第10章

XXXI

HOWERICSENTAWAYHISMENFROMMOSFELL

NowEricandSkallagrimcametoMosfellinsafety，andduringallthatrideBrighteyesspokenoword。Herodeinsilence，andinsilenceSkallagrimrodeafterhim。TheheartofSkallagrimwasbrokenbecauseofthesorrowwhichhisdrunkennesshadbroughtabout，andtheheartofEricwasburiedinGudruda’sgrave。

OnMosfellEricfoundfourofhisownmen，twoofwhomhadbeenamongthosethatthepeopleofGizurandSwanhildhaddrivenfromGudruda’sshipbeforetheyfiredher。Fornofighthadbeenmadeontheship。

TherealsohefoundJon，whohadbeenloosedfromhisbandsintheboothbyonewhoheardhiscriesasherodepast。NowwhenJonsawBrighteyes，hetoldhimall，andfellatEric’sfeetandweptbecausehehadbetrayedhiminhisfear。

ButEricspokenoangrywordtohim。Stoopingdownheraisedhim，saying，“Thouwastneveroverstoutofheart，Jon，andthouartscarcelytobeblamedbecausethoudidstspeakratherthandieintorment，thoughperhapssomehadchosensotodieandnottospeak。

NowIamalucklessman，andallthingshappenastheyarefated，andthewordsofAtlicometrue，aswastobelookedfor。TheNorns，againstwhomnonemaystand，didbutworktheirwillthroughthymouth，Jon；sogrievenomoreforthatwhichcannotbeundone。”

Thenheturnedaway，butJonweptlongandloudly。

ThatnightEricsleptwellanddreamednodreams。Butonthemorrowhewokeatdawn，andclothedhimselfandate。Thenhecalledhismentogether，andwiththemSkallagrim。Theycameandstoodbeforehim，andEric，drawingWhitefire，leaneduponitandspoke：

“Hearken，mates。”hesaid：“Iknowthis，thatmyhoursareshortanddeathdrawson。Myyearshavebeenfewandevil，andIcannotreadthepurposeofmylife。ShewhomIlovedhasbeenslainbythewitchcraftofSwanhildandthecowardhandofGizurthemurderer，andIgotoseekherwhereshewaits。Iamverygladtogo，fornowIhavenomorejoyinlife，beingbutalucklessman；itisanillworld，friends，andallthewaysareredwithblood。Ihaveshedmuchblood，thoughbutonelifehauntsmenowatthelast，andthatisthelifeofAtlitheEarl，forhewasnomatchformymightandheisdeadbecauseofmysin。WithmyownbloodIwillwashawaythebloodofAtli，andthenIseekanotherplace，leavingnothingbutataletobetoldintheinglewhenfallthewintersnows。Fortothisendweallcomeatthelast，anditmatterslittleifitfindusatmiddayoratnightfall。

Weliveinsorrow，wedieinpainanddarkness：forthisisthecursethattheGodshavelaiduponmenandeachmusttasteitinhisseason。

ButIhaveswornthatnomoremenshalldieforme。Iwillfightthelastgreatfightalone；forIknowthis：Ishallnoteasilybeovercome，andwithmyfallenfoesIwilltreadonBifrostBridge。

Therefore，farewell！WhenthebonesofEricBrighteyeslieintheirbarrow，orarepickedbyravensonthemountainside，Gizurwillnottroubletohuntoutthosewhoclungtohim，ifindeedGizurshalllivetotellthetale。NorneedyefearthehateofSwanhild，forsheaimsherspearsatmealone。Go，therefore，andwhenIamdead，donotforgetme，anddonotseektoavengeme，forDeaththeavengerofallwillfindthemalso。”

NowEric’smenheardandgroanedaloud，sayingthattheywoulddiewithhim，fortheylovedEriconeandall。OnlySkallagrimsaidnothing。

ThenBrighteyesspokeagain：“Hearme，comrades。Ifyewillnotgo，mybloodwillbeonyourheads，forIwillrideoutalone，andmeetthemenofGizurintheplainandfalltherefighting。”

Thenonebyonetheycreptawaytoseektheirhorsesinthedell。AndeachmanashewentcametoEricandkissedhishand，thenpassedthenceweeping。Jonwasthelasttogo，exceptSkallagrimonly，andhewassomovedthathecouldnotspeakatall。

ItwasthisJonwho，inafteryears，whenhewasgrownveryold，wanderedfromsteadtosteadtellingthedeedsofEricBrighteyes，andalwaysfindingawelcomebecauseofhistale，tillatlength，ashejourneyed，hewasovertakenbyasnowstormandburiedinadrift。ForJon，wholackedmuch，hadthisgift：hehadaskald’stongue。MenhavealwaysheldthatitwastothehonourofJonthathetoldthetalethus，hidingnothing，seeingthatsomeofitisagainsthimself。

Nowwhenallhadgone，EriclookedatSkallagrim，whostillstoodnearhim，axeinhand。

“Whereforegoestthounot，drunkard？“hesaid。“Surelythouwiltfindaleandmeadinthevalesoroversea。Herethereisnone。Hasten！I

wouldbealone！“

NowthegreatbodyofSkallagrimshookwithgriefandshame，andtheredbloodpouredupbeneathhisdarksin。Thenhespokeinathickvoice：

“IdidnotthinktolivetohearsuchwordsfromthelipsofEricBrighteyes。Theyarewellearned，yetitisunmanlyofthee，lord，thustotauntonewholovesthee。IwouldsoonerdieasSwanhildsaidyonderthrallshoulddiethanlivetolistentosuchwords。Ihavesinnedagainstthee，indeed，andbecauseofmysinmyheartisbroken。

Hastthou，then，neversinnedthatthouwouldsttearitlivingfrommybreastaseaglestearafounderedhorse？Thinkonthineownsins，Eric，andpitymine！TauntmethusoncemoreorbidmegooncemoreandIwillgoindeed！Iwillgothus——ontheedgeofyondergulfthoudidstovercomemebythynakedmight，andthereIsworefealtytothee，EricBrighteyes。Manyayearhavewewanderedsidebyside，and，standingbacktoback，havestruckmanyablow。Iammindedtodothis：tostandbytheeinthelastgreatfightthatdrawsonandtodietherewiththee。Ihavelovednoothermansavethee，andIamtoooldtoseeknewlords。Yet，ifstillthoubiddestme，Iwillgothus。

