“BidethoutheretillIcancometothee。”shoutedEric；“itwillsparemearidetoMosfell。”
“Nay，nay。Itisgoodforladstotakethemountainair。”andSkallagrimturnedhishorseaway，laughing。
EricwatchedSkallagrimvanishovertheknoll，andthen，thoughhewasveryangry，laughedalsoandwentin。Butfirsthepickedupthetail，andonthemorrowheskinnedit。
Nowthetimewascomewhenthemattermustbetried，andEricbadefarewelltoSaevunahismother，andUnnahiscousin，andgirtWhitefireroundhimandsetuponhisheadagoldenhelmwithwingsonit。ThenhefoundthebyrniewhichhisfatherThorgrimurhadstripped，togetherwiththehelm，fromthatBaresarkwhocutoffhisleg——andthiswasagoodpiece，forgedoftheWelshmen——andheputitonhisbreast，andtakingastoutshieldofbull’shidestuddedwithnails，rodeawaywithonethrall，thestrongcarlenamedJon。
Butthewomenmisdoubtedthemmuchofthisventure；neverthelessEricmightnotbegainsayed。
Now，theroadtoMosfellrunspastMiddalhofandthitherhecame。
Atli，standingatthemen’sdoor，sawhimandcriedaloud：“Ho！amightymancomeshere。”
SwanhildlookedoutandsawEric，andhewasagoodlysightinhiswar-gear。Fornow，weekbyweek，heseemedtogrowmorefairandgreat，asthefullstrengthofhismanhoodroseinhim，likesapinthespringgrass，andGudrudawasveryproudofherlover。ThatnightEricstayedatMiddalhof，andsathandinhandwithGudrudaandtalkedwithEarlAtli。NowtheheartoftheoldvikingwentouttoEric，andhetookgreatdelightinhimandinhisstrengthanddeeds，andhelongedmuchthattheGodshadgivenhimsuchason。
“Iprophesythisofthee，Brighteyes。”hecried：“thatitshallgoillwiththisBaresarkthouseekest——yes，andwithallmenwhocomewithinsweepofthatgreatswordofthine。Butrememberthis，lad：guardthyheadwiththybuckler，cutlowbeneathhisshield，ifhecarriesone，andmowthelegsfromhim：foreveraBaresarkrusheson，shieldup。”
Ericthankedhimforhisgoodwordsandwenttorest。But，beforeitwaslight，herose，andGudrudarosealsoandcameintothehall，andbuckledhisharnessonhimwithherownhands。
“Thisisasadtaskforme，Eric！“shesighed，“forhowdoIknowthatBaresark’shandsshallnotloosethishelmofthine？“
“Thatisasitmaybe，sweet。”hesaid；“butIfearnottheBaresarkoranyman。HowgoesitwithSwanhildnow？“
“Iknownot。ShemakesherselfsweettothatoldEarlandheisfainofher，andthatisbeyondmysight。”
“Ihaveseenasmuch。”saidEric。“Itwillbewellforusifheshouldwedher。”
“Ay，andillforhim；butitistobedoubtedifthatisinhermind。”
NowErickissedhersoftandsweet，andwentaway，biddingherlookforhisreturnonthedayafterthemorrow。
Gudrudaboreupbravelyagainstherfearstillhewasgone，butthensheweptalittle。
NowitistobetoldthatEricandhisthrallJonrodehardupStonefellandacrossthemountainsandovertheblacksand，till，twohoursbeforesunset，theycametothefootofMosfell，havingHeclaontheirright。Itisagrimmountain，greywithmoss，standingaloneinthedesertplain；butbetweenitandHeclathereisgoodgrassland。
“Hereisthefox’searth。Nowtostarthim。”saidEric。
