第9章

Thenhemovedtotherightandsearched，peeringbehindstonesandbirch-bushes，tillpresentlyhehelduphishandandwhistled。Theypassedalongtheslopeandfoundhimstandingbyalittlestreamofwaterwhichwelledfrombeneathagreatrock。

“Hereistheplace。”themansaid。

“Iseenoplace。”answeredSwanhild。

“Still，itisthere，lady。”andheclimbedontotherock，drawingherafterhim。Atthebackofitwasahole，almostovergrownwithmoss。

“Hereisthepath。”hesaidagain。

“ThenitisonethatIhavenomindtofollow。”answeredSwanhild。

“Gizur，gothouwiththemanandseeifhistaleistrue。Iwillstayheretillyecomeback。”

ThenthethralllethimselfdownintotheholeandGizurwentafterhim。ButSwanhildsatthereintheshadowoftherock，herchinrestingonherhand，andwaited。Presently，asshesat，shesawtwomenrideroundthebaseofthefell，andstrikeofftotherighttowardsaturf-boothwhichstoodthehalfofanhour’srideaway。NowSwanhildwasthekeenest-sightedofallwomenofherdayinIceland，andwhenshelookedatthesetwomensheknewoneofthemforJon，Eric’sthrall，andsheknewthehorsealso——itwasawhitehorsewithblackpatches，thatJonhadriddenformanyyears。Shewatchedthemgotilltheycametothebooth，anditseemedtoherthattheylefttheirhorsesandentered。

Swanhildwaiteduponthesideofthefellfornearlytwohoursinall。

Then，hearinganoiseaboveher，shelookedup，andthere，blackwithdirtandwetwithwater，wasGizur，andwithhimwasthethrall。

“Whatluck，Gizur？“sheasked。

“This，Swanhild：EricmayholdMosfellnomore，forwehavefoundawaytoboltthefox。”

“Thatisgoodnews，then。”saidSwanhild。“Sayon。”

“Yonderhole，Swanhild，leadstothecleftabove，havingbeencutthroughthecliffbyfire，orperhapsbywater。Nowupthatcleftamanmayclimb，thoughhardly，asbyadifficultstair，tillhecomestotheflatcrestofthefell。Then，crossingthecrest，onthefurtherside，perhapssixfathomsbelowhim，heseesthatspaceofrockwhereisEric’scave；buthecannotseethecaveitself，becausethebrowofthecliffhangsover。Andsoitisthat，ifanycomefromthecaveontothespaceofrock，itwillbeaneasymattertorollstonesuponthemfromaboveandcrushthem。”

NowwhenSwanhildheardthisshelaughedaloud。

“Ericshallmockusnomore。”shesaid，“andhismightcanavailnothingagainstrocksrolledonhimfromabove。LetusgobacktoColdbackandsummonmentomakeanendofBrighteyes。”

Sotheywentondownthemountaintilltheycametotheplacewheretheyhadhiddentheirhorses。ThenSwanhildrememberedJonandtheothermanwhomshehadseenridingtothebooth，andshetoldGizurofthem。

“Now。”shesaid，“wewillsnarethesebirds，andperchancetheywilltwittertidingswhenwesqueezethem。”

Sotheyturnedandrodeforthebooth，anddrawingnear，theysawtwohorsesgrazingwithout。Nowtheygotofftheirhorses，andcreepinguptothebooth，lookedinthroughthedoorwhichwasajar。Andtheysawthis，thatonemansatonthegroundwithhisbacktothedoor，eatingstock-fish，whileJonmadebundlesoffishandmealreadytotieonthehorses。ForitwasherethatthoseofhisquarterwholovedEricbroughtfoodtobecarriedbyhismentothecaveonMosfell。

NowSwanhildtouchedGizuronthearm，pointingfirsttothemanwhosateatingthefishandthentothespearinGizur’shand。Gizurthoughtawhile，forheshrankfromthisdeed。

ThenSwanhildwhisperedinhisear，“Slaythemanandseizetheother；

Iwouldlearntidingsfromhim。”

SoGizurcastthespear，anditpassedthroughtheman’sheart，andhewasdeadatonce。ThenheandthethrallleaptintotheboothandthrewthemselvesonJon，hurlinghimtotheground，andholdingswordsoverhim。NowJonwasamanofsmallheart，andwhenhesawhisplightandhisfellowdeadhewasafraid，andprayedformercy。

“IfIsparethee，knave。”saidSwanhild，“thoushaltdothis：thoushaltleadmeupMosfelltospeakwithEric。”

“Imaynotdothat，lady。”groanedJon；“forEricisnotonMosfell。”

“Whereishe，then？“askedSwanhild。

NowJonsawthathehadsaidanunluckything，andanswered：

“Nay，Iknownot。LastnightherodefromMosfellwithSkallagrimLambstail。”

“Thouliest，knave。”saidSwanhild。“Speak，orthoushaltbeslain。”

“Slayon。”groanedJon，glancingattheswordsabovehim，andshuttinghiseyes。For，thoughhefearedmuchtodie，hehadnowilltomakeknownEric’splans。

“Looknotattheswords；thoushaltnotdiesoeasily。Hearken：speak，andspeaktruly，orthoushaltseekHela’slapafterthisfashion。”

and，bendingdown，shewhisperedinhisear，thenlaughedaloud。

NowJongrewfaintwithfear；hislipsturnedblue，andhisteethchatteredatthethoughtofhowheshouldbemadetodie。Still，hewouldsaynothing。

ThenSwanhildspoketoGizurandthethrall，andbadethembindhimwitharope，tearthegarmentsfromhim，andbringsnow。Theydidthis，andpushedthemattertothedrawingofknives。ButwhenhesawthesteelJoncriedaloudthathewouldtellall。

“Nowthoutakestgoodcounsel。”saidSwanhild。

TheninhisfearJontoldhowErichadgonedowntoMiddalhoftowedGudruda，andthencetoflywithhertoEngland。

NowSwanhildwasmadwithwrath，forshehadsoonerdiedthanthatthisshouldcomeabout。

“Letusaway。”shesaidtoGizur。“Butfirstkillthisman。”

“Nay，’saidGizur，“Iwillnotdothat。Hehastoldhistidings；lethimgofree。”