WhereIsworemyoathtothee，thereIwillendit。ForIwilllaymedownonthebrinkofyondergulf，asonceIlaywhenthyhandwasatmythroat，andcalloutthatthouartnomoremylordandIamnomorethythrall。ThenIwillrollintothedepthsbeneath，andbythisdeathofshamethoushaltbefreedofme，EricBrighteyes。”

Ericlookedatthegreatman——helookedlongandsadly。Thenhespoke：

“SkallagrimLambstail，thouhastatrueheart。Itoohavesinned，andnowIputawaythysin，althoughGudrudaisdeadthroughtheeandI

mustdiebecauseofthee。Staybymeifthouwiltandletusfalltogether。”

ThenSkallagrimcametoEric，and，kneelingbeforehim，tookhishandsandkissedthem。

“NowIamoncemoreaman。”hesaid，“andIknowthis：wetwoshalldiesuchagreatdeaththatitwillbewelltohavelivedtodieit！“

andhearoseandshouted：

“A！hai！A！hai！Iseefoespassinpride！

A！hai！A！hai！Valkyriesridethewind！

Hearthesongofthesword！

Whitefireisaloft——aloft！

BareistheaxeoftheBaresark！

Croak，yenestingravens；

Flapyourwings，yeeagles，ForbrightisMosfell’scavewithblood！

Lap！lap！thouGreyWolf，Laughaloud，Odin！

“Laughtillshakethegoldendoors；

Heroes’feetaresetonBifrost，Open，yehundredgates！

A！hai！A！hai！redrunsthefray！

A！hai！A！hai！Valkyriesridethewind！“

ThenSkallagrimturnedandwenttocleanhisharnessandthegoldenhelmofEric。

NowatColdbackGizurspokewithSwanhild。

“Thouhastbroughtthegreatestshameuponme。”hesaid，“forthouhastcausedmetoslayasleepingwoman。Knowestthouthatmyownmenwillscarcelyspeakwithme？Ihavecometothisevilpass，throughloveofthee，thatIhaveslainasleepingwoman！“

“ItwasnotmyfaultthatthoudidstkillGudruda。”answeredSwanhild；

“surelyIthoughtitwasEricwhomthyswordpierced！Ihavenotsoughtthylove，Gizur，andIsaythistothee：go，ifthouwilt，andleavemealone！“

NowGizurlookedather，andwasmindedtogo；but，asSwanhildknewwell，sheheldhimtoofastinthenetofherwitcheries。

“Iwouldgo，ifImightgo！“answeredGizur；“butIamboundtotheeforgoodorevil，sinceitisfatedthatIshallwedthee。”

“ThouwiltneverwedmewhileEriclives。”saidSwanhild。

Nowshespokethustruthfully，andbychance，asitwere，notasdrivingGizurontoslayEric——for，nowthatGudrudawasdead，shewasintwomindsastothismatter，since，ifshemight，shestilldesiredtotakeErictoherself——butmeaningthatwhileEriclivedshewouldwednootherman。ButGizurtookitotherwise。

“EricshallcertainlydieifImaybringitabout。”heanswered，andwenttospeakwithhismen。

NowallweregatheredintheyardatColdback，andthatwasagreatcompany。ButtheirlookswereheavybecauseoftheshamethatGizur，Ospakar’sson，hadbroughtuponthembythemurderofGudrudainhersleep。

“Hearken，comrades！“saidGizur：“greatshameiscomeuponmebecauseofadeedthatIhavedoneunwittingly，forIaimedattheeagleEricandIhaveslaintheswanGudruda。”

Thenacertainoldvikinginthecompany，namedKetel，whomGizurhadhiredfortheslayingofEric，spoke：

“Manorwoman，itisanidderingdeedtokillfolkintheirsleep，Gizur！Itismurder，andnoless，andsmallluckcanbehopedforfromthestroke。”

NowGizurfeltthathispeoplelookedonhimaskanceandheavily，andknewthatitwouldbehardtoshowthemthathewasdriventothisdeedagainsthiswill，andbythewitchcraftofSwanhild。So，aswashisnature，heturnedtoguileforshelter，likeafoxtohishole，andspoketothemwiththetongueofalawman；forGizurhadgreatskillinspeech。

“ThattalewasnotalltruewhichEricBrighteyestoldyou。”hesaid。

“Hewasmadwithgrief，andmoreoveritseemsthatheslept，andonlywoketofindGudrudadead。Itcameaboutthus：IstoodwiththeladySwanhild，andwasabouttocallaloudonErictoarmhimselfandcomeforthandmeetmefacetoface——“

“Then，lord，methinksthouhadstnevermetanotherfoe。”quoththevikingKetelwhohadspokenfirst。

“Whenofasudden。”wentonGizur，takingnonoteofKetel’swords，“oneclothedinwhitesprangfromthebedandrushedonme。ThenI，thinkingthatitwasEric，liftedsword，nottosmite，buttowardhimaway；butthelinen-wearermettheswordandfelldowndead。ThenI

fled，fearinglestmenshouldwakeandtrapus，andthatisallthetale。ItwasnofaultofmineifGudrudadieduponthesword。”

Thushespoke，butstillmenlookeddoubtfullyuponhim，forhiseyewastheeyeofaliar——andEric，astheyknew，didnotlie。

“Itishardtofindthetruthbetweenlawman’sbrainandtongue。”saidtheoldvikingKetel。“Ericisnolawman，butatrueman，andhesanganothersong。IwouldslayEricindeed，forbetweenhimandmethereisablood-feud，sincemybrotherdiedathishandwhen，withWhitefireforacrook，BrighteyesdrovearmedmenlikesheepdownthehallofMiddalhof——ayandswordless，slewOspakar。YetIsaythatEricisatrueman，and，whetherornothouarttrue，GizurtheLawman，thatthouknowestbest——thouandSwanhildtheFatherless，Groa’sdaughter。IfthoudidstslayGudrudaasthoutellest，say，howcomeGudruda’sbloodonWhitefire’sblade？Howdiditchance，Gizur，thatthouheldestWhitefireinthyhandandnotthineownsword？NowItelltheethis：eitherthoushaltgoupagainstEricandclearthyselfbyblows，orIleavethee；andmethinksthereareothersamongthiscompanywhowilldothesame，forwehavenowishtobepartnerswithmurderersandtheirwickedness“

“Ay，agoodword！“saidmanywhostoodby。“LetGizurgoupwithustoMosfell，andtherestandfacetofacewithEricandclearhimselfbyblows。”

