ThenmenateandOspakardrankmuchale，butallthewhilehestaredatGudrudaandlistenedforhervoice。Butasyethesaidnothingofwhathecametoseek，thoughallknewhiserrand。Andhistwosons，GizurandMord，staredalsoatGudruda，fortheythoughthermostwonderfullyfair。ButGizurfoundSwanhildalsofair。
Andsothenightworeontillitwastimetosleep。
OnthissamedayEricrodeupfromhisfarmonRanRiverandtookhisroadalongthebrowofColdbacktillhecametoStonefell。NowallalongColdbackandStonefellisasteepclifffacingtothesouth，thatgrowseverhighertillitcomestothatpointwhereGoldenRiverfallsoveritand，partingitswatersbelow，runseastandwest——thebranchtotheeastbeingcalledRanRiverandthattothewestLaxà——
forthesetwostreamsgirdleroundtherichplainofMiddalhof，tillatlengththeyreachthesea。ButinthemidstofGoldenRiver，ontheedgeofthecliff，amassofrockjutsupcalledSheep-saddle，dividingthewatersofthefall，andoverthisthesprayflies，andinwintertheicegathers，buttheriverdoesnotcoverit。Thegreatfallisthirtyfathomsdeep，andshapedlikeahorseshoe，ofwhichthepointslietowardsMiddalhof。YetifhecouldbutgaintheSheep-
saddlerockthatdividesthemidstofthewaters，astrongandhardymanmightclimbdownsomefifteenfathomsofthisdepthandscarcelywethisfeet。
NowhereatthefootofSheep-saddlerockthedoublearchesofwatersmeet，andfallinonetorrentintothebottomlesspoolbelow。But，somethreefathomsfromthispointofthemeetingwaters，andbeneathit，justwherethecurveisdeepest，asinglecrag，aslargeasadrinking-tableandnolarger，jutsthroughthefoam，and，ifamancouldreachit，hemightleapfromitsometwelvefathoms，sheerintothespray-hiddenpitbeneath，theretosinkorswimasitmightbefall。ThiscragiscalledWolf’sFang。
NowEricstoodforalongwhileontheedgeofthefallandlooked，measuringeverythingwithhiseye。Thenhewentupabove，wheretheriverswirlsdowntotheprecipice，andlookedagain，foritisfromthisbankthatthedividingisland-rockSheep-saddlemustbereached。
“Amanmayhardlydothisthing；yetIwilltryit。”hesaidtohimselfatlast。“Myhonourshallbegreatforthefeat，ifIchancetolive，andifIdie——well，thereisanendoftroublingaftermaidsandallotherthings。”
Sohewenthomeandsatsilentthatevening。Now，sinceThorgrimurIron-Toe’sdeath，hishousewife，Saevuna，Eric’smother，hadgrowndimofsight，and，thoughshepeeredandpeeredagainfromherseatintheinglenook，shecouldnotseethefaceofherson。
“Whatailsthee，Eric，thatthousittestsosilent？Wasnotthemeat，then，tothymindatsupper？“
“Yes，mother，themeatwaswellenough，thoughalittleundersmoked。”
“NowIseethatthouartnotthyself，son，forthouhadstnomeat，butonlystock-fish——andIneverknewamanforgethissupperonthenightofitseating，excepthewasdistraughtordeepinlove。”
“Wasitso？“saidBrighteyes。
“Whattroublesthee，Eric？——thatsweetlassyonder？“
“Ay，somewhat，mother。”
“Whatmore，then？“
“This，thatIgodownGoldenFallsto-morrow，andIdonotknowhowI
maycomefromSheep-saddlerocktoWolf’sFangcragandkeepmylifewholeinme；andnow，Ipraythee，wearymenotwithwords，formybrainisslow，andImustuseit。”
WhensheheardthisSaevunascreamedaloud，andthrewherselfbeforeEric，prayinghimtoforgohismadventure。Buthewouldnotlistentoher，forhewasslowtomakeuphismind，but，thatbeingmadeup，nothingcouldchangeit。Then，whenshelearnedthatitwastogetsightofGudrudathathepurposedthustothrowhislifeaway，shewasveryangryandcursedherandallherkithandkin。
“Itislikelyenoughthatthouwilthavecausetousesuchwordsbeforeallthistaleistold。”saidEric；“nevertheless，mother，forbeartocurseGudruda，whoisinnowaytoblameforthesematters。”
“Thouartafaithlessson。”Saevunasaid，“whowiltslaythyselfstrivingtowinspeechwiththyMay，andleavethymotherchildless。”
Ericsaidthatitseemedsoindeed，buthewasplightedtoitandthefeatmustbetried。Thenhekissedher，andshesoughtherbed，weeping。
NowitwasthedayoftheYule-feast，andtherewasnosuntillonehourbeforenoon。ButEric，havingkissedhismotherandbiddenherfarewell，calledathrall，Jonbyname，andgivinghimasealskinbagfullofhisbestapparel，badehimridetoMiddalhofandtellAsmundthePriestthatEricBrighteyeswouldcomedownGoldenFallsanhouraftermid-day，tojoinhisfeast；andthencegotothefootoftheGoldenFalls，toawaithimthere。Andthemanwent，wondering，forhethoughthismastermad。
ThenErictookagoodrope，andastafftippedwithiron，and，sosoonasthelightserved，mountedhishorse，fordedRanRiver，androdealongColdbacktillhecametothelipofGoldenFalls。HerehestayedawhiletillatlengthhesawmanypeoplestreamingupthesnowfromMiddalhoffarbeneath，and，amongthem，twowomenwhobytheirstatureshouldbeGudrudaandSwanhild，and，neartothem，agreatmanwhomhedidnotknow。Thenheshowedhimselfforaspaceonthebrinkofthegulfandturnedhishorseupstream。Thesunshonebrightupontheedgeofthesky，butthefrostbitlikeasword。Still，hemuststripoffhisgarments，sothatnothingremainedonhimexcepthissheepskinshoes，shirtandhose，andtakethewater。Nowheretheriverrunsmightily，andhemustcrossfullthirtyfathomsoftheswirlingwaterbeforehecanreachSheep-saddle，andwoetohimifhisfootslipontheboulders，forcertainlyhemustbesweptoverthebrink。
Ericrestedthestaffagainstthestonybottomand，leaninghisweightonit，tookthestream，andhewassostrongthatitcouldnotprevailagainsthimtillatlengthhewasrathermorethanhalf-wayacrossandthewatersweptabovehisshoulders。Nowhewasliftedfromhisfeetand，lettingthestafffloat，heswamforhislife，andwithsuchmightystrokesthathefeltlittleofthaticycold。Downhewasswept——nowthelipofthefallwasbutthreefathomsawayonhisleft，andalreadythegreenwaterboiledbeneathhim。AfathomfromhimwasthecornerofSheep-saddle。Ifhemaygraspit，alliswell；ifnot，hedies。
Threegreatstrokesandheheldit。Hisfeetweresweptoutoverthebrinkofthefall，butheclungongrimly，andbythestrengthofhisarmsdrewhimselfontotherockandrestedawhile。Presentlyhestoodup，forthecoldbegantoniphim，andthepeoplebelowbecameawarethathehadswumtheriverabovethefallandraisedashout，forthedeedwasgreat。NowEricmustbegintoclamberdownSheep-
saddle，andthiswasnoeasytask，fortherockisalmostsheer，andslipperywithice，andoneithersidethewatersrushedandthundered，throwingtheirblindingsprayabouthimastheyleapttothedepthsbeneath。Helookeddown，studyingtherock；then，feelingthathegrewafraid，madeanendofdoubtand，graspingapointwithbothhands，swunghimselfdownhisownlengthandmore。NowformanyminutesheclimbeddownSheep-saddle，andthetaskwashard，forhewasbewilderedwiththeboomingofthewatersthatbentoutoneithersideofhimlikethearcofabow，andtherockwasverysteepandslippery。Still，hecamedownallthosefifteenfathomsandfellnot，thoughtwicehewasneartofalling，andthewatchersbelowmarvelledgreatlyathishardihood。
“Hewillbedashedtopieceswherethewatersmeet。”saidOspakar，“hecannevergainWolf’sFangcragbeneath；and，ifsoitbethathecomethereandleapstothepool，theweightofwaterwilldrivehimdownanddrownhim。”