“Thouartchicken-hearted。”saidSwanhild，who，afterthefashionofwitches，hadnomercyinher。“Attheleast，heshallnotgohencetowarnEricandGudrudaofourcoming。Ifthouwiltnotkillhim，thenbindhimandleavehim。”

SoJonwasbound，andthereintheboothhesattwodaysbeforeanyonecametoloosehim。

“Whitheraway？“saidGizurtoSwanhild。

“ToMiddalhoffirst。”Swanhildanswered。

XXIX

HOWWENTTHEBRIDALNIGHT

NowEricandGudrudasatsilentinthehighseatofthehallatMiddalhoftilltheyheardSkallagrimenterbythewomen’sdoor。Thentheycamedownfromthehighseat，andstoodhandinhandbythefireonthehearth。SkallagrimgreetedGudruda，lookingatheraskance，forSkallagrimstoodinfearofwomenalone。

“Whatcounselnow，lord？“saidtheBaresark。

“Tellusthyplans，Gudruda。”saidEric，forasyetnowordhadpassedbetweenthemofwhattheyshoulddo。

“Thisismyplan，Eric。”sheanswered。“First，thatweeat；thenthatthymentakehorseandridehencethroughthenighttowheretheshiplies，bearingwordthatwewillbethereatdawnwhenthetideserves，andbiddingthematemakeeverythingreadyforsailing。ButthouandI

andSkallagrimwillstayheretillto-morrowisthreehoursold，andthisbecauseIhavetidingsthatGizur’sfolkwillsearchtheshipto-night。Now，whentheysearchanddonotfindus，theywillgoaway。

Then，atthedawning，thouandIandSkallagrimwillrowonboardtheshipassheliesatanchor，and，slippingthecable，puttoseabeforetheyknowwearethere，andsobidfarewelltoSwanhildandourwoes。”

“Yetitisariskforustosleepherealone。”saidEric。

“Thereislittledanger。”saidGudruda。“NearlyallofGizur’smenwatchtheship；andIhavelearnedthisfromaspy，that，twodaysago，Gizur，Swanhild，andonethrallrodefromColdbacktowardsMosfell，andtheyhavenotcomebackyet。Moreover，theplaceisstrong，andthouandSkallagrimareheretoguardit。”

“Sobeit，then。”answeredEric，forindeedhehadlittlethoughtleftforanything，exceptGudruda。

Afterthisthewomencameinandsetmeatontheboard，andallate。

Now，whentheyhadeaten，EricbadeSkallagrimfillacup，andbringittohimashesatonthehighseatwithGudruda。Skallagrimdidso；

andthen，lookingdeepintoeachother’seyes，EricBrighteyesandGudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter，drankthebride’scup。

“Therearefewgueststograceourmarriage-feast，husband。”saidGudruda。

“Yetshallourvowsholdtrue，wife。”saidEric。

“Ay，Brighteyes。”sheanswered，“inlifeandindeath，nowandforever！“andtheykissed。

“Itistimeforustobegoing，methinks。”growledSkallagrimtothoseabouthim。“Wearenotwantedhere。”

Thenthemenwhoweretogoontotheshiprose，fetchedtheirhorses，androdeaway。AlsotheycaughtthehorsesofSkallagrim，Eric，andGudruda，saddledthemand，slippingtheirbridles，madethemfastinashedintheyard，givingthemhaytoeat。AfterwardsSkallagrimbarredthemen’sdoorandthewomen’sdoor，and，goingtoGudruda，askedwhereheshouldstaythenighttillitwastimetorideforthesea。

“Inthestore-chamber。”sheanswered，“forthereisashutterofwhichthelatchhasgone。Seethatthouwatchitwell，Skallagrim；thoughI

thinknonewillcometotroublethee。”

“Iknowtheplace。Itshallgobadlywiththeheadthatlooksthroughyonderhole。”saidSkallagrim，glancingathisaxe。

NowGudrudaforgotthis，thatinthestore-chamberwerecasksofstrongale。

ThenGudrudatoldhimtowakethemwhenthemorrowwastwohoursold，forErichadneithereyesnorwordsexceptforGudrudaalone，andSkallagrimwent。

Thewomenwentalsototheirshutbedattheendofthehall，leavingBrighteyesandGudrudaalone。Ericlookedather。

“WheredoIsleepto-night？“heasked。

“Thousleepestwithme，husband。”sheansweredsoft，“fornothing，exceptDeath，shallcomebetweenusanymore。”

NowSkallagrimwenttothestore-room，andsatdownwithhisbackagainstacask。Hisheartwasheavyinhim，forhebodednogoodofthismarriage。Moreover，hewasjealous。Skallagrimlovedbutonethingintheworldtruly，andthatwasEricBrighteyes，hislord。Nowheknewthathenceforthhemusttakeasecondplace，andthatforonethoughtwhichEricgavetohim，hewouldgivetentoGudruda。

ThereforeSkallagrimwasverysadatheart。

“Apestuponthewomen！“hesaidtohimself，“forfromthemcomesallevil。BrighteyesoweshisilllucktoSwanhildandthisfairwifeofhis，andthatisscarcelydonewithyet。Well，well，’tisnature；butwouldthatweweresafeatsea！HadImywill，wehadnotslepthereto-night。Buttheyarenewlywed，and——well，’tisnature！Betterthebridelovestolieabedthantoridethecoldwoldsandseekthecommondeck。”

Now，asSkallagrimgrumbled，feargatheredinhisheart，heknewnotofwhat。Hebegantothinkontrollsandgoblins。Itwasdarkinthestore-room，exceptforalittlelineoflightthatcreptthroughthecrackoftheshutter。Atlengthhecouldbearthedarknessandhisthoughtsnolonger，but，rising，threwtheshutterwideandletthebrightmoonlightpourintothechamber，whencehecouldseethehillsidebehind，andwatchtheshadowsofthecloudsastheyfloatedacrossit。AgainSkallagrimsatdownagainsthiscask，andashesatitmoved，andheheardthewashofaleinsideit。

“Thatisagoodsound。”saidSkallagrim，andheturnedandsmeltatthecask；“aye，andagoodsmell，too！WetastedlittlealeyonderonMosfell，andweshallfindlessatsea。”Againhelookedatthecask。