“Iasknomore。”saidGizur；“wewillrideto-night。”

“Butmuchmoreshaltthouget，liar。”quothKeteltohimself，“forthathourwhenthoulookestonceagainonWhitefireshallbethylast！“

SoGizurandSwanhildmadereadytogoupagainstEric。Thatdaytheyrodeawaywithagreatcompany，ahundredandoneinall，andthiswastheirplan。Theysentsixmenwiththatthrallwhohadshownthemthesecretpath，biddinghimguidethemtothemountain-top。Then，whentheywerecomethither，andheardtheshoutsofthosewhosoughttogaintheplatformfromthesouth，theyweretowatchtillEricandhisfolkcameoutfromthecave，andshootthemwitharrowsfromaboveorcrushthemwithstones。ButifperchanceEriclefttheplatformandcametomeethisfoesinthenarrowpass，thentheymustletthemselvesdownwithropesfromtheheightabove，and，creepingafterhimroundtherock，mustsmitehimintheback。Moreover，insecret，GizurpromisedagreatrewardoftenhundredsinsilvertohimwhoshouldkillEric，forhedidnotlongtostandfacetofacewithhimalone。SwanhildalsoinsecretmadepromiseofrewardtothosewhoshouldbringErictoher，bound，butliving；andshebadethemdothis——tobearhimdownwithshieldsandtiehimwithropes。

Sotheyrodeaway，thesevenwhoshouldclimbthemountainfrombehindgoingfirst，andonthemorrowmorningtheycrossedthesandandcametoMosfell。

XXXII

HOWERICANDSKALLAGRIMGREWFEY

NowthenightcamedownuponMosfell，andofallnightsthiswasthestrangest。Theairwasquietandheavy，yetnorainfell。Itwassosilent，moreover，that，didastoneslipuponthemountainsideorahorseneighfaroffontheplains，thesoundofitcreptupthefellandwasechoedfromthecrags。

EricandSkallagrimsattogetherontheopenspaceofrockthatisbeforethecave，andgreatheavinessandfearcameintotheirhearts，sothattheyhadnodesiretosleep。

“Methinksthenightisghost-ridden。”saidEric，“andIamfey，forI

growcold，anditseemstomethatonestrokesmyhair。”

“Itisghost-ridden，lord。”answeredSkallagrim。“Trollsareabroad，andtheGod-kindgathertoseeEricdie。”

Forawhiletheysatinsilence，thensuddenlythemountainheavedupgentlybeneaththem。Thriceitseemedtoheavelikeawoman’sbreast，andleftthemfrightened。

“Nowthedwarf-folkcomefromtheircaves。”quothSkallagrim，“andgreatdeedsmaybelookedfor，sincetheyarenotdrawntotheupperearthbyalittlething。”

Thenoncemoretheysatsilent；andthickdarknesscamedownuponthemountain，hidingthestars。

“Look。”saidEricofasudden，andhepointedtoHecla。

Skallagrimlooked，andlo！thesnowydomeofHeclawasaglowwitharosyflamelikethelightofdawn。

“Winterlights。”saidLambstail，shuddering。

“Deathlights！“answeredEric。“Lookagain！“

Theylooked，andbehold！intherosyglowtheresatthreegiantformsoffire，andtheirshapesweretheshapesofwomen。Beforethemwasaloomofblacknessthatstretchedfromearthtosky，andtheywoveatitwiththreadsofflame。Theyweresplendidandterribletosee。

Theirhairstreamedbehindthemlikemeteorflames，theireyesshonelikelightning，andtheirbreastsgleamedlikethepolishedbucklersofthegods。Theywovefiercelyattheloomofblackness，andastheywovetheysang。Thevoiceoftheonewasasthewindwhistlingthroughthepines；thevoiceoftheotherwasasthesoundofrainhissingondeepwaters；andthevoiceofthethirdwasasthemoanofthesea。

Theywovefearfullyandtheysangloudly，butwhattheysangmightnotbeknown。Nowthewebgrewandthewoofgrew，andapicturecameupontheloom——agreatpicturewritteninfire。

Behold！itwasthesemblanceofastorm-awakenedsea，andagiantshipfledbeforethegale——adragonofwar，andintheshipwerepiledthecorsesofmen，andontheselayanothercorse，asoneliesuponabed。

Theylooked，andthefaceofthecorsegrewbright。ItwasthefaceofEric，andhisheadresteduponthedeadheartofSkallagrim。

Clingingtoeachother，EricandSkallagrimsawthesightoffearthatwaswrittenontheloomoftheNorns。Theysawitforabreath。Then，withalaughlikethewailofwolves，theshapesoffiresprangupandrentthewebasunder。Thenthefirstpassedupwardtothesky，thesecondsouthwardtowardsMiddalhof，butthethirdsweptoverMosfell，sothatthebrightnessofherflamingformshoneontherockwheretheysatbythecave，andthelightningofhereyeswasmirroredinthebyrnieofSkallagrimandonEric’sgoldenhelm。Shesweptpast，pointingdownwardsasshewent，andlo！shewasgone，andoncemoredarknessandsilencelayupontheearth。

NowthissightwasseenofJonthethrallalso，andhetolditinhisstoryofthedeedsofEric。ForJonlayhidinasecretplaceonMosfell，waitingfortidingsofwhatcametopass。

ForawhileEricandSkallagrimclungtoeachother。ThenSkallagrimspoke。

“WehaveseentheValkyries。”hesaid。

“Nay。”answeredEric，“wehaveseentheNorns——whoarecometowarnusofourdoom！Weshalldieto-morrow。”

“Attheleast。”saidSkallagrim，“weshallnotdiealone：wehadagoodlybedonyondergoblinship，andallofourownslayingmethinks。

Itisnotsoilltodiethus，lord！“

“Notsoill！“saidEric；“andyetIamwearyofbloodandwar，ofgloryandofmystrength。NowIdesirerestalone。Lightfire——Icanbearthisdarknessnolonger；themarrowfreezesinmybones。”

“Firecanbeseenoffoes。”saidSkallagrim。

“Itmatterslittlenow。”saidEric，“wearefeyfolk。”

SoSkallagrimlightedthefire，pilingmuchbrushwoodanddryturfoverit，tillpresentlyitburntupbrightly，throwinglightonallthespaceofrock，andheavyshadowsagainstthecliffbehind。Theysatthusawhileinthelightoftheflames，lookingtowardsthedeepgulf，tillsuddenlytherecameasoundasofonewhoclimbedthegulf。