“Itiscertainlyso。”quothAsmund，“anditgrievesmemuch；foritwasmyjestthatdrovehimtothisperilousadventure，andwecannotsparesuchamanasEricBrighteyes。”
NowSwanhildturnedwhiteasdeath；butGudrudasaid：“Ifgreatheartandstrengthandskillmayavailatall，thenEricshallcomesafelydownthewaters。”
“Thoufool！“whisperedSwanhildinherear，“howcanthesehelphim？
Notrollcouldliveinyondercauldron。DeadisEric，andthouartthebaitthatluredhimtohisdeath！“
“Sparethywords。”sheanswered；“astheNornshaveorderedsoitshallbe。”
NowEricstoodatthefootofSheep-saddle，andwithinanarm’slengththemightywatersmet，tossingtheiryellowwavesandseethingfuriouslyastheyleapttothemist-hidgulfbeneath。Hebentoverandlookedthroughthespray。ThreefathomsunderhimtherockWolf’sFangsplitthewaters，andthence，ifhecancomethither，hemayleapsheerintothepoolbelow。Nowheunwoundtheropethatwasabouthismiddle，andmadeoneendfasttoaknobofrock——andthiswasdifficult，forhishandswerestiffwithcold——andtheotherendhepassedthroughhisleatherngirdle。ThenEriclookedagain，andhisheartsankwithinhim。Howmighthegivehimselftothisboilingfloodandnotbeshattered？Butashelooked，lo！arainbowgrewuponthefaceofthewater，andoneendofitlituponhim，andtheother，likeagloryfromtheGods，fellfulluponGudrudaasshestoodalittlewayapart，watchingatthefootofGoldenFalls。
“Seestthouthat。”saidAsmundtoGroa，whowasathisside，“theGodsbuildtheirBifrostbridgebetweenthesetwo。Whonowshallkeepthemasunder？“
“Readtheportentthus。”sheanswered：“theyshallbeunited，butnothere。YonisaSpiritbridge，and，see：thewatersofDeathfoamandfallbetweenthem！“
Eric，too，sawtheomenanditseemedgoodtohim，andallfearlefthisheart。Roundabouthimthewatersthundered，butamidsttheirroarhedreamedthatheheardavoicecalling：
“Beofgoodcheer，EricBrighteyes；forthoushaltlivetodomightierdeedsthanthis，andinguerdonthoushaltwinGudruda。”
Sohepausednolonger，but，shorteninguptherope，pulledonitwithallhisstrength，andthenleaptoutuponthearchofwaters。Theystruckhimandhewasdashedoutlikeastonefromasling；againhefellagainstthemandagainwasdashedaway，sothathisgirdleburst。
Ericfeltitgoandclungwildlytotheropeandlo！withtheinwardswing，hefellonWolf’sFang，whereneveramanhasstoodbeforeandneveramanshallstandagain。Ericlayalittlewhileontherocktillhisbreathcamebacktohim，andhelistenedtotheroarofthewaters。Then，risingonhishandsandknees，hecrepttoitspoint，forhecouldscarcelystandbecauseofthetremblingofthestonebeneaththeshockofthefall；andwhenthepeoplebelowsawthathewasnotdead，theyraisedagreatshout，andthesoundoftheirvoicescametohimthroughthenoiseofthewaters。
Now，twelvefathomsbeneathhimwasthesurfaceofthepool；buthecouldnotseeitbecauseofthewreathsofspray。Nevertheless，hemustleapandthatswiftly，forhegrewcold。SoofasuddenEricstooduptohisfullheight，and，withaloudcryandamightyspring，boundedoutfromthepointofWolf’sFangfarintotheair，beyondthereachofthefallingflood，andrushedheadlongtowardsthegulfbeneath。Nowallmenwatchingheldtheirbreathashisbodytravelled，andsogreatistheplaceandsohightheleapthatthroughthemistEricseemedbutasabigwhitestonehurleddownthefaceofthearchingwaters。
Hewasgone，andthewatchersrusheddowntothefootofthepool，forthere，ifheroseatall，hemustpasstotheshallows。Swanhildcouldlooknomore，butsankupontheground。ThefaceofGudrudawassetlikeastonewithdoubtandanguish。Ospakarsawandreadthemeaning，andhesaidtohimself：“NowOdingrantthatthisyounglingrisenotagain！forthemaidloveshimdearly，andheistoomuchamantobelightlysweptaside。”
Ericstruckthepool。Downhesank，anddownanddown——forthewaterfallingfromsofarmustalmostreachthebottomofthepoolbeforeitcanriseagain——andhewithit。Nowhetouchedthebottom，butverygently，andslowlybegantorise，and，asherose，wascarriedalongbythestream。Butitwaslongbeforehecouldbreathe，anditseemedtohimthathislungswouldburst。Still，hestruggledup，strikinggreatstrokeswithhislegs。
“FarewelltoEric。”saidAsmund，“hewillrisenomorenow。”
ButjustashespokeGudrudapointedtosomethingthatgleamed，whiteandgolden，beneaththesurfaceofthecurrent，andlo！thebrighthairofEricrosefromthewater，andhedrewagreatbreath，shakinghisheadlikeaseal，and，thoughbutfeebly，struckoutfortheshallowsthatareatthefootofthepool。Nowhefoundfooting，butwassweptoverbythefiercecurrent，andcuthisforehead，andhecarriedthatscartillhisdeath。Againherose，andwitharushgainedthebankunaidedandfelluponthesnow。
Nowpeoplegatheredabouthiminsilenceandwondering，fornonehadknownsogreatadeed。AndpresentlyEricopenedhiseyesandlookedup，andfoundtheeyesofGudrudafixedonhis，andtherewasthatinthemwhichmadehimgladhehaddaredthepathofGoldenFalls。
V
HOWERICWONTHESWORDWHITEFIRE
NowAsmundthepriestbentdown，andEricsawhimandspoke：
“ThoubadestmetothyYule-feast，lord，byyonderslipperyroadandI
havecome。Dostthouwelcomemewell？“
“Nomanbetter。”quothAsmund。“Thouartagallantman，thoughfoolhardy；andthouhastdoneadeedthatshallbetoldofwhileskaldssingandmenliveinIceland。”
“Makeplace，myfather。”saidGudruda，“forEricbleeds。”Andsheloosedthekerchieffromherneckandbounditabouthiswoundedbrow，and，takingtherichcloakfromherbody，threwitonhisshoulders，andnomansaidhernay。
Thentheyledhimtothehall，whereEricclothedhimselfandrested，andhesentbackthethrallJontoColdback，biddinghimtellSaevuna，Eric’smother，thathewassafe。Buthewassomewhatweakallthatday，andthesoundofwatersroaredinhisears。
NowOspakarandGroawereillpleasedattheturnthingshadtaken；
butalltheothersrejoicedmuch，forEricwaswelllovedofmenandtheyhadgrievedifthewatershadprevailedagainsthismight。ButSwanhildbroodedbitterly，forEricneverturnedtolookonher。
Thehourofthefeastdrewonand，accordingtocustom，itwasheldintheTemple，andthitherwentallmen。WhentheywereseatedinthenaveoftheHof，thefatoxthathadbeenmadereadyforsacrificewasledinanddraggedbeforethealtaronwhichtheholyfireburned。NowAsmundthePriestslewit，amidsilence，beforethefiguresoftheGods，and，catchingitsbloodintheblood-bowl，sprinkledthealtarandalltheworshipperswiththeblood-twigs。Thentheoxwascutup，andthefiguresofthealmightyGodswereanointedwithitsmoltenfatandwipedwithfairlinen。Nextthefleshwasboiledinthecauldronsthatwerehungoverfireslightedalldownthenave，andthefeastbegan。
Nowmenate，anddrankmuchaleandmead，andallweremerry。ButOspakarBlacktoothgrewnotglad，thoughhedrankmuch，forhesawthattheeyesofGudrudaeverwatchedEric’sfaceandthattheysmiledoneachother。Hewaswrothatthis，forheknewthatthebaitmustbegoodandthelinestrongthatshouldwinthisfairfishtohisangle，andashesat，unknowinglyhisfingersloosedthepeace-stringsofhisswordWhitefire，andhehalfdrewit，sothatitsbrightnessflamedinthefirelight。