Therewasaspigotinit，andlo！ontheshelfstoodhorncups。

“Itsurelyisondraught。”hesaid；“andnowitwillstandtillitgoessour。’Tisapity；butIwillnotdrink。Ifearale——aleisanotherman！No，Iwillnotdrink。”andallthewhilehishandwentuptothecupsupontheshelf。“EricisbetterlainyonderinGudruda’schamberthanIamherealonewithevilthoughtsandtrolls。”hesaid。

“Why，whatfishwasthatweateatsupper？Mythroatiscrackedwiththirst！IftherewerewaternowI’ddrinkit，butIseenone。Well，onecuptowishthemjoy！Thereisnoharminacupofale。”andhedrewthespigotfromthecaskandwatchedthebrowndrinkflowintothecup。Thenheliftedittohislipsanddrank，saying“Skoll！

skoll！“[*]nordidheceasetillthehornwasdrained。“Thisiswondrousgoodale。”saidSkallagrimashewipedhisgrizzledbeard。

“Onemorecup，andevilthoughtsshallceasetohauntme。”

[*]“Health！health！“

Againhefilled，drank，satdown，andforawhilewasmerry。Butpresentlytheblackthoughtscamebackintohismind。Herose，lookedthroughtheshutter-holetothehillside。Hecouldseenothingonitexcepttheshadowsoftheclouds。

“Trollswalkthewindsto-night。”hesaid。“Ifeelthempullingatmybeard。Onemorecuptofrightenthem。”

Hedrankanotherdraughtofaleandgrewmerry。Thenalecalledforale，andSkallagrimdrainedcuponcup，singingashedrained，tillatlastheavysleepovercamehim，andhesankdrunkenonthegroundtherebythebarrel，whilethebrownaletrickledroundhim。

NowEricBrighteyesandGudrudatheFairsleptsidebyside，lockedineachother’sarms。PresentlyGudrudawaswideawake。

“Rousethee，Eric。”shesaid，“Ihavedreamedanevildream。”

Heawokeandkissedher。

“What，then，wasthydream，sweet？“hesaid。“Thisisnohourforbaddreams。”

“Nohourforbaddreams，truly，husband；yetdreamsdonotweighthehouroftheircoming。Idreamedthis：thatIlaydeadbesidetheeandthouknewestitnot，whileSwanhildlookedattheeandmocked。”

“Anevildream，truly。”saidEric；“butsee，thouartnotdead。ThouhastthoughttoomuchonSwanhildoflate。”

Nowtheysleptoncemore，tillpresentlyEricwaswideawake。

“Rousethee，Gudruda。”hesaid，“Itoohavedreamedadream，anditisfullofevil。”

“What，then，wasthydream，husband？“sheasked。

“IdreamedthatAtlitheEarl，whomIslew，stoodbythebed。Hisfacewaswhite，andwhiteassnowwashisbeard，andbloodfromhisgreatwoundrandownhisbyrnie。’EricBrighteyes，’hesaid，’Iamhewhomthoudidstslay，andIcometotelltheethis：thatbeforethemoonisyoungagainthoushaltliestiff，withHell-shoesonthyfeet。ThouartErictheUnlucky！Takethyjoyandsaythysaytoherwholiesatthyside，forwetandcoldisthebedthatwaitstheeandsoonshallthywhitelipsbedumb。’Thenhewasgone，andlo！inhisplacestoodAsmund，thyfather，andhealsospoketome，saying，’Thouwhodostlieinmybedandatmydaughter’sside，knowthis：thewordsofAtliaretrue；butIaddthesetothem：yeshalldie，yetisdeathbutthegateoflifeandloveandrest，’andhewasgone。”

NowGudrudashiveredwithfear，andcreptclosertoEric’sside。

“Wearesurelyfey，fortheNornsspeakwiththevoicesofAtliandofAsmund。”shesaid。“Oh，Eric！Eric！whithergowewhenwedie？WillValhallatakethee，beingsomightyaman，andmustIawaytoHela’shalls，wherethouartnot？Oh！thatwouldbedeathindeed！Say，Eric，whitherdowego？“

“WhatsaidthevoiceofAsmund？“answeredBrighteyes。“Thatdeathisbutthegateoflifeandloveandrest。Hearken，Gudruda，myMay！Odindoesnotreignoveralltheworld，forwhenIsatoutyonderinEngland，acertainholymantaughtmeofanotherGod——aGodwholovesnotslaughter，aGodwhodiedthatmenmightliveforeverinpeacewiththosetheylove。”

“HowisthisGodnamed，Eric？“

“TheynameHimtheWhiteChrist，andtherearemanywhoclingtoHim。”

“WouldthatIknewthisChrist，Eric。Iamwearyofdeathandbloodandevildeeds，suchasarepleasingtoourGods。Oh，Eric，ifIamtakenfromthee，swearthistome：thatthouwiltslaynomore，saveforthylife’ssakeonly。”

“Iswearthat，sweet。”hemadeanswer。“ForItooamwearyofdeathandblood，anddesirepeacemostofallthings。Theworldissad，andsadhavebeenourdays。Yetitiswelltohavelived，forthroughmanyheavydayswehavewanderedtothishappynight。”

“Yea，Eric，itiswelltohavelived；thoughIthinkthatdeathdrawson。Nowthisismycounsel：thatwerise，andthatthoudostputonthyharnessandsummonSkallagrim，sothat，ifevilcomes，thoumaystmeetitarmed。SurelyIthoughtIheardasound——yonderinthehall！“

“Thereislittleuseinthat。”saidEric，“forthingswillbefallastheyarefated。Wemaydonothingofourownwill，Iamsureofthis，anditisnogoodtostrugglewiththeNorns。YetIwillrise。”

Sohekissedher，andmadereadytoleavethebed，whensuddenly，ashelingered，agreatheavinessseizedhim。

“Gudruda。”hesaid，“Iampresseddownwithsleep。”

“ThatIamalso，Eric。”shesaid。“MyeyesshutofthemselvesandI

canscarcelystirmylimbs。Ah，Eric，wearefeyindeed，andthisis——

deaththatcomes！“

“Perchance！“hesaid，speakingheavily。

“Eric！——wake，Eric！Thoucanstnotmove？Yethearkentome——ah！thisweightofsleep！Thoulovestme，Eric！——isitnotso？“