Heknowssomethingofthepathbywhichthisfortresscanbeclimbedfromthesouth，andhorsesmayberiddenupitforaspace。Soontheygo，tillatlengththeycometoaflatplacewherewaterrunsdowntheblackrocks，andhereEricdrankofthewater，atefood，andwashedhisfaceandhands。Thisdone，hebidJontendthehorses——forhereaboutsthereisalittlegrass——andbewatchfultillhereturned，sincehemustgoupagainstSkallagrimalone。AndtherewithadoubtfulheartJonstayedallthatnight。Forofallthatcametopasshesawbutonething，andthatwasthelightofWhitefireasitflashedouthighabovehimonthebrowofthemountainwhenfirstBrighteyessmoteatfoe。
EricwentwarilyuptheBaresarkpath，forhewouldkeephisbreathinhim，andthelightshoneredlyonhisgoldenhelm。Highhewent，tillatlengthhecametoapassnarrowanddarkandhedgedoneithersidewithsheercliffs，suchastwoarmedmenmightholdagainstascore。
Hepeereddownthispath，buthesawnoBaresark，thoughitwaswornbyBaresarkfeet。Hecreptalongitslength，movinglikeasunbeamthroughthedarknessofthepass，forthelightgatheredonhishelmandsword，tillsuddenlythepathturnedandhewasonthebrinkofagulfthatseemedtohavenobottom，and，lookingacrossanddown，hecouldseeJonandthehorsesmorethanahundredfathomsbeneath。NowEricmuststop，forthispathleadsbutintotheblackgulf。AlsohewasperplexedtoknowwhereSkallagrimhadhislair。Hecrepttothebrinkandgazed。Thenhesawthatapointofrockjuttedfromthesheerfaceofthecliffandthatthepointwaswornwiththemarkoffeet。
“WhereBaresarkpasses，theremayyeomanfollow。”saidEricand，sheathingWhitefire，withoutmoreado，thoughhelikedthetasklittle，hegraspedtheoverhangingrockandsteppeddownontothepointbelow。Nowhewasperchedlikeaneagleoverthedizzygulfandhisbrainswam。Backwardhefearedtogo，andforwardhemightnot，fortherewasnothingbutair。Besidehim，growingfromthefaceofthecliff，wasabirch-bush。Hegraspedittosteadyhimself。Itbentbeneathhisclutch，andthenhesaw，behindit，aholeintherockthroughwhichamancouldcreep，anddownthisholeranfootmarks。
“Firstthroughairlikeabird；nowthroughearthlikeafox。”saidEricandenteredthehole。Doublinghisbodytillhishelmalmosttouchedhiskneehetookthreepacesandlo！hestoodonagreatplatformofrock，solargethatahallmightbebuiltonit，which，curvinginwards，cannotbeseenfromthenarrowpass。Thisplatform，thatisbackedbythesheercliff，looksstraighttothesouth，andfromithecouldsearchtheplainandthepaththathehadtravelled，andthereoncemorehesawJonandthehorsesfarbelowhim。
“Astrongplace，truly，andwellchosen。”saidEricandlookedaround。
Ontheflooroftherockandsomepacesfromhimaturffirestillsmouldered，andbyitweresheep’sbones，andbeyond，inthefaceoftheoverhangingprecipice，wasthemouthofacave。
“Thewolfisathome，orwasbutlately。”saidEric；“nowforhislair；“andwiththathewalkedwarilytothemouthofthecaveandpeeredin。Hecouldseenothingyetawhile，butsurelyheheardasoundofsnoring？
Thenhecreptin，and，presently，bytheredlightoftheburningembers，hesawagreatblack-beardedmanstretchedatlengthuponarugofsheepskins，andbyhissideanaxe。
“Nowitwouldbeeasytomakeanendofthiscave-dweller。”thoughtEric；“butthatisadeedIwillnotdo——no，noteventoaBaresark——
toslayhiminhissleep。”andtherewithhesteppedlightlytothesideofSkallagrim，andwasabouttoprickhimwiththepointofWhitefire，when！ashedidso，anothermansatupbehindSkallagrim。