“Thouhastawondrousbladethere，Ospakar！“saidAsmund，“thoughthisisnoplacetodrawit。Whencecameit？Methinksnosuchswordsarefashionednow。”
“Ay，Asmund，awondrousbladeindeed。Thereisnoothersuchintheworld，forthedwarfsforgeditofold，andheshallbeunconqueredwhoholdsitaloft。ThiswasKingOdin’ssword，anditisnamedWhitefire。RalphtheRedtookitfromKingEric’scairninNorway，andhestrovelongwiththeBarrow-Dweller[*]beforehewrencheditfromhisgrasp。ButmyfatherwonitandslewRalph，thoughhehadneverdonethishadWhitefirebeenaloftagainsthim。ButRalphtheRed，beingindrinkwhentheshipsmetinbattle，foughtwithanaxe，andwasslainbymyfather，andsincethenWhitefirehasbeenthelastlightthatmanyachief’seyeshaveseen。Lookatit，Asmund。”
[*]Theghostinthecairn。
Nowhedrewthegreatsword，andmenwereastonishedasitflashedaloft。Itshiltwasofgold，andbluestonesweresettherein。Itmeasuredtwoellsandahalffromcrossbartopoint，andsobrightwasthebroadbladethatnoonecouldlookonitforlong，andalldownitslengthranrunes。
“Awondrousweapon，truly！“saidAsmund。“Howreadtherunes？“
“Iknownot，noranyman——theyareancient。”
“Letmelookatthem。”saidGroa，“Iamskilledinrunes。”Nowshetookthesword，andheaveditup，andlookedattherunesandsaid，“A
strangewritingtruly。”
“Howrunsit，housekeeper？“saidAsmund。
“Thus，lord，ifmyskillisnotatfault：——
“Whitefireismyname——Dwarf-folkforgedme——
Odin’sswordwasI——Eric’sswordwasI——Eric’sswordshallIbe——
AndwhereIfalltherehemustfollowme。”
NowGudrudalookedatEricBrighteyeswonderingly，andOspakarsawitandbecameveryangry。
“Looknotso，maiden。”hesaid，“foritshallbeanotherEricthanyonflapper-duckwhoholdsWhitefirealoft，thoughitmayverywellchancethatheshallfeelitsedge。”
NowGudrudabitherlip，andEricburnedredtothebrowandspoke：
“Itisill，lord，tothrowtauntslikeanangrywoman。Thouartgreatandstrong，yetImaydareadeedwiththee。”
“Peace，boy！Thoucanstclimbawaterfallwell，Igainsayitnot；butbewareerethousettestupthyselfagainstmystrength。Saynow，whatgamewiltthouplaywithOspakar？“
“Iwillgoonholmgangwiththee，byrnie-cladorbaresark，[*]andfighttheewithaxeorsword，orIwillwrestlewiththee，andWhitefireyondershallbethewinner’sprize。”
[*]Toaduel，usuallyfought，inmailorwithoutit，onanisland——“holm“——withinacircleofhazel-twigs。
“Nay，IwillhavenobloodshedhereatMiddalhof。”saidAsmundsternly。“Makeplaywithfists，orwrestleifyewill，forthatweregreatsporttosee；butweaponsshallnotbedrawn。”
NowOspakargrewmadwithangeranddrink——andhegrinnedlikeadog，tillmensawtheredgumsbeneathhislips。
“Thouwiltwrestlewithme，youngling——with/me/whomnomanhaseversomuchasliftedfrommyfeet？Good！Iwilllaytheeonthyfaceandwhipthee，andWhitefireshallbethestake——Iswearitontheholyaltar-ring；butwhathastthoutosetagainsttheprecioussword？Thypoorhovelanditslotoflandshallbealltoolittle。”
“Isetmylifeonit；ifIloseWhitefireletWhitefireslayme。”saidEric。
“Nay，thatIwillnothave，andIammasterhereinthisTemple。”saidAsmund。“Bethinktheeofsomeotherstake，Ospakar，orletthegamebeoff。”
NowOspakargnawedhislipwithhisblackfangandthought。Thenhelaughedaloudandspoke：
“BrightisWhitefireandthouartnamedBrighteyes。Seenow：Isetthegreatswordagainstthyrighteye，and，ifIwinthematch，itshallbeminetotearitout。Wiltthouplaythisgamewithme？Ifthyheartfailsthee，letitgo；butIwillsetnootherstakeagainstmygoodsword。”
“Eyesandlimbsareapoorman’swealth。”saidEric：“sobeit。I
stakemyrighteyeagainsttheswordWhitefire，andwewilltrythematchto-morrow。”
“Andto-morrownightthoushaltbecalledEricOne-eye。”saidOspakar——atwhichsomefewofhisthrallslaughed。
Butmostofthemendidnotlaugh，fortheythoughtthisanillgameandaworstjest。
Nowthefeastwenton，andAsmundrosefromhishighseatinthecentreofthenave，onthelefthandlookingdownfromthealtar，andgaveouttheholytoasts。FirstmendrankafullhorntoOdin，prayingfortriumphontheirfoes。ThentheydranktoFrey，askingforplenty；
toThor，forstrengthinbattle；toFreya，GoddessofLoveandtoherEricdrankheartily；tothememoryofthedead；and，lastofall，toBragi，Godofalldelight。Whenthiscupwasdrunk，Asmundroseagain，accordingtocustom，andaskedifnonehadanoathtoswearastosomedeedthatshouldbedone。
Forawhiletherewasnoanswer，butpresentlyEricBrighteyesstoodup。
“Lord。”hesaid，“Iwouldswearanoath。”
“Setforththematter，then。”saidAsmund。
“Itisthis。”quothEric。“OnMosfellmountain，overbyHecla，dwellsaBaresarkofwhomallmenhaveillknowledge，fortherearefewwhomhehasnotharmed。HisnameisSkallagrim；heisamightymanandhehaswroughtmuchmischiefinthesouthcountry，andbroughtmanytotheirdeathsandrobbedmoreoftheirgoods：fornonecanprevailagainsthim。Still，Iswearthis，that，whenthedayslengthen，Iwillgoupaloneagainsthimandchallengehimtobattle，andconquerhimorfall。”
“Then，thouyellow-headedpuppy-dog，thoushaltgowithoneeyeagainstaBaresarkwithtwo。”growledOspakar。
Mentooknoheedofhiswords，butshoutedaloud，forSkallagrimhadplaguedthemlong，andtherewerenonewhodaredtofightwithhimanymore。OnlyGudrudalookedaskance，foritseemedtoherthatEricsworetoofast。Neverthelesshewentuptothealtar，and，takingholdoftheholyring，hesethisfootontheholystoneandsworehisoath，whilethefeastersapplauded，strikingtheircupsupontheboard。
Andafterthatthefeastwentmerrily，tillallmenweredrunk，exceptAsmundandEric。
NowEricwenttorest，butfirstherubbedhislimbswiththefatofseals，forhewasstillsorewiththebeatingofthewaters，andtheymustneedsbesuppleonthemorrowifhewouldkeephiseye。Thenhesleptsound，androsestrongandwell，andgoingtothestreambehindthestead，bathed，andanointedhislimbsafresh。ButOspakardidnotsleepwell，becauseofthealethathehaddrunk。NowasEriccamebackfrombathing，inthedarkofthemorning，hemetGudruda，whowatchedforhiscoming，and，therebeingnonetosee，hekissedheroften；butshechidedhimbecauseofthematchthathehadmadewithOspakarandtheoaththathehadsworn。
“Surely。”shesaid，“thouwiltlosethineeye，forthisOspakarisagiant，andstrongasatroll；alsoheismerciless。Still，thouartamightyman，andIshalllovetheeaswellwithoneeyeaswithtwo。
Oh！Eric，methoughtIshouldhavediedyesterdaywhenthoudidstleapfromWolf’sFang！Myheartseemedtostopwithinme。”
“YetIcamesafelytoshore，sweetheart，andwelldoesthiskisspayforallIdid。AndasforOspakar，ifbutonceIgetthesearmsabouthim，Ifearhimlittle，oranyman，andIcovetthatswordofhisgreatly。Butwecantalkmorecertainlyofthesethingsto-morrow。”
NowGudrudaclungtohimandtoldhimallthathadbefallen，andofthedoingsandwordsofSwanhild。
“Shehonoursmebeyondmyworth。”hesaid，“whoaminnowaysetonher，butontheeonly，Gudruda。”
“Artthousosureofthat，Eric？Swanhildisfairandwise。”
“Ayandevil。WhenIloveSwanhild，thenthoumayestloveOspakar。”