“Yea。”heanswered。

“Nowandforeverthoulovestme——andwiltcleavetomealwayswhereverwego？“

“Surely，sweet。Oh，sweet，farewell！“hesaid，andhisvoicesoundedlikethevoiceofonewhospeaksacrossthewater。

“Farewell，EricBrighteyes！——mylove——mylove，farewell！“sheansweredveryslowly，andtogethertheysankintoasleepthatwasheavyasdeath。

NowGizur，Ospakar’sson，andSwanhild，Atli’swidow，rodefastandhardfromMosfell，givingnoresttotheirhorses，andwiththemrodethatthrallwhohadshowedthesecretpathtoGizur。TheystayedawhileonHorse-HeadHeightstillthemoonrose。NowonepathledhencetotheshorethatisagainsttheWestmans，whereGudruda’sshiplaybound。ThenSwanhildturnedtothethrall。Herbeautifulfacewasfierceandshehadsaidfewwordsallthiswhile，butinherheartragedafireofhateandjealousywhichshonethroughherblueeyes。

“Listen。”shesaidtothethrall。“ThoushaltridehencetothebaywheretheshipofGudrudatheFairliesatanchor。Thouknowestwhereourfolkareinhiding。Thoushaltspeakthustothem。BeforeitisdawntheymusttakeboatsandboardGudruda’sshipandsearchher。

And，iftheyfindEric，theoutlaw，aboard，theyshallslayhim，iftheymay。”

“Thatwillbenoeasytask。”saidthethrall。

“AndiftheyfindGudrudatheyshallkeepherprisoner。Butiftheyfindneithertheonenortheother，theyshalldothis：theyshalldrivethecrewashore，killingasfewasmaybe，andburntheship。”

“Itisanilldeedthustoburnanother’sship。”saidGizur。

“Goodorill，itshallbedone。”answeredSwanhildfiercely。“Thouartalawman，andwellcanstthoumeetthesuit；moreoverGudrudahasweddedanoutlawandshallsufferforhersin。Nowgo，andseethoutarrynot，orthybackshallpaytheprice。”

Themanrodeawayswiftly。ThenGizurturnedtoSwanhild，asking：

“Whither，then，gowe？“

“IhavesaidtoMiddalhof。”

“Thatisintothewolf’sden，ifEricandSkallagrimarethere。”heanswered：“Ihavelittlechanceagainstthetwoofthem。”

“Nay，noragainsttheone，Gizur。Why，ifEric’srighthandwerehewnfromhim，andhestoodunarmed，hewouldstillslaytheewithhisleft，as，swordless，heslewOspakarthyfather。YetIshallfindawaytocomeathim，ifheisthere。”

Thentheyrodeon，andGizur’sheartwasheavyforfearofEricandSkallagrimtheBaresark。Sofiercelydidtheyridethat，withinonehouraftermidnight，theywereatthesteadofMiddalhof。

“Wewillleavethehorseshereinthefield。”saidSwanhild。

Sotheyleapedtoearthand，tyingthereinsofthehorsestogether，leftthemtofeedonthegrowinggrass。Thentheycreptintotheyardandlistened。Presentlytherecameasoundofhorsesstampinginthefarcorneroftheyard。Theywentthither，andtheretheyfoundahorseandtwogeldingssaddled，butwiththebitsslipped，andonthehorsewassuchasaddleaswomenuse。

“EricBrighteyes，SkallagrimLambstail，andGudrudatheFair。”

whisperedSwanhild，namingthehorsesandlaughingevilly——“thebirdsarewithin！Nowtosnarethem。”

“Wereitnotbesttomeetthembytheship？“askedGizur。

“Nay，thoufool；ifonceEricandSkallagrimarebacktoback，andWhitefireisaloft，howmanyshallbedeadbeforetheyaredown，thinkestthou？Weshallnotfindthemsleepingtwice。”

“Itisshamefultoslaysleepingmen。”saidGizur。

“Theyareoutlaws。”sheanswered。“Hearken，Ospakar’sson。Thousayestthoudostlovemeandwouldstwedme：knowthis，thatifthoudostfailmenow，Iwillneverlookuponthyfaceagain，butwillnametheeNidderinginallmen’sears。”

NowGizurlovedSwanhildmuch，forshehadthrownherglamouronhimasonceshedidonAtli，andhethoughtofherdayandnight。FortherewasthisstrangethingaboutSwanhildthat，thoughshewasawitchandwicked，beingbothfairandgentleshecouldleadallmen，exceptEric，toloveher。

ButofmenshelovedEricalone。

ThenGizurheldhispeace；butSwanhildspokeagain：

“Itwillbeofnousetotrythedoors，fortheyarestrong。YetwhenIwasachildbeforenowIhavepassedinandoutthehouseatnightbythestore-roomcasement。Followme，Gizur。”Thenshecreptalongtheshadowofthewall，forsheknewiteverystone，tillshecametothestore-room，andlo！theshutterstoodopen，andthroughitthemoonlightpouredintothechamber。Swanhildliftedherheadabovethesillandlooked，thenstartedback。

“Hush！“shesaid，“Skallagrimliesasleepwithin。”

“PraytheGodshewakenot！“saidGizurbeneathhisbreath，andturnedtogo。ButSwanhildcaughthimbythearm；thengentlyraisedherheadandlookedagain，longandsteadily。Presentlysheturnedandlaughedsoftly。

“Thingsgowellforus。”shesaid；“thesotliesdrunk。Wehavenothingtofearfromhim。Heliesdrunkinapoolofale。”

ThenGizurlooked。Themoonlightpouredintothelittleroom，andbyithesawthegreatshapeofSkallagrim。Hisheadwasthrownback，hismouthwaswide。Hesnoredloudlyinhisdrunkensleep，andallabouthimranthebrownale，forthespigotofthecasklayuponthefloor。

Inhislefthandwasahorncup，butinhisrighthestillgraspedhisaxe。

“Nowwemustenter。”saidSwanhild。Gizurhungback，butshespranguponthesilllightlyasafox，andslidthenceintothestore-room。