“Whocomesnow，climbingwherenomanmaypass？“criedEric，seizingWhitefireandspringingtohisfeet。Presentlyhesankdownagainwithwhitefaceandstaringeyes，andpointedattheedgeofthecliff。Andashepointed，theneckofamanroseintheshadowabovethebrink，andthehandsofamangraspedtherock。Buttherewasnoheadontheneck。Theshapeoftheheadlessmandrewitselfslowlyoverthebrink，itwalkedslowlyintothelighttowardsthefire，thensatitselfdownintheglareoftheflames，whichshrankawayfromitasfromadraughtofwind。Palewithterror，EricandSkallagrimlookedontheheadlessthingandknewit。ItwasthewraithoftheBaresarkthatBrighteyeshadslain——thefirstofallthemenheslew。

“Itismymate，Eric，whomthoudidstkillyearsagoandwhoseseveredheadspokewiththee！“gaspedSkallagrim。

“Itishe，sureenough！“saidEric；“butwheremayhisheadbe？“

“Perchancetheheadwillcome。”answeredSkallagrim。“Heisanevilsighttosee，surely。Say，lord，shallIfalluponhim，thoughIlovenotthetask？“

“Nay，Skallagrim，lethimbide；hedoesbutcometowarnusofourfate。Moreover，ghostscanonlybelaidinoneway——bythehewingoffoftheheadandthelayingofitatthethigh。Butthisonehasnoheadtohew。”

Nowashespoketheheadlessmanturnedhisneckasthoughtolook。

Oncemoretherecamethesoundoffeetandlo！menmarchedinfromthedarknessoneitherside。EricandSkallagrimlookedupandknewthem。

TheywerethoseofOspakar’sfolkwhomtheyhadslainonHorse-HeadHeights；alltheirwoundswereonthemandinfrontofthemmarchedMord，Ospakar’sson。TheghostsgazeduponEricandSkallagrimwithcolddeadeyes，thentheytoosatdownbythefire。Nowoncemoretherecamethesoundoffeet，andfromeverysidemenpouredinwhohaddiedatthehandsofEricandSkallagrim。FirstcamethosewhofellonthatshipofOspakar’swhichEricsankbyWestmans；thenthecrewoftheRavenwhohadperisheduponthesea-path。Evenasthemandied，sodideachghostcome。Somehadbeendrownedandtheirharnessdrippedwater！Somehaddiedofspear-thrustsandthespearswereyetfixedintheirbreasts！SomehadfallenbeneaththeflashofWhitefireandtheweightoftheaxeofSkallagrim，andtheretheysat，lookingontheirwidewounds！

Thencamemoreandmore。TherewerethosewhomEricandSkallagrimhadslainupontheseas，thosewhohadfallenbeforethemintheEnglishwars，andallthatcompanywhohadbeendrownedinthewatersofthePentlandFirthwhenthewitchcraftofSwanhildhadbroughttheGudrudatoherwreck。

“Nowherewehaveagoodlycrew。”saidEricatlength。“Isitdone，thinkestthou，orwillMosfellsendforthmoredead？“

Ashespokethewraithofagrey-headedmandrewnear。Hehadbutonearm，fortheotherwashewnfromhim，andthebyrnieonhisleftsidewasredwithblood。

“Welcome，EarlAtli！“criedEric。“Sitthouoveragainstme，whoto-morrowshallbewiththee。”

TheghostoftheEarlseateditselfandlookedonEricwithsadeyes，butitspakeneveraword。

Thencameanothercompany，andattheirheadstalkedblackOspakar。

“ThesebetheywhodiedatMiddalhof。”criedEric。“Welcome，Ospakar！

thatmarriage-feastofthinewentill！“

“Nowmethinksweareoverdonewithtrolls。”saidSkallagrim；“butsee！

herecomemore。”

Ashespoke，HallofLithdalecame，andwithhimKolltheHalf-witted，andothers。AndsoitwentontillallthemenwhomEricandSkallagrimhadslain，orwhohaddiedbecauseofthem，orattheirside，weregatheredindeepranksbeforethem。

“Nowitissurelydone。”saidEric。

“Thereisyetaspace。”saidSkallagrim，pointingtotheothersideofthefire，“andHellholdsmanydead。”

Evenasthewordslefthislipstherecameanoiseofthegallopingofhorse’shoofs，andonecladinwhiterodeup。Itwasawoman，forhergoldenhairfloweddownaboutherwhitearms。Thensheslidfromthehorseandstoodinthelightofthefire，andbehold！herwhiterobewasredwithblood，agreatswordwassetinherheart，andthefaceandeyeswerethefaceandeyesofGudrudatheFair，andthehorsesherodewasBlackmane，thatErichadslain。

NowwhenBrighteyessawherhegaveagreatcry。

“Greeting，sweet！“hesaid。“Iamnolongerafraid，sincethoucomesttobearmecompany。Thouartdeartomysight——ayeveninyondeath-

sheet。Greeting，sweet，myMay！IlaidtheestiffandcoldintheearthatMiddalhof，but，likealovingwife，thouhastburstthybonds，andartcometosavemefromthegripoftrolls。Thouartwelcome，Gudruda，Asmund’sdaughter！Come，wife，sitthouatmyside。”

TheghostofGudrudaspakenoword。Shewalkedthroughthefiretowardshim，andtheflameswentoutbeneathherfeet，toburnupagainwhenshehadpassed。ThenshesatdownoveragainstEricandlookedonhimwithwideandtendereyes。Thricehestretchedouthisarmstoclaspher，butthricetheirstrengthleftthemandtheyfellbacktohisside。Itwasasthoughtheystruckawalloficeandwerenumbedbythebittercold。

“Look，herearemore。”groanedSkallagrim。

ThenEriclooked，andlo！theemptyspacetotheleftofthefirewasfilledwithshadowyshapeslikeshapesofmist。AmongstthemwasGizur，Ospakar’sson，andmanyamanofhiscompany。There，too，wasSwanhild，Groa’sdaughter，andatoadnestledinherbreast。ShelookedwithwideeyesupontheeyesofdeadGudruda’sghost，thatseemednottoseeher，andastareoffearwassetonherlovelyface。

Norwasthisall；forthere，beforethatshadowythrong，stoodtwogreatshapescladintheirharness，andonewastheshapeofEricandonetheshapeofSkallagrim。