“Itisabargain。”shesaid，laughing。“Goodluckgowiththeeinthewrestling。”andwithakissshelefthim，fearinglestsheshouldbeseen。
Ericwentbacktothehall，andsatdownbythecentrehearth，forallmenslept，beingstillheavywithdrink，andpresentlySwanhildglideduptohim，andgreetedhim。
“Thouartgreedyofdeeds，Eric。”shesaid。“Yesterdaythoucamestherebyapaththatnomanhastravelled，to-daythoudostwrestlewithagiantforthineeye，andpresentlythougoestupagainstSkallagrim！“
“Itseemsthatthisistrue。”saidEric。
“Nowallthisthoudoestforawomanwhoisthebetrothedofanotherman。”
“AllthisIdoforfame’ssake，Swanhild。Moreover，Gudrudaisbetrothedtonone。”
“BeforeanotherYule-feastisspread，GudrudashallbethewifeofOspakar。”
“Thatisyettobeseen，Swanhild。”
NowSwanhildstoodsilentforawhileandthenspoke：“Thouartafool，Eric——yes，drunkwithfolly。Nothingbutevilshallcometotheefromthismadnessofthine。Forgetitandpluckthatwhichliestothinehand。”andshelookedsweetlyathim。
“TheycalltheeSwanhildtheFatherless。”heanswered，“butIthinkthatLoki，theGodofGuile，wasthyfather，forthereisnonetomatchtheeincraftandevil-doing，andinbeautyoneonly。Iknowthyplotswellandallthesorrowthatthouhastbroughtuponus。Still，eachseekshonourafterhisownmanner，soseekthouasthouwilt；butthoushaltfindbitternessandemptydays，andthyplotsshallcomebackonthineownhead——yes，eventhoughtheybringGudrudaandmetosorrowanddeath。”
Swanhildlaughed。“Adayshalldawn，Eric，whenthouwhodosthatemeshaltholdmedear，andthisIpromisethee。AnotherthingIpromisetheealso：thatGudrudashallnevercalltheehusband。”
ButEricdidnotanswer，fearinglestinhisangerheshouldsaywordsthatwerebetterunspoken。
Nowmenroseandsatdowntomeat，andalltalkedofthewrestlingthatshouldbe。ButinthemorningOspakarrepentedofthematch，foritistrulysaidthat/aleisanotherman/，andmendonotlikethatinthemorningwhichseemedwellenoughonyestereve。HerememberedthatheheldWhitefiredearaboveallthings，andthatEric’seyehadnoworthtohim，exceptthatthelossofitwouldspoilhisbeauty，sothatperhapsGudrudawouldturnfromhim。Itwouldbeveryillifheshouldchancetolosetheplay——thoughofthishehadnofear，forhewasheldthestrongestmaninIcelandandthemostskilledinallfeatsofstrength——and，atthebest，nofameistobewonfromtheoverthrowofadeedlessman，andthepluckingoutofhiseye。ThusitcametopassthatwhenhesawErichecalledtohiminabigvoice：
“Hearken，thouEric。”
“Ihearthee，thouOspakar。”saidEric，mockinghim，andpeoplelaughed；whileOspakargrinnedangrilyandsaid，“Thoumustlearnmanners，puppy。Still，Ishallfindnohonourinteachingtheeinthiswise。Lastnightwemadeamatchinourcups，andIstakedmyswordWhitefireandthouthineeye。Itwouldbebadthateitherofusshouldloseswordoreye；therefore，whatsayestthou，shallweletitpass？“
“Ay，Blacktooth，ifthoufearest；butfirstpaythouforfeitofthesword。”
NowOspakargrewverymadandshouted，“Thouwiltindeedstandagainstmeinthering！Iwillbreakthybackanon，youngster，andafterwardstearoutthineeyebeforethoudiest。”
“Itmaysobefall。”answeredEric，“butbigwordsdonotmakebigdeeds。”
Presentlythelightcameandthrallswentoutwithspadesandclearedawaythesnowinacircletworodsacross，andbroughtdrysandandsprinkleditonthefrozenturf，sothatthewrestlersshouldnotslip。Andtheypiledthesnowinawallaroundthering。
ButGroacameuptoOspakarandspoketohimapart。
“Knowestthou，lord。”shesaid，“thatmyheartbodesillofthismatch？Ericisamightyman，and，greatthoughthouart，Ithinkthatthoushaltloutlowbeforehim。”
“ItwillbeabadbusinessifIamoverthrownbyanuntriedman。”saidOspakar，andwastroubledinhismind，“anditwouldbeevilmoreovertolosethesword。FornopricewouldIhaveitso。”
“Whatwiltthougiveme，lord，ifIbringtheevictory？“
“Iwillgivetheetwohundredinsilver。”
“Asknoquestionsanditshallbeso。”saidGroa。
NowEricwaswithout，takingnoteofthegroundinthering，andpresentlyGroacalledtoherthethrallKolltheHalf-witted，whomshehadsenttoSwinefell。
“See。”shesaid，“yonderbythewallstandthewrestlingshoesofEricBrighteyes。Hastetheenowandtakegrease，andrubthesoleswithit，thenholdthemintheheatofthefire，sothatthefatsinksin。Dothisswiftlyandsecretly，andIwillgivetheethreepennies。”
Kollgrinned，anddidashewasbid，settingbacktheshoesjustastheywerebefore。ScarcelywasthedeeddonewhenEriccamein，andmadehimselfreadyforthegame，bindingthegreasedshoesuponhisfeet，forhefearednotrick。
Noweverybodywentouttothering，andOspakarandEricstrippedforwrestling。Theywerecladintightwoollenjerkinsandhose，andsheep-skinshoeswereontheirfeet。
TheynamedAsmundmasterofthegame，andhiswordmustbelawtobothofthem。EricclaimedthatAsmundshouldholdtheswordWhitefirethatwasatstake，butOspakargainsaidhim，sayingthatifhegaveWhitefireintoAsmund’skeeping，Ericmustalsogivehiseye——andaboutthistheydebatedhotly。NowthematterwasbroughtbeforeAsmundasumpire，andhegavejudgmentforEric，“for。”hesaid，“ifEricyielduphiseyeintomyhand，Icanreturnittohisheadnomoreifheshouldwin；butifOspakargivesmethegoodswordandconquers，itiseasyformetopassitbacktohimunharmed。”
Mensaidthatthiswasagoodjudgment。
Thusthenwasthearm-gameset。OspakarandEricmustwrestlethrice，andbetweeneachbouttherewouldbeaspacewhilemencouldcountathousand。Theymightstrikenoblowatoneanotherwithhand，orhead，orelbow，footorknee；anditshouldbecountednofallifthehaunchandtheheadofthefallenwerenotonthegroundattheself-sametime。Hewhosufferedtwofallsshouldbeadjudgedconqueredandlosehisstake。
Asmundcalledtheserulesaloudinthepresenceofwitnesses，andOspakarandEricsaidthatshouldbindthem。OspakardrewasmallknifeandgaveittohissonGizurtohold。
“Thoushaltsoonknow，youngling，howsteeltastesintheeyeball。”hesaid。
“Weshallsoonknowmanythings。”Ericanswered。
Nowtheydrewofftheircloaksandstoodinthering。Ospakarwasgreatbeyondthebignessofmenandhisarmswereclothedwithblackhairlikethelimbsofagoat。Beneaththeshoulderjointtheywerealmostasthickasagirl’sthigh。Hislegsalsoweremighty，andthemusclesstoodoutuponhiminknottylumps。Heseemedaverygiant，andfierceasaBaresark，butstillsomewhatroundaboutthebodyandheavyinmovement。
FromhimmenlookedatEric。
“Lo！BaldurandtheTroll！“saidSwanhild，andeverybodylaughed，sincesoitwasindeed；for，ifOspakarwasblackandhideousasatroll，EricwasbeautifulasBaldur，theloveliestoftheGods。HewastallerthanOspakarbythehalfofahandandasbroadinthechest。
Still，hewasnotyetcometohisgreateststrength，and，thoughhislimbswerewellknit，theyseemedbutasachild’sagainstthelimbsofOspakar。Buthewasquickasacatandlithe，hisneckandarmswerewhiteaswhey，andbeneathhisgoldenhairhisbrighteyesshonelikespears。
Nowtheystoodfacetoface，witharmsoutstretched，waitingthewordofAsmund。Hegaveitandtheycircledroundeachotherwitharmsheldlow。PresentlyOspakarmadearushand，seizingEricaboutthemiddle，triedtolifthim，butwithnoavail。Thricehestroveandfailed，thenEricmovedhisfootandlo！itslippeduponthesandedturf。
