaid；“leavemenotyet。”
“Yes，love，Imustleavethee。Themoonisbright，theskyhascleared，andthesnowishardwithfrostandfitforthehoofsofhorses。Imustgobeforemorestormscome。Listennow：inthesecondweekofspring，ifalliswell，Iwillsendtheeamessengerwithwordsoftoken，thenshaltthoucomedownsecretlytoMiddalhof，andthere，Eric，wewillbewed。Then，onthenextday，wewillsailforEnglandinatrading-shipthatIshallgetready，toseekourfortunethere。”
“Itwillbeagoodfortuneifthouartbymyside。”saidEric，“sogoodthatIdoubtgreatlyifImayfindit，forIamErictheUnlucky。
Swanhildmustyetbereckonedwith，Gudruda。Yes，thouartright：thoumustgohence，Gudruda，andswiftly，thoughitgrievesmemuchtopartwiththee。”
ThenEriccalledSkallagrimandbadehimmakethingsreadytoridedowntoMiddalhofwiththeLadyGudruda。
ThisSkallagrimdidswiftly，andafterwardsEricandGudrudakissedandparted，andtheyweresadathearttopart。
NowonthefifthdayafterthegoingofGudruda，SkallagrimcamebacktoMosfellsomewhatcoldandweary。AndhetoldEric，whocouldnowwalkandgrewstrongagain，thatheandJonhadriddenwithGudrudatheFairtoHorse-HeadHeights，seeingnoman，andhadlefthertheretogoonwithherthralls。Hehadcomebackalsoseeingnoone，fortheweatherwastoocoldforthemenofGizurtowatchthefellinthesnows。
NowGudrudacamesafelytoMiddalhof，havingbeenelevendaysgone，andfoundthatfewhadvisitedthehouse，andthatthesehadbeentoldthatshelaysickabed。Hersecrethadbeenwellkept，and，thoughSwanhildhadnolackofspies，manydayswentbybeforeshelearnedthatGudrudahadgoneuptoMosfelltonurseEric。
AfterthisGudrudabegantomakereadyforherflightfromIceland。
Shecalledinthemoneysthatshehadoutatinterest，andwiththemboughtfromacertainchapmanagoodtrading-shipwhichlayinitsshedundertheshelterofWestmanIsles。Thisshipshebegantomakereadyforseasosoonastheheartofthewinterwasbroken，puttingitaboutthatsheintendedtosendheronatradingvoyagetoScotlandinthespring。Andalsotogivecolourtothistalesheboughtmanypeltsandothergoods，suchaschapmendealin。
Thusthedayspassedon——notsobadlyforGudruda，whostrovetofilltheiremptinessinmakingreadyforthefullandhappytime；butforEricinhiscavetheywereveryheavy，forhecouldfindnothingtodoexcepttosleepandeat，andthinkofGudruda，whomhemightnotsee。
ForSwanhildalso，sittingatColdback，thedaysdidnotgowell。ShewaswearyofthecourtingofGizur，whomsheplayedwithasacatplayswitharat，andherheartwassickwithlove，hate，andjealousy。ForshewellknewthatGudrudaandEricstillclungtoeachotherandfoundmeansofgreeting，ifnotofspeech。AtthattimeshewishedtokillEricifshecould，thoughshewouldratherkillGudrudaifshedared。Still，shecouldnotcomeatEric，forhermenfearedtotrythenarrowwayofMosfell，andwhentheymethimintheopentheyfledbeforehim。
PresentlyitcametoherearsthatGudrudamadeashipreadytosailtoScotlandonatradingvoyage，andshewasperplexedbythistale，forsheknewthatGudrudahadnoloveoftradingandneverthoughtofgain。Soshesetspiestowatchtheship。Still，theslowdaysdrewon，andatlengththeairgrewsoftwithspring，andflowersshowedthroughthesnow。
Ericsatinhismountainnestwaitingfortidings，andwatchedthenestingeagleswheelaboutthecliffs。Atlengthnewscame。Foronemorning，asherose，Skallagrimtoldhimthatamanwantedtospeakwithhim。Hehadcometothemountaininthedarkness，andhadlaininadelltillthebreakingofthelight，for，nowthatthesnowsweremelting，themenofGizurandSwanhildwatchedtheways。
Ericbadethembringthemantohim。WhenhesawhimheknewthathewasathrallofGudruda’sandwelcomedhimheartily。
“Whattidings？“heasked。
“This，lord。”saidthethrall：“GudrudatheFairbidsmesaythatsheiswellandthatthesnowsmeltontheroofofMiddalhof。”
NowthiswasthesignalwordthathadbeenagreeduponbetweenEricandGudruda，thatsheshouldsendhimwhenallwasready。