ThenGizurmustfollow，andpresentlyhestoodbesideherintheroom，andattheirfeetlaydrunkenSkallagrim。Gizurlookedfirstathissword，thenontheBaresark，andlastlyatSwanhild。

“Nay。”shewhispered，“touchhimnot。Perchancehewouldcryout——andweseekhighergame。Hehasthatwithinhimwhichwillholdhimfastforawhile。FollowwhereIshalllead。”

Shetookhishandand，glidingthroughthedoorway，passedalongthepassagetillshecametothegreathall。Swanhildcouldseewellinthedark，andmoreoversheknewtheroad。Presentlytheystoodintheemptyhall。Thefirehadburntdown，buttwoembersyetgloweduponthehearth，likeredandangryeyes。

ForawhileSwanhildstoodstilllistening，buttherewasnothingtohear。ThenshedrewneartotheshutbedwhereGudrudaslept，and，withhereartothecurtain，listenedoncemore。Gizurcamewithher，andashecamehisfootstruckagainstabenchandstirredit。NowSwanhildheardmurmuredwordsandthesoundofkisses。Shestartedback，andfuryfilledherheart。GizuralsoheardthevoiceofEric，saying：“Iwillrise。”Thenhewouldhavefled，butSwanhildcaughthimbythearm。

“Fearnot。”shewhispered，“theyshallsoonsleepsound。”

Hefeltherstretchoutherarmsandpresentlyhesawthiswonderfulthing：theeyesofSwanhildglowinginthedarknessastheembersgloweduponthehearth。Nowtheyglowedbrightly，sobrightlythathecouldseetheoutstretchedarmsandthehardwhitefacebeneaththem，andnowtheygrewdim，ofasuddentoshinebrightagain。Andallthewhileshehissedwordsthroughherclenchedteeth。

Thusshehissed，fierceandlow：

“Gudruda，Sistermine，hearkenandsleep！

BythebondofbloodIbidtheesleep！——

BythestrengththatisinmeIbidtheesleep！——

Sleep！sleepsound！

“EricBrighteyes，hearkenandsleep！

BythebondofsinIchargetheesleep！——

BythebloodofAtliIchargethee，sleep！——

Sleep！sleepsound！“

Thenthriceshetossedherhandsaloft，saying：

“Fromlovetosleep！

Fromsleeptodeath！

FromdeathtoHela！

Say，lovers，whereshallyekissagain？“

Thenthelightwentoutofhereyesandshelaughedlow。Andeverasshewhispered，thespokenwordsofthetwointheshutbedgrewfainterandmorefaint，tillatlengththeydiedaway，andasilencefellupontheplace。

“ThouhastnocausetofeartheswordofEric，Gizur。”shesaid。

“Nothingwillwakehimnowtilldaylightcomes。”

“Thouartawesome！“answeredGizur，forheshookwithfear。“Looknotonmewiththoseflamingeyes，Ipraythee！“

“Fearnot。”shesaid，“thefireisout。Nowtothework。”

“Whatmustwedo，then？“

“/Thou/mustdothis。ThoumustenterandslayEric。”

“ThatIcannot——thatIwillnot！“saidGizur。

Sheturnedandlookedathim，andlo！hereyesbegantoflameagain——

uponhiseyestheyseemedtoburn。

“ThouwiltdoasIbidthee。”shesaid。“WithEric’sswordthoushaltslayEric，elseIwillcursetheewherethouart，andbringsuchevilontheeasthouknowestnotof。”

“Looknotso，Swanhild。”hesaid。“Leadon——Icome。”

NowtheycreepintotheshutchamberofGudruda。Itissodarkthattheycanseenothing，andnothingcantheyhearexcepttheheavybreathingofthesleepers。

Thisistobetold，thatatthistimeSwanhildhaditinhermindtokill，notEricbutGudruda，forthusshewouldsmitetheheartofBrighteyes。Moreover，shelovedEric，andwhilehelivedshemightyetwinhim；butEricdeadmustbeEriclost。ButonGudrudashewouldbebitterlyavenged——Gudruda，who，forallherscheming，hadyetbeenawifetoEric！

Nowtheystandbythebed。Swanhildputsoutherhand，drawsdowntheclothes，andfeelsthebreastofGudrudabeneath，forGudrudasleptontheoutsideofthebed。

ThenshesearchesbytheheadofthebedandfindsWhitefirewhichhungthere，anddrawsthesword。

“HereliesEric，ontheoutside。”shesaystoGizur，“andhereisWhitefire。Strikeandstrikehome，leavingWhitefireinthewound。”

Gizurtakestheswordandliftsit。Heissoreatheartthathemustdosuchacowarddeed；butthespellofSwanhildisuponhim，andhemaynotflinchfromit。Thenathoughttakeshimandhealsoputsdownhishandtofeel。ItlightsuponGudruda’sgoldenhair，thathangsaboutherbreastandfallsfromthebedtotheground。

“Hereiswoman’shair。”hewhispers。

“No。”Swanhildanswers，“itisEric’shair。ThehairofEricislong，asthouhastseen。”

NowneitherofthemknowsthatGudrudacutEric’slockswhenhelaysickonMosfell，thoughSwanhildknowswellthatitisnotBrighteyeswhomshebidsGizurslay。

ThenGizur，Ospakar’sson，liftsthesword，andthefaintstarlightstrugglingintothechambergathersandgleamsupontheblade。Thriceheliftsit，andthriceitdrawsitback。Thenwithanoathhestrikes——anddrivesithomewithallhisstrength！

Fromthebedbeneaththerecomesonelongsighandasoundasoflimbstremblingagainstthebed-gear。Thenallisstill。

“Itisdone！“hesaysfaintly。

Swanhildputsdownherhandoncemore。Lo！itiswetandwarm。Thenshebendsherselfandlooks，andbehold！thedeadeyesofGudrudaglareupintohereyes。Shecanseethemplainly，butnoneknowwhatshereadthere。Attheleastitwassomethingthatshelovednot，forshereelsbackagainstthepanelling，thenfallsuponthefloor。

Presently，whileGizurstandsasoneinadream，sherises，saying：“I

amavengedofthedeathofAtli。Letushence！——ah！letushenceswiftly！Givemethyhand，Gizur，forIamfaint！“