“ByThor！fortwoIdidnotbargain。”saidEric，andsprangfromthecave。
Then，withagruntofrage，thatBaresarkwhowasbehindSkallagrimcameoutlikeashe-bearrobbedofherwhelps，andranstraightatEric，swordaloft。Ericgivesbeforehimrighttotheedgeofthecliff。ThentheBaresarksmitesathimandBrighteyescatchestheblowonhisshield，andsmitesathiminturnsowellandtruly，thattheheadoftheBaresarkfliesfromhisshouldersandspinsalongtheground，buthisbody，withoutstretchedarmsyetgrippingattheair，fallsovertheedgeofthegulfsheerintothewater，ahundredfathomsdown。ItwastheflashthatWhitefiremadeasitcircledereitsmotethatJonsawwhilehewaitedinthedelluponthemountainside。ButoftheBaresarkhesawnothing，forhepasseddownintothegreatfire-rivencleftandwasneverseenmore，saveonceonly，inastrangefashionthatshallbetold。ThiswasthefirstmanwhomBrighteyesslew。
NowtheoldtaletellsthatEriccriedaloud：“Littlechancehadthisone。”andthatthenawonderfulthingcametopass。Fortheheadontherockopeneditseyesandanswered：
“Littlechanceindeedagainstthee，EricBrighteyes。Still，Itelltheethis：thatwheremybodyfelltherethoushaltfall，andwhereitliestherethoushaltliealso。”
NowEricwasafraid，forhethoughtitastrangethingthataseveredheadshouldspeaktohim。
“HereitseemsIhavetodealwithtrolls。”hesaid；“butattheleast，thoughhespeak，thisoneshallstrikenomore。”andhelookedatthehead，butitanswerednothing。
NowSkallagrimsleptthroughitallandthelightgrewsodimthatEricthoughtittimetomakeanendthiswayorthat。Therefore，hetooktheheadoftheslainman，thoughhefearedtotouchit，androlleditswiftlyintothecave，saying，“Now，beingsoglibofspeech，gotellthymatethatEricBrighteyesknocksathisdoor。”
Thencamesoundsasofamanrising，andpresentlySkallagrimrushedforthwithaxealoftandhisfellow’sheadinhislefthand。HewasclothedinnothingbutashirtandtheskinofEric’slambwasboundtohischest。
“Wherenowismymate？“hesaid。ThenhesawEricleaningonWhitefire，hisgoldenhelmablazewiththegloryofthepassingsun。
“Itseemsthatthouholdestsomewhatofhiminthinehand，Skallagrim，andfortherest，goseekitinyonderrift。”
“Whoartthou？“roaredSkallagrim。
“Thoumayestknowmebythistoken。”saidEric，andhethrewtowardshimtheskinofthatlamb’stailwhichSkallagrimhadliftedfromColdback。
NowSkallagrimknewhimandtheBaresarkfitcameon。Hiseyesrolled，foamflewtohislips，hismouthgrinned，andhewasawesometosee。
Heletfallthehead，and，swingingthegreataxealoft，rushedatEric。ButBrighteyesistooswiftforhim。Itwouldnotbewelltoletthatstrokefall，anditmustgohardwithaughtitstruck。Hespringsforward，heloutslowandsweepsupwardswithWhitefire。Skallagrimseestheswordflareanddropsalmosttohisknee，guardinghisheadwiththeaxe；butWhitefirestrikesontheironhalfoftheaxeandshearsitintwo，sothattheaxe-headfallstoearth。NowtheBaresarkisweaponlessbutunharmed，anditwouldbeaneasytasktoslayhimasherushesby。ButitcameintoEric’smindthatitisanunworthydeedtoslayaswordlessman，andthiscameintohismindalso，thathedesiredtomatchhisnakedmightagainstaBaresarkinhisrage。So，inthehardihoodofhisyouthandstrength，hecastWhitefireaside，andcrying“Come，tryafallwithme，Baresark。”