AgainEricmovedandagainheslipped，athirdtimeandheslippedathirdtime，andbeforehecouldrecoverhimselfhewasfullonhisbackandfairlythrown。
Gudrudasawandwassadatheart，andthosearoundhersaidthatitwaseasytoknowhowthegamewouldend。
“WhatsaidI？“quothSwanhild，“thatitwouldgobadlywithEricwereOspakar’sarmsabouthim。”
“Allisnotdoneyet。”answeredGudruda。“MethinksEric’sfeetslippedmoststrangely，asthoughhestoodonice。”
ButEricwasverysoreatheartandcouldmakenothingofthismatter——forhewasnotoverthrownbystrength。
HesatonthesnowandOspakarandhissonsmockedhim。ButGudrudadrewnearandwhisperedtohimtobeofgoodcheer，forfortunemightyetchange。
“IthinkthatIambewitched。”saidEricsadly：“myfeethavenoholdoftheground。”
Gudrudacoveredhereyeswithherhandandthought。Presentlyshelookedupquickly。“Iseemtoseeguilehere。”shesaid。“Nowlooknarrowlyonthyshoes。”
Heheard，and，looseninghisshoe-string，drewashoefromhisfootandlookedatthesole。Thecoldofthesnowhadhardenedthefat，andthereitwas，allwhiteupontheleather。
NowEricroseinwrath。“Methought。”hecried，“thatIdealtwithmenofhonourablemind，notwithcheatingtricksters。Seenow！itislittlewonderthatIslipped，forgreasehasbeensetuponmyshoes——
and，byThor！Iwillcleavethemanwhodidittothechin。”andashesaidithiseyesblazedsodreadfullythatfolkfellbackfromhim。
Asmundtooktheshoesandlookedatthem。Thenhespoke：
“Brighteyestellsthetruth，andwehaveasorryknaveamongus。
Ospakar，canstthouclearthyselfofthisilldeed？“
“IwillswearontheholyringthatIknownothingofit，andifanymaninmycompanyhashadahandthereinheshalldie。”saidOspakar。
“Thatwewillswearalso。”criedhissonsGizurandMord。
“Thisismorelikeawoman’swork。”saidGudruda，andshelookedatSwanhild。
“Itisnoworkofmine。”quothSwanhild。
“Thengoandaskthymotherofit。”answeredGudruda。
Nowallmencriedaloudthatthiswasthegreatestshame，andthatthematchmustbesetafresh；onlyOspakarbethoughthimofthattwohundredinsilverwhichhehadpromisedtoGroa，andlookedaround，butshewasnotthere。Still，hegainsaidEricinthematterofthematchbeingsetafresh。
ThenEriccriedoutinhisangerthathewouldletthegamestandasitwas，sinceOspakarsworehimselffreeoftheshamefuldeed。Menthoughtthisamadsaying，butAsmundsaiditshouldbeso。Still，hesworeinhisheartthat，evenifhewereworsted，Ericshouldnotlosehiseye——nonotifswordswereheldalofttotakeit。Forofalltricksthisseemedtohimtheveryworst。
NowOspakarandEricfacedeachotheragaininthering，butthistimethefeetofEricwerebare。
Ospakarrushedtogettheupperhold，butEricwastooswiftforhimandsprangaside。Againherushed，butEricdroppedandgrippedhimroundthemiddle。Nowtheywerefacetoface，huggingeachotherlikebears，butmovinglittle。Foratimethingswentthus，whileOspakarstrovetoliftEric，butinnowisecouldhestirhim。ThenofasuddenEricputouthisstrength，andtheystaggeredroundthering，tearingateachothertilltheirjerkinswererentfromthem，leavingthemalmostbaretothewaist。Suddenly，Ericseemedtogive，andOspakarputouthisfoottotriphim。ButBrighteyeswaswatching。Hecaughtthefootinthecrookofhisleftleg，andthrewhisweightforwardonthechestofBlacktooth。Backwardhewent，fallingwiththethudofatreeonsnow，andtherehelayontheground，andEricoverhim。
Thenmenshouted“Afall！afairfall！“andwereveryglad，forthefightseemedmostuneventothem，andthewrestlersrolledasunder，breathingheavily。
GudrudathrewacloakoverEric’snakedshoulders。
“Thatwaswelldone，Brighteyes。”shesaid。
“Thegameisstilltoplay，sweet。”hegasped，“andOspakarisamightyman。Ithrewhimbyskill，notbystrength。Nexttimeitmustbebystrengthornotatall。”
Nowbreathing-timewasdone，andoncemorethetwowerefacetoface。
ThriceOspakarrushed，andthricedidEricslipaway，forhewouldwasteBlacktooth’sstrength。AgainOspakarrushed，roaringlikeabear，andfireseemedtocomefromhiseyes，andthesteamwentupfromhimandhunguponthefrostyairlikethesteamofahorse。ThistimeEriccouldnotgetaway，butwassweptupintothatgreatgrip，forOspakarhadthelowerhold。
“NowthereisanendofEric。”saidSwanhild。
“Thearrowisyetonthebow。”answeredGudruda。
Blacktoothputouthismightandreeledroundandroundthering，draggingEricwithhim。Thiswayandthathetwisted，andtimeontimeEric’slegwasliftedfromtheground，butsohemightnotbethrown。
Nowtheystoodalmoststill，whilemenshoutedmadly，fornosuchwrestlinghadbeenknowninthesouthlands。Grimlytheyhuggedandstrove：forsoothitwasamightysighttosee。Grimlytheyhugged，andtheirmusclesstrainedandcracked，buttheycouldstireachothernoinch。
Ospakargrewfearful，forhecouldmakenoplaywiththisyoungling。
Blackrageswelledinhisheart。Hegroundhisfangs，andthoughtonguile。ByhisfootgleamedthenakedfootofEric。Suddenlyhestampedonitsofiercelythattheskinburst。
“Illdone！illdone！“folkcried；butinhispainEricmovedhisfoot。
Lo！hewasdown，butnotaltogetherdown，forhedidbutsituponhishaunches，andstillheclungtoBlacktooth’sthighs，andtwinedhislegsabouthisankles。NowwithallhisstrengthOspakarstrovetoforcetheheadofBrighteyestotheground，butstillhecouldnot，forEricclungtohimlikeacreepertoatree。
“AlosinggameforEric。”saidAsmund，andashespokeBrighteyeswaspressedbacktillhisyellowhairalmostsweptthesand。
ThenthefolkofOspakarshoutedintriumph，butGudrudacriedaloud：
“Benotoverthrown，Eric；loosetheeandspringaside。”
Ericheard，andofasuddenloosedallhisgrip。Hefellonhisoutspreadhand，then，withaswingsidewaysandabound，oncemorehestooduponhisfeet。Ospakarcameathimlikeabullmademadwithgoading，buthecouldnolongerroaraloud。TheyclosedandthistimeErichadthebetterhold。Forawhiletheystruggledroundandroundtilltheirfeettorethefrozenturf，thenoncemoretheystoodfacetoface。Nowthetwowerealmostspent；yetBlacktoothgathereduphisstrengthandswungEricfromhisfeet，buthefoundthemagain。Hegrewmadwithrage，andhuggedhimtillBrighteyeswasnearlypressedtodeath，andblackbruisesspranguponthewhitenessofhisflesh。
Ospakargrewmad，andmadderyet，tillatlengthinhisfuryhefixedhisfangsinEric’sshoulderandbittillthebloodspurted。
“Illkissed，thourat！“gaspedEric，andwiththepainandrushofblood，hisstrengthcamebacktohim。Heshiftedhisgripswiftly，nowhisrighthandwasbeneaththeforkofBlacktooth’sthighandhisleftonthehollowofBlacktooth’sback。Twicehelifted——twicethebulkofOspakarrosefromtheground——athirdmightylift——somightythatthewrappingonEric’sforeheadburst，andthebloodstreameddownhisface——andlo！greatBlacktoothflewinair。Upheflew，andbackwardhefellintothebankofsnow，andwasburiedtherealmosttotheknees。
VI
HOWASMUNDTHEPRIESTWASBETROTHEDTOUNNA