SoGizurgivesherhishandandtheypassthence。Presentlytheystandinthestore-room，andthereliesSkallagrim，stillplungedinhisdrunkensleep。

“MustIdomoremurder？“asksGizurhoarsely。

“Nay。”Swanhildsays。“Iamsickwithblood。Leavetheknave。”

Theypassoutbythecasementintotheyardandsoontilltheyfindtheirhorses。

“Liftme，Gizur；Icannomore。”saysSwanhild。

Heliftshertothesaddle。

“Whitheraway？“heasks。

“ToColdback，Gizur，andthencetocoldDeath。”

ThusdidGudruda，Eric’sbrideandAsmund’sdaughter，thefairestwomanwhoeverlivedinIceland，dieonhermarriagenightbythehandofGizur，Ospakar’sson，andthroughthehateandwitchcraftofSwanhildtheFatherless，herhalf-sister。

XXX

HOWTHEDAWNCAME

ThedawnbrokeoverMiddalhof。Slowlythelightgatheredintheemptyhall，itcreptslowlyintothelittlechamberwhereEricslept，andGudrudasleptalsowithadeepersleep。

Nowthetwowomencamefromtheirchamberatthefarendofthehall，anddrewnearthehearth，shivering，fortheairwascold。Theykneltbythefire，blowingattheemberstillthestickstheycastuponthemcrackledtoablaze。

“ItseemsthatGudrudaisnotyetgone。”saidonetotheother。“I

thoughtsheshouldrideawaywithEricbeforethedawn。”

“Newlywedlielongabed！“laughedtheother。

“Iamgladtoseetheblessedlight。”saidthefirstwoman，“forlastnightIdreamedthatonceagainthishallranredwithblood，asatthemarriage-feastofOspakar。”

“Ah。”answeredtheother，“itwillbewellforthesouthwhenEricBrighteyesandGudrudaaregoneoversea，fortheirloveshavebroughtmuchbloodshedupontheland。”

“Well，indeed！“sighedthefirst。“HadAsmundthePriestneverfoundGroa，Ran’sgift，singingbythesea，Valhallahadnotbeensofullto-day。Mindestthouthedayhebroughtherhere？“

“Irememberitwell。”sheanswered，“thoughIwasbutagirlatthetime。Still，whenIsawthosedarkeyesofhers——justsucheyesasSwanhild’s！——Iknewherforawitch，asallFinnwomenare。Itisanevilworld：myhusbandisdeadbythesword；deadarebothmysons，fightingforEric；deadisUnna，Thorod’sdaughter；Asmund，mylord，isdead，anddeadisBj？rn；andnowGudrudatheFair，whomIhaverockedtosleep，leavesustogooversea。Imaynotgowithher，formydaughter’ssake；yetIalmostwishthatItooweredead。”

“Thatwillcomesoonenough。”saidtheother，whowasyoungandfair。

Nowthewitch-sleepbegantorollfromEric’sheart，thoughhiseyeswerenotyetopen。Butthetalkofthewomenechoedinhisears，andthewords“/dead！/““/dead！/““/dead！/“fellheavilyonhisslumberingsense。Atlengthheopenedhiseyes，onlytoshutthemagain，becauseofabrightgleamoflightthatranupanddownsomethingathisside。

Heavilyhewonderedwhatthismightbe，thatshonesokeenandbright——thatshonelikeanakedsword。

Nowhelookedagain。Yes，itwasaswordwhichstoodbyhimuponthebed，andthegoldenhiltwaslikethehiltofWhitefire。Helifteduphishandtotouchit，thinkingthathedreamed。Lo！hishandandarmwerered！

Thenheremembered，andthethoughtofGudrudaflashedthroughhisheart。Hesatup，gazingdownintotheshadowathisside。

Presentlythewomenatthefireheardasoundasofagreatmanfallingtoearth。

“Whatisthatnoise？“saidone。

“Ericleapingfromhisbed。”answeredtheother。“Hehasslepttoolong，aswehavealso。”

Astheyspokethecurtainoftheshutbedwaspushedaway，andthroughitstaggeredEricinhisnight-gear，andlo！theleftsideofitwasred。Hiseyeswerewidewithhorror，hismouthwasopen，andhisfacewaswhiteasice。

Hestopped，lookingatthem，madeasthoughtospeak，andcouldnot。

Then，whiletheyshrankfromhiminterror，heturned，and，walkinglikeadrunkenman，staggeredfromthehalldownthatpassagewhichledtothestore-chamber。Thedoorstoodwide，theshutterwaswide，andonthefloor，soakedinthedregsofale，Skallagrimyetlaysnoring，hisaxeinonehandandacupintheother。

Ericlookedandunderstood。

“Awake，drunkard！“hecried，insoterribleavoicethattheroomshook。“Awake，andlookuponthywork！“

Skallagrimsatup，yawning。

“Forsooth，myheadswims。”hesaid。“Givemeale，Iamthirsty。”

“Neverwiltthoulookonaleagain，Skallagrim，whenthouhastseenthatwhichIhavetoshow！“saidEric，inthesamedreadvoice。

ThenSkallagrimrosetohisfeetandgapeduponhim。

“Whatmeansthis，lord？Isittimetoride？andsay！whyisthyshirtredwithblood？“

“Followme，drunkard，andlookuponthywork！“Ericsaidagain。

ThenSkallagrimgrewaltogethersober，andgraspinghisaxe，followedafterBrighteyes，soreafraidofwhathemightsee。

Theywentdownthepassage，pastthehighseatofthehall，tilltheycametothecurtainoftheshutbed；andafterthemfollowedthewomen。Ericseizedthecurtaininhishand，rentitfromitsfastenings，andcastitontheground。Nowthelightflowedinandstruckuponthebed。Itfelluponthebed，itfelluponWhitefire’shiltandranalongtheblade，itgleamedonawoman’ssnowybreastandgoldenhair，andshoneinherstaringeyes——awomanwholaystiffandcolduponthebed，thegreatswordfixedwithinherheart！

“Lookuponthywork，drunkard！“Ericcriedagain，whilethewomenwhopeepedbehindsenttheirlongwailofwoeechoingdownthepanelledhall。