“Good。”saidEric，“ridebacktoGudrudatheFairandsaythatEricBrighteyesiswell，butonHeclathesnowsmeltnot。”
Bythisanswerhemeantthathewouldbewithherpresently，thoughthethrallcouldmakenothingofit。ThenSkallagrimaskedtidingsoftheman，andlearnedthatSwanhildwasstillatMiddalhof，andwithherGizur，andthattheygaveoutthattheywishedtomakeanendofwaitingandslayEric。
“Firstsnareyourbird，thenwringhisneck。”laughedSkallagrim。
ThenEricdidthis：amonghismenweresomewhoheknewwerenotwillingtosailfromIceland，andJon，histhrall，wasofthem，forJondidnotlovetheangrysea。HebadethesebideawhileonMosfellandmakefiresnightlyontheplatformofrockwhichisinfrontofthecave，thatthespiesofGizurandSwanhildmightbedeceivedbythem，andthinkthatEricwasstillonthefell。Then，whentheyheardthathehadsailed，theyweretocomedownandhidethemselveswithfriendstillGizurandhisfollowingrodenorth。Buthetoldtwoofthemenwhowouldsailwithhimtomakeready。
ThatnightbeforethemoonroseEricsaidfarewelltoJonandtheotherswhostayedonMosfell，androdeawaywithSkallagrimandthetwowhowentwithhim。Theypassedtheplainofblacksandinsafety，andsoontoHorse-HeadHeights。Nowatlength，astheafternoondrewontoevening，fromStonefell’scresttheysawtheHallofMiddalhofbeforethem，andEric’sheartswelledinhisbreast。Yettheymustwaittilldarknessfellbeforetheydaredentertheplace，lesttheyshouldbeseenandnoticeoftheircomingshouldbecarriedtoGizurandSwanhild。AndthiscameintothemindofEric，thatofallthehoursofhislifethathourofwaitingwasthelongest。Scarcely，indeed，couldSkallagrimholdhimbackfromgoingdownthemountainside，hewassosetoncomingtoGudrudawhomheshouldwedthatnight。
Atlengththedarknessfell，andtheywenton。Ericrodeswiftlydowntheroughmountainpath，whileSkallagrimandthetwomenfollowedgrumbling，fortheyfearedthattheirhorseswouldfall。Atlengththeycametotheplace，andridingintotheyard，Ericsprangfromhishorseandstrodetothewomen’sdoor。NowGudrudastoodintheporch，listening；andwhilehewasyetsomewayoff，sheheardtheclangofBrighteyen’sharness，andthecolourcameandwentuponhercheek。
Thensheturnedandfledtothehighseatofthehall，andsatdownthere。OnlytwowomenwereleftinMiddalhofwithher，andsomethrallswhotendedthekineandhorses。Buttheseslept，notinthehall，butinanouthouse。Gudrudahadsenttherestofherpeopledowntotheshiptohelpinthelading，foritwasgivenoutthatthevesselsailedonthemorrow。ShehaddonethisthattheremightbenotalkofthecomingofErictoMiddalhof。
NowBrighteyescametotheporch，and，findingthedoorwide，walkedin。ButSkallagrimandthemenstayedwithoutawhile，andtendedthehorses。Afireburneduponthecentrehearthinthehall，andthrewshadowsonthepanelling。Ericwalkedonbyitslight，lookingtoleftandright，butseeingneithermannorwoman。ThenagreatfeartookhimlestGudrudashouldbegone，orperhapsslainofSwanhild，Groa’sdaughter，andhetrembledatthethought。Hestoodbythefire，andGudruda，watchingfromtheshadowofthehighseat，sawthedulllightglowuponhisgoldenhelm，andasighofjoybrokefromherlips。Ericheardthesighandlooked，andashelookedastickofpitchydriftwoodfellintothefireandflaredupfiercely。Thenhesaw。
There，inthecarvedhighseat，robedallinbridalwhite，satGudrudatheFair，hislove。Hergoldenhairflowedaboutherbreast，herwhitearmswerestretchedtowardshim，andonhersweetfaceshonesuchalookofloveashehadneverseen。
“/Eric！/“shewhisperedsoftly，andthebreathofhervoicerandowntheemptypanelledhall，thatfromallsidesseemedtoanswer，“/Eric。/“
Slowlyhedrewneartoher。HesawnothingbutthegloryofGudruda’sfaceandthelightshiningonGudruda’shair；heheardnothingsavethesighingofherbreath；heknewnothingexceptthatbeforehimsathisfairbride，wonaftermanyyears。