rushedonSkallagrim。
“Thouartmad。”yellstheBaresark，andtheyareatithard。Nowtheygripandrendandtear。Ospakarwasstrong，buttheBaresarkstrengthofSkallagrimismorethanthestrengthofOspakar，andsoonBrighteyesthinkslonginglyonWhitefirethathehascastaside。Ericismightybeyondthemightofmen，buthecanscarcelyholdhisownagainstthismadman，andverysoonheknowsthatonlyonechanceislefttohim，andthatistoclingtoSkallagrimtilltheBaresarkfitbepassedandheisoncemorelikeothermen。Butthisiseasiertotellofthantodo，andpresently，striveashewill，Ericisonhisback，andSkallagrimonhim。ButstillheholdstheBaresarkaswithbandsofiron，andSkallagrimmaynotfreehisarms，thoughhestrivefuriously。Nowtheyrolloverandoverontherock，andthegloomgathersfastaboutthemtillpresentlyEricseesthattheydrawneartothebrinkofthatmightyriftdownwhichtheseveredheadofthecave-dwellerhasforetoldhisfall。
“Thenwegotogether。”saysEric，buttheBaresarkdoesnotheed。Nowtheyareontheverybrink，andhereasitchances，orastheNornsdecree，alittlerockjutsupandthiskeepsthemfromfalling。Ericisuppermost，and，striveashewill，Skallagrimmaynotturnhimonhisbackagain。Still，Brighteyes’strengthmaynotendureverylong，forhegrowsfaint，andhislegsslipslowlyoverthesideoftherifttillnowheclings，asitwere，byhisribsandshoulder-bladesalone，thatrubagainstthelittlerock。Thelightdiesaway，andEricthinksonsweetGudrudaandmakesreadytodiealso，whensuddenlyalastrayfromthesunfallsonthefiercefaceofSkallagrim，andlo！
Brighteyesseesitchange，forthemadnessgoesoutofit，andinamomenttheBaresarkbecomesbutasachildinhismightygrip。
“Hold！“saidSkallagrim，“Icravepeace。”andheloosedhisclasp。
“Nottoosoon，then。”gaspedEricas，drawinghislegsfromoverthebrinkoftherift，hegainedhisfeetand，staggeringtohissword，graspeditverythankfully。
“Iamfordone！“saidSkallagrim；“come，dragmefromthisplace，forI
fall；or，ifthouwilt，hewoffmyhead。”
“Iwillnotservetheethus。”saidEric。“Thouartagallantfoe。”andheputouthishandanddrewhimintosafety。
ForawhileSkallagrimlaypanting，thenhegainedhishandsandkneesandcrawledtowhereEricleanedagainsttherock。
“Lord。”hesaid，“givemethyhand。”
Ericstretchedforthhislefthand，wondering，andSkallagrimtookit。
Hedidnotstretchouthisright，for，fearingguile，hegrippedWhitefireinit。
“Lord。”Skallagrimsaidagain，“ofallmenwhoeverwere，thouartthemightiest。Fiveothermenhadnotstoodbeforemeinmyrage，but，scorningthyweapon，thoudidstovercomemeinthenoblestfashion，andbythynakedstrengthalone。Nowhearken。Thouhastgivenmemylife，anditisthinefromthishourtotheend。HereIswearfealtytothee。Slaymeifthouwilt，orusemeifthouwilt，butIthinkitwillbebetterfortheetodothisratherthanthat，forthereisbutonewhohasmasteredme，andthouarthe，anditisborneinuponmymindthatthouwilthaveneedofmystrength，andthatshortly。”
“Thatmaywellbe，Skallagrim。”saidEric，“yetIputlittletrustinoutlawsandcave-dwellers。HowdoIknow，ifItaketheetome，thatthouwiltnotmurdermeinmysleep，asitwouldhavebeeneasyformetodobytheebutnow？“