Foramomenttherewassilence，forallthatcompanywaswonderstruckatthegreatnessofthedeed。Thentheycheeredandcheeredagain，andtoEricitseemedthatheslept，andthesoundofshoutingreachedhimbutfaintly，asthoughheheardthroughsnow。Suddenlyhewokeandsawamanrushathimwithaxealoft。ItwasMord，Ospakar’sson，madathisfather’soverthrow。Ericsprangaside，ortheblowhadbeenhisbane，and，ashesprang，smotewithhisfist，anditstruckheavilyontheheadofMordabovetheear，sothattheaxeflewfromhishand，andhefellsenselessonhisfatherinthesnow。
Nowswordsflashedout，andmenringedroundErictoguardhim，anditcameneartothespillingofblood，forthepeopleofOspakargnashedtheirteethtoseesogreataherooverthrownbyayoungling，whilethesouthernfolkofMiddalhofandRanRiverrejoicedloudly，forEricwasdeartotheirhearts。
“Downswords。”criedAsmundthepriest，“andhaulyoncarcassfromthesnow。”
Thisthentheydid，andOspakarsatup，breathingingreatgasps，thebloodrunningfromhismouthandears，andhewasanevilsighttosee，forwhatwithbloodandsnowandragehisfacewaslikethefaceoftheSwinefellGoblin。
ButSwanhildspokeintheearofGudruda：
“Here。”shesaid，lookingatEric，“wetwohaveamanworthloving，foster-sister。”
“Ay。”answeredGudruda，“worthandwellworth！“
NowAsmunddrewnearandbeforeallmenkissedEricBrighteyesonthebrow。
“Insooth。”hesaid，“thouartamightyman，Eric，andthegloryofthesouth。ThisIprophesyofthee：thatthoushaltdodeedssuchashavenotbeendoneinIceland。Thouhastillbeenserved，foraknaveunknowngreasedthyshoes。YonswarthyOspakar，themostmightyofallmeninIceland，couldnotoverthrowthee，though，likeawolf，hefastenedhisfangsinthee，and，likeacoward，stampeduponthynakedfoot。Takethouthegreatswordthatthouhastwonandwearitworthily。”
NowErictooksnowandwipedthebloodfromhisbrow。ThenhegraspedWhitefireanddrewitfromthescabbard，andhighaloftflashedthewar-blade。Thricehewheeleditroundhishead，thensangaloud：
“Fast，yestermorn，downGoldenFalls，FaredyoungErictothyfeast，Asmund，fatherofGudruda——
Maidwhommuchhelongstoclasp。
Butto-dayonGiantBlacktoothHathhedoneaneedfuldeed：
Hurlinghiminheaped-upsnowdrift；
WinningWhitefireforhiswage。”
Andagainhesang：
“Lord，ifinverytruththouthinkestBrighteyesisamanmidstmen，Sweartohim，thestalwartsuitor，Handselofthysweetmaid’shand：
Whom，longloved，towin，downGoldfossSwifthespedthroughfrostandfoam；
Whom，towin，totroll-likeOgre，He，’gainstWhitefire，wagedhiseye。”
Menthoughtthiswellsung，andturnedtohearAsmund’sanswer，normusttheywaitlong。
“Eric。”hesaid，“Iwillpromisetheethis，thatifthougoestonasthouhastbegun，IwillgiveGudrudainmarriagetonootherman。”
“Thatisgoodtidings，lord。”saidEric。
“ThisIsayfurther：inayearIwillgivetheefullansweraccordingastohowthoudostbearthyselfbetweennowandthen，forthisisnolightgiftthouaskest；alsothat，ifyewillit，youtwainmaynowplighttroth，fortheblameshallbeyoursifitisbroken，andnotmine，andIgivetheemyhandonit。”
Erictookhishand，andGudrudaheardherfather’swordsandhappinessshoneinherdarkeyes，andshegrewfaintforveryjoy。AndnowEricturnedtoher，alltornandbloodyfromthefray，thegreatswordinhishand，andhespokethus：
“Thouhastheardthyfather’swords，Gudruda？Nowitseemsthatthereisnogreatneedoftroth-plightingbetweenustwo。Still，herebeforeallmenIaskthee，ifthoudostlovemeandartwillingtotakemetohusband？“
Gudrudalookedupintohisface，andansweredinasweet，clearvoicethatcouldbeheardbyall：
“Eric，Isaytotheenow，whatIhavesaidbefore，thatIlovetheealoneofallmen，and，ifitbemyfather’swish，Iwillwednootherwhilstthoudostremaintruetomeandholdmedear。”
“Thosearegoodwords。”saidEric。“Now，inpledgeofthem，swearthistrothofthineuponmyswordthatIhavewon。”
Gudrudasmiled，and，takinggreatWhitefireinherhand，shesaidthewordsagain，and，inpledgeofthem，kissedthebrightblade。
ThenErictookbackthewar-swordandspokethus：“IswearthatIwilllovethee，andtheeonly，GudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter，whomI
havedesiredallmydays；and，ifIfailofthismyoath，thenourtrothisatanend，andthoumaystwedwhomthouwilt。”andinturnheputhislipsuponthesword，whileSwanhildwatchedthemdotheoath。
NowOspakarwasrecoveredfromthefight，andhesatthereuponthesnow，withbowedhead，forheknewwellthathehadwonthegreatestshame，andhadlostbothwifeandsword。Blackragefilledhisheartashelistened，andhesprangtohisfeet。
“Icamehither，Asmund。”hesaid，“toaskthismaidofthineinmarriage，andmethinksthathadbeenagoodmatchforherandthee。
ButIhavebeenoverthrownbywitchcraftofthismaninawrestling-
bout，andtherebylostmygoodsword；andnowImustseemtohearhimbetrothedtothemaidbeforeme。”
“Thouhastheardaright，Ospakar。”saidAsmund，“andthywooingissoonsped。Gettheebackwhencethoucamestandseekawifeinthineownquarter，forthouartunfitinageandaspecttohavesosweetamaid。Moreover，hereinthesouthweholdmenofsmallaccount，howevergreatandrichtheybe，whodonotshametoseektoovercomeafoebyfoulmeans。WithmyowneyesIsawtheestamponthenakedfootofEric，Thorgrimur’sson；withmyowneyesIsawthee，likeawolf，fastenthatblackfangofthineuponhim——thereisthemarkofit；
and，asforthematterofthegreasedshoes，thouknowestbestwhathandthouhadstinit。”
“Ihadnohand。Ifanydidthisthing，itwasGroatheWitch，thyFinnishbedmate。Fortherest，IwasmadandknownotwhatIdid。Buthearken，Asmund：illshallbefalltheeandthyhouse，andIwilleverbethyfoe。Moreover，Iwillyetwedthismaidofthine。Andnow，thouEric，hearkenalso：Iwillhaveanothergamewiththee。Thisonewasbutthesportofboys；whenwemeetagain——andthetimeshallnotbelong——swordsshallbealoft，andthoushaltlearntheplayofmen。I
telltheethatIwillslaythee，andtearGudruda，shrieking，fromthyarmstobemywife！Itelltheethat，withyondergoodswordWhitefire，Iwillyethewoffthyhead！“——andhechokedandstopped。
“Thouartmuchfoamandlittlewater。”saidEric。“Thesethingsareeasilyputtoproof。Ifthouwillestit，to-morrowIwillcomewiththeetoaholmgang，andtherewemaysetthetwigsandfinishwhatwehavebegunto-day。”
“Icannotdothat，forthouhastmysword；and，tillIamsuitedwithanotherweapon，Imayfightnoholmgang。Still，fearnot：weshallsoonmeetwithweaponsaloftandbyrnieonbreast。”
“Nevertoosooncanthehourcome，Blacktooth。”saidEric，andturningonhisheel，helimpedtothehalltoclothehimselfafresh。Onthethresholdofthemen’sdoorhemetGroatheWitch。
“Thoudidstputgreaseuponmyshoes，carlineandwitch-hagthatthouart。”hesaid。
“Itisnottrue，Brighteyes。”
“Therethouliest，andforallthisIwillrepaythee。ThouartnotyetthewifeofAsmund，norshaltbe，foraplancomesintomyheadaboutit。”
Groalookedathimstrangely。“Ifthouspeakestso，takeheedtothymeatanddrink。”shesaid。“IwasnotbornamongtheFinnsfornothing；andknow，IamstillmindedtowedAsmund。Forthyshoes，I
wouldtotheGodsthattheywereHell-shoon，andthatIwasnowbindingthemonthydeadfeet。”