“Hearken！“saidEric：“whilethoudidstliewallowinginthyswine’ssleep，foescreptacrossthycarcase，andthisistheirhandiwork：——

yondershelieswhowasmybride！——nowisGudrudatheFairadeath-

wifewholastnightwasmybride！Thisisthywork，drunkard！andnowwhatmeedforthee？“

Skallagrimlooked。Thenhespokeinahoarseslowvoice：

“Whatmeed，lord？Butone——death！“

ThenwithonehandhecoveredhiseyesandwiththeotherheldouthisaxetoEricBrighteyes。

Erictooktheaxe，andwhilethewomenranthencescreaming，hewhirleditthriceabouthishead。ThenhesmotedowntowardstheskullofSkallagrim，butashesmoteitseemedtohimthatavoicewhisperedinhisear：“/Thyoath！/“——andherememberedthathehadsworntoslaynomore，saveforhisownlife’ssake。

Themightyblowwasfallingandhemightonlydothis——loosetheaxebeforeitcloveSkallagrimintwain。Heloosedandawaythegreataxeflew。ItpassedovertheheadofSkallagrim，andspedlikelightacrossthewidehall，tillitcrashedthroughthepanellingonthefurtherside，andburieditselftothehaftinthewallbeyond。

“Itisnotformetokillthee，drunkard！Go，dieinthydrink！“

“ThenIwillkillmyself！“criedtheBaresark，and，rushingacrossthehallhetorethegreataxefromitsbed。

“Hold！“saidEric；“perhapsthereisyetadeedfortheetodo。Thenthoumayestdie，ifitpleasesthee。”

“Ay。”saidSkallagrimcomingback，“perchancethereisstilladeedtodo！“

And，flingingdowntheaxe，SkallagrimLambstailtheBaresarkfelluponthefloorandwept。

ButEricdidnotweep。OnlyhedrewWhitefirefromtheheartofGudrudaandlookedatit。

“Thouartastrangesword，Whitefire。”hesaid，“whoslayestbothfriendandfoe！Shameonthee，Whitefire！Wesworeouroathonthee，Whitefire，andthouhastcutitschain！NowIammindedtoshatterthee。”AndasEriclookedonthegreatblade，lo！ithummedstrangelyinanswer。

“’Firstmustthoubethedeathofsome，’thousayest？Well，maybe，Whitefire！Butneveryetdidstthoudrinksosweetalifeasherswhonowliesdead，norevershaltagain。”

Thenhesheathedthesword，butneitherthennorafterwardsdidhewipethebloodofGudrudafromitsblade。

“Lastnighta-marrying——to-daya-burying。”saidEric，andhecalledtothewomentobringspades。Then，havingclothedhimself，hewenttothecentreofthehall，and，brushingawaythesand，brokethehardclay-flooring，dealinggreatblowsonitwithanaxe。NowSkallagrim，seeinghispurpose，cametohimandtookoneofthespades，andtogethertheylabouredinsilencetilltheyhaddugagraveafathomdeep。

“Here。”saidEric，“here，inthineownhallwherethouwastbornandlived，GudrudatheFair，thoushaltsleepatthelast。AndofMiddalhofIsaythis：thatnoneshalllivetherehenceforth。Itshallbehauntedandaccursedtilltheraftersrotandthewallsfallin，makingthybarrow，Gudruda。”

Nowthisindeedcametopass，fornonehavelivedinMiddalhofsincethedaysofGudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter。Ithasbeenruinedthesemanyyears，andnowitisbutapileofstones。

Whenthegravewasdug，Ericwashedhimselfandatesomefood。ThenhewentintowhereGudrudalaydead，andbadethewomenmakeherreadyforburial。Thistheydid。Whenshewaswashedandcladinacleanwhiterobe，Ericcametoher，andwithhisownhandboundtheHell-

shoesonherfeetandclosedhereyes。

ItwasjustthenthatamancamewhosaidthatthepeopleofGizurandofSwanhildhadburnedGudruda’sship，drivingthecrewashore。

“Itiswell。”saidEric。“Weneedtheshipnomore；nowhathshewhomitshouldbearwingswithwhichtofly。”ThenhewentinandsatdownonthebedbythebodyofGudruda，whileSkallagrimcrouchedonthegroundwithout，tearingathisbeardandmuttering。ForthefierceheartofSkallagrimwasbrokenbecauseofthatevilwhichhisdrunkennesshadbroughtabout。

AlldayEricsatthus，lookingonhisdeadlove’sface，tillthehourcameroundwhenheandGudrudahaddrunkthebride-cup。ThenheroseandkisseddeadGudrudaonthelips，saying：

“Ididnotlooktopartwiththeethus，sweet！Itissadthatthoushouldsthavegoneandleftmehere。Natheless，Ishallsoonfollowonthypath。”

Thenhecalledaloud：

“Artsober，drunkard？“

Skallagrimcameandstoodbeforehim，sayingnothing。

“Takethouthefeetofherwhomthoudidstbringtodeath，andIwilltakeherhead。”

SotheyliftedupGudrudaandborehertothegrave。ThenEricstoodnearthegrave，and，takingdeadGudrudainhisarms，lookeduponherfacebythelightofthefireandofthecandlesthatweresetabout。

Helookedthrice，thensangaloud：

“Longago，whensweptthesnow-blast，Closeweclungandplightedtroth。

Manyayear，throughstormandsword-song，SoreIstrovetowinthee，sweet！

ButlastnightIheldthee，Fairest，Lock’d，awife，inlover’sarms。

Now，Gudruda，inthydeath-rest，SleepthousofttillEriccome！

“HenceIgotowreakthymurder。

Hissingfireofflamingstead，Groanofspear-carles，wailofwomen，Soonshallstartlethroughthenight。

ThenonMosfell，Kirtle-Wearer，EricwaitsthefaceofDeath。

Freedfromwearylifeandsorrow，Soonwe’llkissinHela’shalls！“

Thenhelaidherinthegrave，and，havingshroudedasheetoverher，theyfilleditintogether，hidingGudrudatheFairfromthesightofmenforever。

AfterwardsEricarmedhimself，andthisSkallagrimdidalso。Thenhestrodefromthehall，andSkallagrimfollowedhim。Intheyardthosehorseswerestilltiedthatshouldhavecarriedthemtotheship，andononewasthesaddleofGudruda。Shehadriddenonthishorseformanyyears，andloveditmuch，foritwouldfollowherlikeadog。