Thus，beingyetalive，didthesetwolookupontheirownwraiths！

ThenEricandSkallagrimcriedoutaloudandtheirbrainsswamandtheirsensesleftthem，sothattheyswooned。

Whentheyopenedtheireyesandlifecamebacktothemthefirewasdead，anditwasday。Norwasthereanysignofthatcompanywhichhadbeengatheredontherockbeforethem。

“Skallagrim。”quothEric，“itseemsthatIhavedreamedastrangedream——amoststrangedreamofNornsandtrolls！“

“Tellmethydream，lord。”saidSkallagrim。

SoErictoldallthevision，andtheBaresarklistenedinsilence。

“Itwasnodream，lord。”saidSkallagrim，“forImyselfhaveseenthesamethings。Nowthisisinmymind，thatyondersunisthelastthatweshallsee，forwehavebeheldthedeath-shadows。AllthosewhoweregatheredherelastnightwaittowelcomeusonBifrostBridge。Andthemist-shapeswhosatthere，amongstwhomourwraithswerenumbered，aretheshapesofthosewhoshalldieinthegreatfightto-day。Fordaysarefledandwearesped！“

“Iwouldnothaveitotherwise。”saidEric。“WehavebeengreatlyhonouredoftheGods，andoftheghost-kindthatarearoundusandaboveus。Nowletusmakereadytodieasbecomesmenwhohaveneverturnedbacktoblow，fortheendofthestoryshouldfitthebeginning，andofusthereisataletotell。”

“Agoodword，lord。”answeredSkallagrim：“Ihavestruckfewstrokestobeshamedof，andIdonotfeartotreadBifrostBridgeinthycompany。Nowwewillwashourselvesandeat，sothatourstrengthmaybewholeinus。”

Sotheywashedthemselveswithwater，andatemerrily，andforthefirsttimeformanymonthsEricwasmerry。Fornowthattheendwasathandhisheartgrewlightwithinhim。Andwhentheyhadputthedesireoffoodfromthem，andbuckledontheirharness，theylookedoutfromtheirmountainheight，andsawacloudofdustriseinthedesertplainofblacksandbeneath，andthroughitthesheenofspears。

“Herecomethoseofwhom，ifthereistruthinvisions，somefewshallnevergobackagain。”saidEric。“Now，whatcounselhastthou，Skallagrim？Whereshallwemeetthem？Hereonthespaceofrock，oryonderinthedeepwayofthecliff？“

“Mycounselisthatwemeetthemhere。”saidSkallagrim，“andcutthemdownonebyoneastheytrytoturntherock。Theycanscarcelycomeatustoslayusheresolongasourarmshavestrengthtosmite。”

“Yettheywillcome，thoughIknownothow。”answeredEric，“forIamsureofthis，thatourdeathliesbeforeus。Here，then，wewillmeetthem。”

Nowthecloudofdustdrewnearer，andtheysawthatthiswasagreatcompanywhichcameupagainstthem。Atthefootofthefellthemenstayedandrestedawhile，anditwasnottillafternoonthattheybegantoclimbthemountain。

“Nightwillbeathandbeforethegameisplayed。”saidSkallagrim。

“See，theyclimbslowly，savingtheirstrength，andyonderamongthemisSwanhildinapurplecloak。”

“Ay，nightwillbeathand，Skallagrim——alastlongnight！Ahundredtotwo——theoddsareheavy；yetsomeshallwishthemheavier。Nowletusbindonourhelms。”

MeanwhileGizurandhisfolkcreptupthepathsfrombelow。Nowthatthrallwhoknewthesecretwayhadgoneonwithsixchosenmen，andalreadytheyclimbedthewatercourseanddrewneartotheflatcrestofthefell。ButEricandSkallagrimknewnothingofthis。Sotheysatdownbytheturningplacethatisoverthegulfandwaited，singingofthetakingoftheRavenandoftheslayinginthesteadatMiddalhof，andtellingtalesofdeedsthattheyhaddone。Andthethrallandhissixmenclimbedontillatlengththeygainedthecrestofthefell，and，lookingover，sawEricandSkallagrimbeneaththem。

“Thebirdsareinthesnare，andhark！theysing。”saidthethrall；

“nowbringrocksandbesilent。”

ButGizurandhispeople，havinglearnedthatEricandSkallagrimwerealoneuponthemountain，pushedon。

“Wehavenotmuchtofearfromtwomen。”saidGizur。

“Thatweshalllearnpresently。”answeredSwanhild。“Itelltheethis，thatIsawstrangesightslastnight，thoughIdidnotsleep。ImaysleeplittlenowthatGudrudaisdead，forthatwhichIsawinhereyeshauntsme。”

Thentheywenton，andthefaceofGizurgrewwhitewithfear。

XXXIII

HOWERICANDSKALLAGRIMFOUGHTTHEIRLASTGREATFIGHT

NowthethrallandthosewithhimonthecrestofthefellheardthemurmurofthecompanyofGizurandSwanhildastheywonthemountainside，thoughtheycouldnotseethembecauseoftherocks。

“Nowitistimetobeginandknockthesebirdsfromtheirperch。”saidthethrall，“forthatisanawkwardcornerforourfolktoturnwithWhitefireandtheaxeofSkallagrimwaitingonthefartherside。”

Sohebalancedagreatstone，asheavyasthreemencouldlift，onthebrowoftherock，andaimedit。Thenhepushedandletitgo。Itsmotetheplatformbeneathwithacrash，twofathomsbehindthespotwhereEricandSkallagrimsat。Thenitflewintotheair，and，justasBrighteyesturnedatthesound，itstruckthewingsofhishelm，and，burstingthestraps，torethegoldenhelm-piecefromhisheadandcarrieditawayintothegulfbeneath。

Skallagrimlookedupandsawwhathadcomeabout。

“Theyhavegainedthecrestofthefell。”hecried。“Nowwemustflyintothecaveordownthenarrowwayandholdit。”

“Downthenarrowway，then。”saidEric，andwhilerocks，spearsandarrowsrushedbetweenandaroundthem，theysteppedontothestoneandwonthepathbeyond。Itwasclear，forGizur’sfolkhadnotyetcome，andtheyrannearlytothemouthofit，wheretherewasabendintheway，andstoodtheresidebyside。

“Thouwastatdeath’sdoorthen，lord！“saidSkallagrim。

“Head-pieceisnothead。”answeredEric；“butIwonderhowtheywonthecrestofthefell。Ihaveneverheardtellofanypathbywhichitmightbegained。”