“Oh！thecatbeginstospit。”saidEric。“Butknowthis：thoumayestgreasemyshoes——fitworkforacarline！——butthoumayestneverbindthemon。Thouartawitch，andwiltcometotheendofwitches；andwhatthydaughteris，thatIwillnotsay。”andhepushedpastherandenteredthehall。
PresentlyAsmundcametoseekEricthere，andprayedhimtobegonetohissteadonRanRiver。ThehorsesofOspakarhadstrayed，andhemuststopatMiddalhoftilltheywerefound；but，ifthesetwoshouldabideunderthesameroof，bloodshedwouldcomeofit，andthatAsmundknew。
Ericsaidyeatothis，and，whenhehadrestedawhile，hekissedGudruda，and，takingahorse，rodeawaytoColdback，bearingtheswordWhitefirewithhim，andforatimehesawnomoreofOspakar。
Whenhecamethere，hismotherSaevunagreetedhimasonerisenfromthedead，andhungabouthisneck。Thenhetoldherallthathadcometopass，andshethoughtitamarvellousstory，andsorrowedthatThorgrimur，herhusband，wasnotalivetoknowit。ButEricmusedawhile，andspoke。
“Mother。”hesaid，“nowmyuncleThorodofGreenfellisdead，andhisdaughter，mycousinUnna，hasnohome。Sheisafairwomanandskilledinallthings。Itcomesintomymindthatweshouldbidherheretodwellwithus。”
“Why，IthoughtthouwastbetrothedtoGudrudatheFair。”saidSaevuna。“Wherefore，then，wouldstthoubringUnnahither？“
“Forthiscause。”saidEric；“becauseitseemsthatAsmundthePriestweariesofGroatheWitch，andwouldtakeanotherwife，andIwishtodrawthebandsbetweenustighter，ifitmaybefallso。”
“Groawilltakeitill。”saidSaevuna。
“Thingscannotbeworsebetweenusthantheyarenow，thereforeIdonotfearGroa。”heanswered。
“Itshallbeasthouwilt，son；to-morrowwewillsendtoUnnaandbidherhere，ifitpleaseshertocome。”
NowOspakarstayedthreemoredaysatMiddalhof，tillhishorseswerefound，andhewasfittotravel，forErichadshakenhimsorely。ButhehadnowordswithGudrudaandfewwithAsmund。Still，hesawSwanhild，andshebidhimtobeofgoodcheer，forheshouldyethaveGudruda。FornowthatthemaidhadpassedfromhimthemindofOspakarwassetinwinningher。Bj？rnalso，Asmund’sson，spokewordsofgoodcomforttohim，forheenviedErichisgreatfame，andhethoughtthematchwithBlacktoothwouldbegood。AndsoatlengthOspakarrodeawaytoSwinefellwithallhiscompany；butGizur，hisson，lefthisheartbehind。
ForSwanhildhadnotbeenidlethiswhile。Herheartwassore，butshemustfollowherill-nature，andsoshehadputoutherwoman’sstrengthandbeguiledGizurintolovingher。Butshedidnotlovehimatall，andthetemperofAsmundthePriestwassoangrythatGizurdarednotaskherinmarriage。Sonothingwassaidofthematter。
NowUnnacametoColdback，todwellwithSaevuna，Eric’smother，andshewasafairandbuxomwoman。Shehadbeenoncewedded，butwithinamonthofhermarriageherhusbandwaslostatsea，thistwoyearsgone。AtfirstGudrudawassomewhatjealousofthiscomingofUnnatoColdback；butEricshowedherwhatwasinhismind，andshefellintotheplan，forshehatedandfearedGroagreatly，anddesiredtoberidofher。
SincethismatterofthegreasingofEric’swrestling-shoesgreatloathingofGroahadcomeintoAsmund’smind，andhebethoughthimoftenofthosewordsthathiswifeGudrudatheGentlespokeasshelaydying，andgrievedthattheoathwhichhesworethenhadinpartbeenbroken。HewouldhavenomoretodowithGroanow，buthecouldnotberidofher；and，notwithstandingherevildoings，hestilllovedSwanhild。ButGroagrewthinwithspiteandrage，andwanderedabouttheplaceglaringwithhergreatblackeyes，andpeoplehatedhermoreandmore。
NowAsmundwenttovisitatColdback，andtherehesawUnna，andwaspleasedwithher，forshewasablithewomanandabonny。TheendofitwasthatheaskedherinmarriageofEric；atwhichBrighteyeswasglad，butsaidthathemustknowUnna’smind。Unnahearkened，anddidnotsayno，forthoughAsmundwassomewhatgoneinyears，stillhewasanupstandingman，wealthyinlands，goods，andmoneysoutatinterest，andhavingmanyfriends。Sotheyplightedtroth，andthewedding-feastwastobeintheautumnafterhay-harvest。NowAsmundrodebacktoMiddalhofsomewhattroubledatheart，forthesetidingsmustbetoldtoGroa，andhefearedherandherwitchcraft。Inthehallhefoundher，standingalone。
“Wherehastthoubeen，lord？“sheasked。
“AtColdback。”heanswered。
“ToseeUnna，Eric’scousin，perchance？“
“Thatisso。”
“WhatisUnnatothee，then，lord？“
“Thismuch，thatafterhay-harvestshewillbemywife，andthatisillnewsforthee，Groa。”
NowGroaturnedandgraspedfiercelyattheairwithherthinhands。
Hereyesstartedout，foamwasonherlips，andsheshookinherfurylikeabirch-treeinthewind，lookingsoevilthatAsmunddrewbackalittleway，saying：
“NowaveilisliftedfromtheeandIseetheeasthouart。Thouhastcastaglamourovermethesemanyyears，Groa，anditisgone。”
“Mayhap，AsmundAsmundson——mayhap，thouknowestme；butItelltheethatthoushaltseemeinaworseguisebeforethouweddestUnna。
What！haveIbornethegreatestshame，lyingbythysidethesemanyyears，andshallIlivetoseearival，youngandfair，creepintomyplacewithhonour？ThatIwillnotwhileruneshavepowerandspellscanconjuretheevilthinguponthee。Icalldownruinontheeandthine——yeaandonBrighteyesalso，forhehasbroughtthisthingtopass。Deathtakeyeall！Maythybloodnolongerruninmortalveinsanywhereontheearth！GodowntoHela，Asmund，andbeforgotten！“andshebegantomutterrunesswiftly。
NowAsmundturnedwhitewithwrath。“Ceasethyeviltalk。”hesaid，“orthoushaltbehurledasawitchintoGoldfosspool。”
“IntoGoldfosspool？——yea，thereImaylie。Iseeit！——Iseemtoseethisshapeofminerollingwherethewatersboilfiercest——butthineeyesshallneverseeit！/Thy/eyesareshut，andshutaretheeyesofUnna，foryehavegonebefore！——Idobutfollowafter。”andthriceGroashriekedaloud，throwingupherarms，thenfellfoamingonthesandedfloor。
“Anevilwomanandafey！“saidAsmundashecalledpeopletoher。“IthadbeenbetterformeifIhadneverseenherdarkface。”
NowitistobetoldthatGroalaybesideherselffortenfulldays，andSwanhildnursedher。Thenshefoundhersenseagain，andcravedtoseeAsmund，andspokethustohim：
“Itseemstome，lord，ifindeeditbeaughtbutavisionofmydreams，thatbeforethissicknessstruckmeIspokemadandangrywordsagainstthee，becausethouhastplightedtrothtoUnna，Thorod’sdaughter。”
“Thatisso，intruth。”saidAsmund。
“Ihavetosaythis，then，lord：thatmosthumblyIcravethypardonformyillwords，andasktheetoputthemawayfromthymind。Soreheartmakessourspeech，andthouknowestwellthat，howsoevergreatmyfaults，atleastIhavealwayslovedtheeandlabouredforthee，andmethinksthatinsomefashionthyfortunesarethedebtortomywisdom。Thereforewhenmyearsheardthatthouhadstofatruthputmeaway，andthatanotherwomancomesanhonouredwifetoruleinMiddalhof，mytongueforgotitscourtesy，andIspokewordsthatareofallwordsthefarthestfrommymind。ForIknowwellthatIgrowold，andhaveputoffthatbeautywithwhichIwasadornedofyore，andthatheldtheetome。’/Carline/’EricBrighteyesnamedme，and’carline’Iam——anoldhag，nomore！Now，forgiveme，and，inmemoryofallthathasbeenbetweenus，letmecreeptomyplaceintheingleandstillwatchandservetheeandthinetillmyserviceisoutworn。