Ericlookedathim，thensaidaloud：

“Gudrudamayneedtheewheresheis，Blackmane。”forsothehorsewasnamed。“Attheleast，noneshallridetheemore！“AndhesnatchedtheaxefromthehandofSkallagrimandslewthehorseatablow。

Thentheyrodeaway，headingforColdback。Thenightwaswildandwindy，andtheskydarkwithscuddingclouds，throughwhichthemoonpeepedoutattimes。Ericlookedup，thenspoketoSkallagrim：

“Agoodnightforburning，drunkard！“

“Ay，lord；theflameswillflybriskly。”answeredSkallagrim。

“Howmany，thinkestthou，walkedoverthee，drunkard，whenthoudidstlieyonderintheale？“

“Iknownot。”groanedSkallagrim；“butIfoundthisinthesoftearthwithout：theprintofaman’sandawoman’sfeet；andthisonthehillside：thetrackoftwohorsesriddenhard。”

“GizurandSwanhild，drunkard。”saidEric。“Swanhildcastusintodeepsleepbywitchcraft，andGizurdealttheblow。Betterforhimthathehadneverbeenbornthanthathehaslivedtodealthatcoward’sblow！“

Thentheyrodeon，andwhenmidnightwasalittlewhilegonetheycametothesteadatColdback。Nowthishousewasroofedwithturves，andthewindowswerebarredsothatnonecouldpassthroughthem。Alsointheyardwerefaggotsofbirchandastackofhay。

EricandSkallagrimtiedtheirhorsesinadellthatistothenorthofthesteadandcreptuptothehouse。Allwasstill；butafireburntinthehall，and，lookingthroughacrack，Ericcouldseemanymensleepingaboutit。ThenhemadesignstoSkallagrimandtogether，verysilently，theyfetchedhayandfaggots，pilingthemagainstthenorthdoorofthehouse，forthewindblewfromthenorth。NowEricspoketoSkallagrim，biddinghimstand，axeinhand，bythesouthdoor，andslaythosewhocameoutwhenthereekbegantosmartthem：

buthewenthimselftofirethepile。

WhenBrighteyeshadmadeallthingsreadyfortheburning，itcameintohismindthat，perhaps，GizurandSwanhildwerenotinthehouse。

Buthewouldnotholdhishandforthis，forhewasmadwithgriefandrage。Sooncemorehepreparedforthedeed，whenagainheheardavoiceinhisear——thevoiceofGudruda，anditseemedtosay：

“/Thineoath，Eric！rememberthineoath！/“

Thenheturnedandtheragewentoutofhisheart。

“LetthemseekmeonMosfell。”hesaid，“Iwillnotslaythemsecretlyandbyreek，theinnocentandtheguiltytogether。”AndhestroderoundthehousetowhereSkallagrimstoodatthesouthdoor，axealoftandwatching。

“Doesthefireburn，lord？Iseenosmoke。”whisperedSkallagrim。

“Nay，Ihavemadenone。Iwillshednomoreblood，excepttosavemylife。IleavevengeancetotheNorns。”

NowSkallagrimthoughtthatBrighteyeswasmad，buthedaredsaynothing。Sotheywenttotheirhorses，andwhentheyfoundthem，Ericrodebacktothehouse。Presentlytheydrewnear，andErictoldSkallagrimtostaywherehewas，andridingontothehouse，smoteheavyblowsuponthedoor，justasSkallagrimoncehadsmitten，beforeEricwentuptoMosfell。

NowSwanhildlayinhershutbed；butshecouldnotsleep，becauseofwhatshesawintheeyesofGudruda。Littlemaysheeversleepagain，forwhensheshutshereyesoncemoresheseesthatwhichwaswritteninthedeadeyesofGudruda。So，asshelay，sheheardtheblowsuponthedoor，andsprangfrightenedfromherbed。Nowtherewastumultinthehall，foreverymanrosetohisfeetinfear，searchingforhisweapons。Againtheloudknockscame。

“ItistheghostofEric！“criedone，forGizurhadgivenoutthatEricwasdeadathishandinfairfight。

“Open！“saidGizur，andtheyopened，andthere，alittlewayfromthedoor，satBrighteyesonahorse，greatandshadowytosee，andbehindhimwasSkallagrimtheBaresark。

“ItistheghostofEric！“theycriedagain。

“Iamnoghost。”saidBrighteyes。“Iamnoghost，yemenofSwanhild。

Tellme：isGizur，thesonofOspakar，amongyou？“

“Gizurishere。”saidavoice；“buthesworeheslewtheelastnight。”

“Thenhelied。”quothEric。“Gizurdidnotslayme——hemurderedGudrudatheFairasshelayasleepatmyside。See！“andhedrewWhitefirefromitsscabbardandhelditintheraysofthemoonthatnowshoneoutbetweenthecloudrifts。“WhitefireisredwithGudruda’sblood——GudrudaslaughteredinhersleepbyGizur’scowardhand！“

Nowmenmurmured，forthisseemedtothemthemostshamefulofalldeeds。ButGizur，hearing，shrankbackaghast。

“Listenagain！“saidEric。“Iwasmindedbutnowtoburnyouallasyeslept——ay，thefiringispiledagainstthedoor。Still，Iheldmyhand，forIhavesworntoslaynomore，excepttosavemylife。NowI

ridehencetoMosfell。ThitherletGizurcome，Gizurthemurderer，andSwanhildthewitch，andwiththemallwhowill。ThereIwillgivethemgreeting，andwipeawaythebloodofGudrudafromWhitefire’sblade。”

“Fearnot，Eric。”criedSwanhild，“Iwillcome，andtherethoumaystkillme，ifthoucanst。”

“Againstthee，Swanhild。”saidEric，“Iliftnohand。Dothyworst，I

leavetheetothyfateandthevengeanceoftheNorns。Iamnowoman-

slayer。ButtoGizurthemurdererIsay，come。”

Thenheturnedandwent，andSkallagrimwentwithhim。

“Up，men，andcutEricdown！“criedGizur，seekingtocoverhisshame。

Butnomanstirred。