“Theretheyareattheleast。”saidSkallagrim。“Nowthisismywill，thatthoushouldsttakemyhelm。IamBaresarkandputlittletrustinharness，butratherinmyaxeandstrengthalone。”

“Iwillnotdothat。”saidEric。“Listen：Ihearthemcome。”

Presentlythetumultofvoicesandthetrampoffeetgrewclearer，andafterawhileGizur，Swanhild，andthemenoftheirfollowingturnedthecornerofthenarrowway，andlo！therebeforethem——aywithinthreepacesofthem——stoodEricandSkallagrimshouldertoshoulder，andthelightpoureddownuponthemfromabove。

Theywereterribletosee，andthelightshonebrightlyonEric’sgoldenhairandWhitefire’sflashingblade，andtheshadowslaydarkontheblackhelmofSkallagrimandinthefierceblackeyesbeneath。

BacksurgedGizurandthosewithhim。Skallagrimwouldhavesprunguponthem，butEriccaughthimbythearm，saying：“AtrucetothyBaresarkways。Rushnotandmovenot！Letusstandheretilltheyoverwhelmus。”

NowthosebehindGizurcriedouttoknowwhatailedthemthattheypushedback。

“Onlythis。”saidGizur，“thatEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailstandliketwogreywolvesandholdthenarrowway。”

“Nowweshallhavefightingworththetellingof。”quothKeteltheviking。“On，Gizur，Ospakar’sson，andcutthemdown！“

“Hold！“saidSwanhild；“IwillspeakwithEricfirst。”and，togetherwithGizurandKetel，shepassedroundthecornerofthepathandcamefacetofacewiththosewhostoodatbaythere。

“Nowyield，Eric。”shecried。“Foesarebehindandbeforethee。Thouarttrapped，andhastlittlechanceoflife。Yieldthee，Isay，withthyblackwolf-hound，soperchancethoumayestfindmercyevenatthehandsofherwhosehusbandthoudidstwrongandslay。”

“Itisnotmywaytoyield，lady。”answeredEric，“andstilllessperchanceisitthewayofSkallagrim。Leastofallwillweyieldtotheewho，afterworkingmanyills，didstthrowmeinawitch-sleep，andtohimwhoslewthewifesleepingatmyside。Hearken，Swanhild：

herewestand，awaitingdeath，norwillwetakemercyfromthyhand。

Forknowthis，weshallnotdiealone。LastnightaswesatonMosfellwesawtheNornsweaveourweboffateupontheirloomofdarkness。

TheysatonHelca’sdomeandwovetheirpicturesinlivingflame，thenrentthewebandflewupwardandsouthwardandwestward，cryingourdoomtoskyandearthandsea。LastnightaswesatbythefireonMosfellallthecompanyofthedeadweregatheredroundus——ay！andallthecompanyofthosewhoshalldieto-day。Thouwastthere，Gizurthemurderer，Ospakar’sson！thouwastthere，Swanhildthewitch，Groa’sdaughter！thouwastthere，KetelViking！withmanyanotherman；

andtherewerewetwoalso。Valkyrieshavekissedusanddeathdrawsnear。Therefore，talknomore，butcomeandmakeanend。Greeting，Gizur，thouwoman-murderer！Drawnigh！drawnigh！Outsword！upshield！andon，thousonofOspakar！“

Swanhildspokenomore，andGizurhadnoword。

“On，Gizur！Ericcallsthee。”quothKetelViking；butGizurslunkback，notforward。

ThenKetelgrewmadwithrageandshame。Hecalledtothemen，andtheydrewnear，asmanyasmight，andlookeddoubtfullyatthepairwhostoodbeforethemlikerocksuponaplain。EriclaughedaloudandSkallagrimgnawedtheedgeofhisshield。Ericlaughedaloudandthesoundofhislaughterranuptherocks。

“Wearebuttwo。”hecried，“andyearemany！IsthereneverapairamongyouwillstandfacetofacewithaBaresarkandahelmlessman？“

andhetossedWhitefirehighintotheairandcaughtitbythehilt。

ThenKetelandanothermanofhisfollowingsprangforwardwithanoath，andtheiraxesthunderedloudontheshieldsofEricandofSkallagrim。ButWhitefireflickeredupandtheaxeofSkallagrimcrashed，andatoncetheirkneeswereloosened，sothattheysankdowndead。

“Moremen！moremen！“criedEric。“Thesewerebrave，buttheirmightwaslittle。MoremenfortheGreyWolf’smaw！“

ThenSwanhildlashedthefolkwithbitterwords，andtwoofthemsprangon。Theysprangonlikehoundsuponadeeratbay，andtheyrolledbackasgoredhoundsrollfromthedeer’shorns。

“Moremen！moremen！“criedEric。“Hereliebutfourandahundredpressbehind。NowheshallwingreathonourwholaysBrighteyeslowandbringsdownthehelmofSkallagrim。”

Againtwocameon，buttheyfoundnoluck，forpresentlytheyalsoweredownuponthebodiesofthosewhowentbefore。Nownonecouldbefoundtocomeupagainstthepair，fortheyfoughtlikeBaldurandThor，andnonecouldtouchthem，andnoharnessmightwithstandtheweightoftheirblowsthatshorethroughshieldandhelmandbyrnie，deeptothebonebeneath。ThenEricandSkallagrimleanedupontheirweaponsandmockedtheirfoes，whilethesecursedandtoretheirbeardswithrageandshame。

NowitistobetoldthatwhenthethrallandthosewithhimsawEricandSkallagrimhadescapedtheirrocksandspears，theytookcounsel，andtheendofitwasthattheysliddownaropetotheplatformthatisunderthecrestofthefell。Thence，thoughtheycouldseenothing，theycouldheartheclangofblowsandtheshoutsofthosewhofoughtandfell——ay！andthemockingofEricandofSkallagrim。

“Nowitgoesthus。”saidthethrall，whowasacunningman：“EricandSkallagrimholdthenarrowwayandnonecanstandagainstthem。This，then，ismyrede：thatweturntherockandtakethemintheback。”

Hisfellowsthoughtthisagoodsaying，andonebyonetheystooduponthelittlerockandwonthenarrowway。TheycreptalongthistilltheywereneartoEricandSkallagrim。NowSwanhild，lookingup，sawthemandstarted。Skallagrimnotedthisandglancedoverhisshoulder，andthatnottoosoon，for，ashelooked，thethrallliftedswordtosmitetheheadofEric。