OutofRan’snetIcametothee，and，ifthoudrivestmehence，ItelltheethatIwillliedownanddieuponthythreshold，andwhenthousinkestintoeldsurelythememoryofitshallgrievethee。”
Thusshespokeandweptmuch，tillAsmund’sheartsoftenedinhim，and，thoughwithadoubtingmind，hesaiditshouldbeasshewilled。
SoGroastayedonatMiddalhof，andwaslowlyinherbearingandsoftofspeech。
VII
HOWERICWENTUPMOSFELLAGAINSTSKALLAGRIMTHEBARESARK
NowAtlitheGood，earloftheOrkneys，comesintothestory。
ItchancedthatAtlihadsailedtoIcelandintheautumnonabusinessaboutcertainlandsthathadfallentohiminrightofhismotherHelga，whowasanIcelander，andhehadwinteredwestofReyjanes。
Springbeingcome，hewishedtosailhome，and，whenhisshipwasbound，heputtoseafullearlyintheyear。Butitchancedthatbadweathercameupfromthesouth-east，withmistandrain，sohemustneedsbeachhisshipinacreekundershelteroftheWestmanIslands。
NowAtliaskedwhatpeopledweltintheseparts，and，whenheheardthenameofAsmundAsmundsonthePriest，hewasglad，forinolddaysheandAsmundhadgonemanyavikingcruisetogether。
“Wewillleavetheshiphere。”hesaid，“tilltheweatherclears，andgouptoMiddalhoftostaywithAsmund。”
Sotheymadetheshipsnug，andleftmentowatchher；buttwoofthecompany，withEarlAtli，rodeuptoMiddalhof。
ItmustbetoldofAtlithathewasthebestoftheearlswholivedinthosedays，andheruledtheOrkneyssowellthatmengavehimaby-
nameandcalledhimAtlitheGood。Itwassaidofhimthathehadneverturnedapoormanawayunsuccoured，norbowedhisheadbeforeastrongman，nordrawnhisswordwithoutcause，norrefusedpeacetohimwhoprayedit。Hewassixtyyearsold，butagehadleftfewmarksonhim，exceptthatofhislongwhitebeard。Hewaskeen-eyed，andwell-fashionedofformandface，agreatwarriorandthestrongestofmen。Hiswifewasdead，leavinghimnochildren，andthiswasasorrowtohim；butasyethehadtakennootherwife，forhewouldsay：“Lovemakesanoldmanblind。”and“Whenagerunswithyouth，bothshallfall。”andagain，“Mixgreylocksandgoldenandspoiltwoheads。”Forthisearlwasamanofmanywisesayings。
NowAtlicametoMiddalhofjustasmensatdowntomeatand，hearingtheclatterofarms，allsprangtotheirfeet，thinkingthatperhapsOspakarhadcomeagainashehadpromised。ButwhenAsmundsawAtliheknewhimatonce，thoughtheyhadnotmetfornearlythirtyyears，andhegreetedhimlovingly，andputhiminthehighseat，andgaveplacetohismenuponthecross-benches。Atlitoldallhisstory，andAsmundbadehimrestawhileatMiddalhoftilltheweathergrewclearer。
NowtheEarlsawSwanhildandthoughtthemaidwondrousfair，andsoindeedshewas，asshemovedscornfullytoandfroinherkirtleofwhite。Softwashercurlinghairanddeepwereherdarkblueeyes，andbentwereherredlipsasisabowaboveherdimpledchin，andherteethshonelikepearls。
“Isthatfairmaidthydaughter，Asmund。”askedAtli。
“SheisnamedSwanhildtheFatherless。”heanswered，turninghisfaceaway。
“Well。”saidAtli，lookingsharplyonhim，“werethemaidsprungfromme，shewouldnotlongbecalledthe’Fatherless，’forfewhavesuchadaughter。”
“Sheisfairenough。”saidAsmund，“inallsavetemper，andthatisbadtocross。”
“Ineveryswordaflaw。”answersAtli；“butwhathasanoldmantodowithyoungmaidsandtheirbeauty？“andhesighed。
“Ihaveknownyoungermenwhowouldseemlessbriskatbridals。”saidAsmund，andforthattimetheytalkednomoreofthematter。
Now，Swanhildheardsomethingofthisspeech，andsheguessedmore；
anditcameintohermindthatitwouldbethebestofsporttomakethisoldmanloveher，andthentomockhimandsayhimnay。Soshesetherselftothetask，asiteverwasherwont，andshefounditeasy。Foralldaylong，withdowncasteyesandgentlelooks，shewaitedupontheEarl，andnow，athisbidding，shesangtohiminavoicesoftandlow，andnowshetalkedsowiselywellthatAtlithoughtnosuchmaidhadtrodtheearthbefore。Buthecheckedhimselfwithmanylearnedsaws，andonadaywhentheweatherhadgrownfair，andtheysatalone，hetoldherthathisshipwasboundforOrkneyIsles。
Then，asthoughbychance，Swanhildlaidherwhitehandinhis，andonasuddenlookeddeepintohiseyes，andsaidwithtremblinglips，“Ah，gonotyet，lord！——Ipraythee，gonotyet！“——and，turning，shefledaway。
ButAtliwasmuchmoved，andhesaidtohimself：“Nowastrangethingiscometopass：afairmaidlovesanoldman；andyet，methinks，hewholooksintothoseeyesseesdeepwaters。”andhebeathisbrowandthought。
ButSwanhildinherchamberlaughedtillthetearsranfromthosesameeyes，forshesawthatthegreatfishwashookedandnowthetimehadcometoplayhim。
Forshedidnotknowthatitwasotherwisefated。
Gudruda，too，sawallthesethingsandknewnothowtoreadthem，forshewasofanhonestmind，andcouldnotunderstandhowawomanmayloveamanasSwanhildlovedEricandyetmakesuchplaywithothermen，andthatofherfreewill。ForsheguessedlittleofSwanhild’sguilefulness，norofthecoldnessofherhearttoallsaveEric；norofhowthiswastheonlyjoylefttoher：tomakeasportofmenandputthemtogriefandshame。AtlisaidtohimselfthathewouldwatchthismaidwellbeforeheutteredawordtoAsmund，andhedeemedhimselfverycunning，forhewaswondrouscautiousafterthefashionofthoseabouttofall。Sohesethimselftowatching，andSwanhildsetherselftosmiling，andhetoldhertalesofwarfareandofdaring，andsheclaspedherhandsandsaid：
“WasthereeversuchamansinceOdintrodtheearth？“Andsoitwenton，tilltheserving-womenlaughedattheoldmaninloveandthewitofherthatmockedhim。
Nowuponaday，Erichavingmadeanendofsowinghiscorn，bethoughthimselfofhisvowtogoupaloneagainstSkallagrimtheBaresarkinhisdenonMosfelloverbyHecla。Now，thiswasaheavytask：forSkallagrimwasheldsomightyamongmenthatnonewentupagainsthimanymore；andattimesEricthoughtofGudruda，andsighed，foritwaslikelythatshewouldbeawidowbeforeshewasmadeawife。Still，hisoathmustbefulfilled，and，moreover，oflateSkallagrimhavingheardthatayounglingnamedEricBrighteyeshadvowedtoslayhimsingle-handed，hadmadeofamockofhiminthisfashion。ForSkallagrimrodedowntoColdbackonRanRiverandatnight-timetookalambfromthefold。Holdingthelambbeneathhisarm，hedrewneartothehouseandsmotethriceonthedoorwithhisbattle-axe，andtheywerethunderingknocks。Thenheleaptontohishorseandrodeoffaspaceandwaited。PresentlyEriccameout，buthalfclad，ashieldinonehandandWhitefireintheother，and，looking，bythebrightmoonlighthesawahugeblack-beardedmanseatedonahorse，havingagreataxeinonehandandthelambbeneathhisarm。
“Whoartthou？“roaredEric。
“IamcalledSkallagrim，youngling。”answeredthemanonthehorse。
“Manymenhaveseenmeonce，nonehavewishedtoseemetwice，andsomefewhaveneverseenaughtagain。Now，ithasbeenechoedinmyearsthatthouhastvowedavowtogoupMosfellagainstSkallagrimtheBaresark，andIamcomehithertosaythatIwillmaketheerightwelcome。See。”andwithhisaxehecutoffthelamb’stailonthepommelofhissaddle：“ofthefleshofthislambofthineIwillbrewbrothandofhisskinIwillmakemeavest。Takethouthistail，andwhenthoufittestitontotheskinagain，Skallagrimwillownalord。”andhehurledthetailtowardshim。