Nowhehadclimbedthehighseat，andnow，wrappedineachother’sarms，theysatandgazedintoeachother’seyes，andlo！theairofthegreathallrolledroundthemaseaofglory，andsweetvoiceswhisperedintheirears。NowFreyasmileduponthemandledthemthroughhergatesoflove，andtheyweregladthattheyhadbeenborn。
Thusthentheywerewed。
NowthestorytellsthatSwanhildspokewithGizur，Ospakar’sson，inthehouseatColdback。
“Itireofthisslowplay。”shesaid。“Wehavetarriedhereformanyweeks，andAtli’sbloodyetcriesoutforvengeance，andcriesforvengeancethebloodofblackOspakar，thyfather，andthebloodofmanyanother，deadatgreatEric’shand。”
“Itirealso。”saidGizur，“andIammuchneededinthenorth。Isaythistothee，Swanhild，that，hadstthounotsostrictlylaiditonmethatEricmustdieerethouweddestme，IhadflittedbacktoSwinefellbeforenow，andtherebidedmytimetobringBrighteyestohisend。”
“Iwillneverwedthee，Gizur，tillEricisdead。”saidSwanhildfiercely。
“Howshallwecomeathimthen？“heanswered。“Wemaynotgoupthatmountainpath，fortwomencanholditagainstallourstrength，andfolkdonotlovetomeetEricandSkallagriminanarrowway。”
“Theplacehasbeenbadlywatched。”saidSwanhild。“Iamsureofthis，thatErichasbeendowntoMiddalhofandseenGudruda，myhalf-sister。
Sheisshameless，whostillholdscommunewithhimwhoslewherbrotherandmyhusband。Deathshouldbeherreward，andIammindedtoslayherbecauseoftheshamethatshehasbroughtuponourblood。”
“Thatisadeedwhichthouwiltdoalone，then。”saidGizur，“forI
willhavenohandinthemurderofthatfairmaid——no，norwillanywholiveinIceland！“
Swanhildglancedathimstrangely。“Hearken，Gizur！“shesaid：
“GudrudamakesashipreadytosailwithgoodstoScotlandandbringacargothencebeforewintercomesagain。NowIfindthisstrange，forneverbeforedidIknowGudrudaturnherthoughtstotrading。IthinkthatshehasitinhermindtosailfromIcelandwiththisoutlawEric，andseekahomeoverseas，andthatIwillnotbear。”
“Itmaybe。”saidGizur，“andIshouldnotbesorrytoseethelastofBrighteyes，forIthinkthatmoremenwilldieathishandbeforehestiffensinhisbarrow。”
“Thouartcowardly-hearted，thousonofOspakar！“Swanhildsaid。“Thousayestthoulovestmeandwouldestwinmetowife：Itelltheethatthereisbutoneroadtomyarms，anditleadsoverthecorpseofEric。Nowthisismycounsel：thatwesendthemostofourmentowatchthatshipofGudruda’s，and，whensheliftsanchor，toboardherandsearch，forsheisalreadyboundforsea。AlsoamongthepeoplehereIhaveacarlewhowasbornnearHecla，andheswearsthistome，that，whenhewasalad，searchingforaneagle’seyrie，hefoundapathbywhichMosfellmightbeclimbedfromthenorth，andthatintheendhecametoalargeflatplace，and，lookingover，sawthatplatformwhereEricdwellswithhisthralls。Buthecouldnotseethecave，becauseoftheoverhangingbrowoftherock。Nowwewilldothis：thouandI，andthecarlealone——nomore，forIdonotwishthatoursearchshouldbenoisedabroad——to-morrowatthedawnwewillrideawayforMosfell，and，passingunderHecla，comeroundthemountainandseeifthispathmaystillbescaled。For，ifso，wewillreturnwithmenandmakeanendofBrighteyes。”
ThisplanpleasedGizur，andhesaidthatitshouldbeso。
SoveryearlyonthefollowingmorningSwanhild，havingsentmanymentowatchGudruda’sship，rodeawaysecretlywithGizurandthethrall，andbeforeitwasagaindawntheywereonthenorthernslopesofMosfell。ItwasonthissamenightthatEricwentdownfromthemountaintowedGudruda。
Forawhiletheclimbingwaseasy，butatlengththeycametoagreatwallofrock，ahundredfathomshigh，onwhichnofoxmightfindafoothold，noranythingthathadnotwings。
“Herenowisanendofourjourney。”saidGizur，“andIonlypraythis，thatEricmaynotrideroundthemountainbeforewearedownagain。”ForhedidnotknowthatBrighteyesalreadyrodehardforMiddalhof。
“Notso。”saidthethrall，“ifonlyIcanfindtheplacebywhich，somethirtysummersago，Iwonyonderrift，andthroughitthecrestofthefell。”andhepointedtoanarrowcleftinthefaceoftherockhighabovetheirheads，thatwasclothedwithgreymoss。