Withashoutof“Backtoback！“theBaresarkswungroundandereevertheswordmightfallhisaxewasburieddeepinthethrall’sbreast。

“Nowwemustcutourpaththroughthem。”saidSkallagrim，“and，ifitmaybe，winthespacethatisbeforethecave。Keepthemoffinfront，andIwillmindthesemannikins。”

NowGizur’sfolk，seeingwhathadcomeabout，tookheartandfelluponEricwitharush，andthosewhowerewiththedeadthrallrushedatSkallagrim，andtherebegansuchafightashasnotbeenknowninIceland。Butthewaywassonarrowthatscarcemorethanonemancouldcometoeachofthematatime。AndsofierceandtrueweretheblowsofEricandSkallagrimthatofthosewhocameonfewwentback。Downtheyfell，andwheretheyfelltheydied，andforeverymanwhodiedEricandSkallagrimwonapacetowardsthepointofrock。WhitefireflamedsoswiftandsweptsowidethatitseemedtoSwanhild，watching，asthoughthreeswordswerealoftatonce，andtheaxeofSkallagrimthundereddownliketheaxeofawoodmanagainstatree，andthosegroanedonwhomitfellasgroansafallingtree。Nowtheshieldsofthesetwainwerehewnthroughandthrough，andcastaway，andtheirbloodranfrommanywounds。Still，theirlifewaswholeinthemandtheypliedaxeandswordwithbothhands。Andevermenfell，andever，fightinghard，theydrewnearertothepointofrock。

Nowitwaswon，andnowallthecompanythatcamewiththethrallfromoverthemountainbrowweredeadorsorelywoundedatthehandsofblackSkallagrim。Lo！onespringsonEric，andGizurcreepsbehindhim。Whitefireleapstomeetthemananddoesnotleapinvain；butGizursmitesacowardblowatEric’suncoveredhead，andwoundshimsorely，sothathefallstohisknee。

“NowIamsmittentothedeath，Skallagrim。”criesEric。“Wintherockandleaveme。”Yetherisesfromhisknee。

ThenSkallagrimturns，redwithbloodandterribletosee。

“’Tisbutascratch。Climbthoutherock——Ifollow。”hesays，and，screaminglikeahorse，withweaponaloftheleapsaloneuponthefoe。

TheybreakbeforetheBaresarkrush；theybreak，theyfall——theyareclovenbyBaresarkaxeandtroddenofBaresarkfeet！Theyrollback，leavingthewayclear——saveforthedead。ThenSkallagrimfollowsBrighteyestotherock。

NowEricwipesthegorefromhiseyesandsees。Then，slowly，andwithareelingbrain，hestepsdownuponthegiddypoint。Hegoesneartofalling，yetdoesnotfall，fornowheliesupontheopenspace，andcreepsonhandsandkneestotherock-wallthatisbythecave，andsitsrestinghisbackagainstit，Whitefireonhisknee。

Beforeheisthere，Skallagrimstaggerstohissidewitharush。

“Nowwehavetimetobreathe，lord。”hegasps。“See，hereiswater。”

andhetakesapitcherthatstandsby，andgivesErictodrinkfromthepool，thendrinkshimselfandpourstherestofthewateronEric’swound。Thennewlifecomestothem，andtheybothstandontheirfeetandwinbacktheirbreath。

“Wehavenotdonesobadly！“saysSkallagrim，“andwearestillamatchforoneortwo。See，theycome！Say，whereshallwemeetthem，lord？“

“Here。”quothEric；“Icannotstandwelluponmylegswithoutthehelpoftherock。NowIamallunmeetforfight。”

“Yetshallthislaststandofthinebesungof！“saysSkallagrim。

Nowfindingnonetostaythem，themenofGizurclimbonebyoneupontherockandwinthespacethatisbeyond。Swanhildgoesfirstofall，becausesheknowswellthatEricwillnotharmher，andafterhercomeGizurandtheothers。Butmanydonotcome，fortheywillliftswordnomore。

NowSwanhilddrawsnearandlooksonEricandmockshiminthefiercenessofherheartandtherageofherwolf-love。

“Now。”shesays，“nowareBrighteyesdimeyes！What！weepestthou，Eric？“

“Ay，Swanhild。”heanswered，“Iweeptearsofbloodforthosewhomthouhastbroughttodoom。”

Shedrawsnearerandspeakslowtohim：“Hearken，Eric。Yieldthee！

Thouhastdoneenoughforhonour，andthouartnotsmittentothedeathofyondercowardlyhound。YieldandIwillnursetheebacktohealthandbeartheehence，andtogetherwewillforgetourhatesandwoes。”

“Nottwicemayamanlieinawitch’sbed。”saidEric，“andmytrothisplightedtootherthanthee，Swanhild。”

“Sheisdead。”saysSwanhild。

“Yes，sheisdead，Swanhild；andIgotoseekheramongstthedead——I

gotoseekherandtofindher！“

ButthefaceofSwanhildgrewfierceasthewintersea。

“Thouhastputmeawayforthelasttime，Eric！Nowthoushaltdie，asIhavepromisedtheeandasIpromisedGudrudatheFair！“

“SoshallIthemorequicklyfindGudrudaandlosesightofthyevilface，Swanhildtheharlot！Swanhildthemurderess！Swanhildthewitch！

ForIknowthis：thoushaltnotescape！——thydoomdrawsonalso！——andhauntedandaccursedshaltthoubeforever！Faretheewell，Swanhild；

weshallmeetnomore，andthehourcomeswhenthoushaltgrievethatthouwasteverborn！“

NowSwanhildturnedandcalledtothefolk：“Come，cutdowntheseoutlawroguesandmakeanend。Come，cutthemdown，fornightdrawson。”

ThenoncemorethemenofGizurclosedinuponthem。Ericsmotethriceandthricetheblowwenthome，thenhecouldsmitenomore，forhisstrengthwasspentwithtoilandwounds，andhesankupontheground。

ForawhileSkallagrimstoodoverhimlikeashe-bearo’erheryoungandheldthemobatbay。ThenGizur，watching，castaspearatEric。

Itenteredhissidethroughacleftinhisbyrnieandpiercedhimdeep。

“Iamsped，SkallagrimLambstail。”criedEricinaloudvoice，andallmendrewbacktoseegiantBrighteyesdie。Nowhisheadfellagainsttherockandhiseyesclosed。

ThenSkallagrim，stooping，drewoutthespearandkissedEricontheforehead。

“Farewell，EricBrighteyes！“hesaid。“Icelandshallneverseesuchanotherman，andfewhavediedsogreatadeath。Tarryawhile，lord；

tarryawhile——Icome——Icome！“

Thencrying“/Eric！Eric！/“theBaresarkfittookhim，andoncemoreandforthelasttimeSkallagrimrushedscreaminguponthefoe，andoncemoretheyrolledtoearthbeforehim。Toandfroherushed，dealinggreatblows，andeverashewenttheystabbedandcutandthrustathissideandback，fortheydarednotstandbeforehim，tillhebledfromahundredwounds。Now，havingslainthreemoremen，andwoundedtwoothers，Skallagrimmightnomore。Hestoodamomentswayingtoandfro，thenlethisaxedrop，threwhisarmshighabovehim，andwithoneloudcryof“/Eric！/“fellasarockfalls——deaduponthedead。

ButEricwasnotyetgone。HeopenedhiseyesandsawthedeathofSkallagrimandsmiled。

“Wellended，Lambstail！“hesaidinafaintvoice。

“Lo！“criedGizur，“yonoutlawedhoundstilllives！NowIwilldoaneedfultaskandmakeanendofhim，andsoshallOspakar’sswordcomebacktoOspakar’sson。”

“Thouartwondrousbravenowthatthebearliesdying！“saidSwanhild。

NowitseemedthatEricheardthewords，forsuddenlyhismightcamebacktohim，andhestaggeredtohiskneesandthencetohisfeet。

Then，asfolkfallfromhim，withallhisstrengthhewhirlsWhitefireroundhisheadtillitshineslikeawheeloffire。“ThyserviceisdoneandthouartcleanofGudruda’sblood——gobacktothosewhoforgedthee！“Brighteyescries，andcastsWhitefirefromhimtowardsthegulf。

Awayspeedsthegreatblade，flashinglikelightningthroughtheraysofthesettingsun，andbehold！asmenwatchitisgone——goneinmid-

air！

SincethatdaynosuchswordasWhitefirehasbeenknowninIceland。

“Nowslaythoume，Gizur。”saysthedyingEric。

Gizurcomesonwithlittleeagerness，andEriccriesaloud：

“SwordlessIslewthyfather！——swordless，shieldless，andwoundedtothedeathIwillyetslay/thee/，GizurtheMurderer！“andwithaloudcryhestaggeredtowardshim。

Gizursmiteshimwithhissword，butEricdoesnotstay，andwhilemenwaitandwonder，Brighteyessweepshimintohisgreatarms——ay，sweepshimup，liftshimfromthegroundandreelson。

Ericreelsontothebrinkofthegulf。Gizurseeshispurpose，strugglesandshrieksaloud。ButthestrengthofthedyingEricismorethanthestrengthofGizur。NowBrighteyesstandsonthedizzyedgeandthelightofthepassingsunflamesabouthishead。Andnow，bearingGizurwithhim，hehurlshimselfoutintothegulf，andlo！

thesunsinks！

Menstandwondering，butSwanhildcriesaloud：

“Noblydone，Eric！noblydone！SoIwouldhaveseentheediewhoofallmenwastthefirst！“

ThisthenwastheendofEricBrighteyestheUnlucky，whoofallwarriorsthathavelivedinIcelandwasthemightiest，thegoodliest，andthebestbelovedofwomenandofthosewhoclungtohim。

Now，onthemorrow，SwanhildcausedthebodyofErictobesearchedforinthecleft，andtheretheyfoundit，floatinginwaterandwiththedeadGizuryetclaspedinitsbear-grip。Thenshecleanseditandclotheditagaininitsrentarmour，andboundontheHell-shoes，anditwascarriedonhorsestothesea-side，andwithitwerebornethebodiesofSkallagrimLambstailtheBaresark，Eric’sthrall，andofallthosemenwhomtheyhadslaininthelastgreatfightonMosfell，thatisnownamedEricsfell。

ThenSwanhilddrewherlongdragonofwar，inwhichshehadcomefromOrkneys，fromitsshedoveragainstWestmanIsles，andinthecentreoftheship，shepiledthebodiesoftheslainintheshapeofabed，andlashedthemfast。AndonthisbedshelaidthecorpseofEricBrighteyes，andthebreastofblackSkallagrimtheBaresarkwashispillow，andthebreastofGizur，Ospakar’sson，washisfoot-rest。

Thenshecausedthesailstobehoisted，andwentaloneaboardthelongship，therailsofwhichwerehungwiththeshieldsofthedeadmen。

Andwhenateveningthebreezefreshenedtoagalethatblewfromtheland，shecutthecablewithherownhand，andtheshipleaptforwardlikeathingalive，andrushedoutintheredlightofthesunsettowardstheopensea。

Noweverthegalefreshenedandfolk，standingonWestmanHeights，sawthelongshipplungepast，dippingherprowbeneaththewavesandsendingthewaterinarainofsprayoverthelivingSwanhild，overthedeadEricandthosehelayupon。

AndbytheheadofEricBrighteyes，herhairstreamingonthewind，stoodSwanhildtheWitch，cladinherpurplecloak，andwithringsofgoldaboutherthroatandarms。ShestoodbyEric’shead，swayingwiththerushoftheship，andsingingsosweetandwildasongthatmengrewweakwhoheardit。

Now，asthepeoplewatched，twowhiteswanscamedownfromthecloudsandspedonwidewingssidebysideoverthevessel’smast。

Theshiprushedonthroughtheglowofsunsetintothegatheringnight。Onspedtheship，butstillSwanhildsung，andstilltheswansflewoverher。

Thegalegrewfierce，andfierceryet。Thedarknessgathereddeepupontheragingsea。

Nowthatshipwasseennomore，andthedeath-songofSwanhildasshepassedtodoomwasneverheardagain。

Forswansandship，andSwanhild，anddeadEricandhisdeadfoes，werelostinthewindandthenight。

Butfaroutontheseaagreatflameoffireleaptuptowardsthesky。

NowthisisthetaleofEricBrighteyes，Thorgrimur’sson；ofGudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter；ofSwanhildtheFatherless，Atli’swife，andofOunound，namedSkallagrimLambstail，theBaresark，Eric’sthrall，allofwhomlivedanddiedbeforeThangbrand，Wilibald’sson，preachedtheWhiteChristinIceland。

End