“Whatisitthatrunsfromthyarm。”askedSkallagrim。
“Blood。”saidEric。
“Stretchoutthinearm，lord。”
Ericdidso，andtheBaresarkputhislipstothescratchandsuckedtheblood，thensaid：
“InthisbloodofthineIpledgethee，EricBrighteyes！MayValhallarefusemeandHelatakeme；mayIbehuntedlikeafoxfromearthtoearth；maytrollstormentmeandwizardssportwithmeo’night；maymylimbsshrivelandmyheartturntowater；maymyfoesovertakeme，andmybonesbecrushedacrossthedoom-stone——ifIfailinonejotfromthismyoaththatIhavesworn！Iwillguardthyback，Iwillsmitethyenemies，thyhearthstoneshallbemytemple，thyhonourmyhonour。ThrallamIofthine，andthrallIwillbe，andwhilesthouwiltwewillliveonelife，and，intheend，wewilldieonedeath。”
“ItseemsthatingoingtoseekafoeIhavefoundafriend。”saidEric，“anditislikelyenoughthatIshallneedone。Skallagrim，Baresarkandoutlawasthouart，Itaketheeatthyword。Henceforth，wearemasterandmanandwewilldomanyadeedsidebyside，andintokenofitIlengthenthynameandcalltheeSkallagrimLambstail。
Now，ifthouhastit，givemefoodanddrink，forIamfaintfromthathugofthine，oldbear。”
VIII
HOWOSPAKARBLACKTOOTHFOUNDERICBRIGHTEYESAND
SKALLAGRIMLAMBSTAILONHORSE-HEADHEIGHTS
NowSkallagrimledErictohiscaveandfedthefireandgavehimfleshtoeatandaletodrink。WhenhehadeatenhisfillEriclookedattheBaresark。Hehadblackhairstreakedwithgreythathungdownuponhisshoulders。Hisnosewashookedlikeaneagle’sbeak，hisbeardwaswildandhissunkeneyeswerekeenasahawk’s。Hewassomewhatbentandnotovertall，butofamightymake，forhisshouldersmustpassmanyadoorsideways。
“Thouartagreatman。”saidEric，“anditissomethingtohaveovercomethee。NowtellmewhatturnedtheeBaresark。”
“Ashamefuldeedthatwasdoneagainstme，lord。TenyearsagoIwasayeomanofsmallwealthinthenorth。Ihadbutonegoodthing，andthatwasthefairesthousewifeinthoseparts——Thorunnabyname——andI
lovedhermuch，butwehadnochildren。Now，notfarfrommysteadisaplacecalledSwinefell，andtheredwellsamightychiefnamedOspakarBlacktooth；heisanevilmanandstrong——“
EricstartedatthenameandthenbadeSkallagrimtakeupthetale。
“ItchancedthatOspakarsawmywifeThorunnaandwouldtakeher，butatfirstshedidnotlisten。Thenhepromisedherwealthandallgoodthings，andshewaswearyofourhardwayoflifeandhearkened。
Still，shewouldnotgoawayopenly，forthathadbroughtshameonher，butplottedwithOspakarthatheshouldcomeandtakeherasthoughbyforce。Soitcameabout，asIlayheavilyasleeponenightatThorunna’sside，havingdrunksomewhattoodeeplyoftheautumnale，thatarmedmenseizedme，boundme，andhaledmefrommybed。
Therewereeightofthem，andwiththemwasOspakar。ThenBlacktoothbidThorunnarise，clotheherselfandcometobehisMay，andshemadepretencetoweepatthis，butfelltoitreadilyenough。Nowsheboundhergirdleroundherandtoitaknifehung。
“’Killthyself，sweet，’Icried：’deathisbetterthanshame。’
“’Notso，husband，’sheanswered。’ItistruethatIlovebutthee；
yetawomanmayfindanotherlove，butnotanotherlife，’andIsawherlaughthroughhermocktears。NowOspakarrodeinhothasteawaytoSwinefellandwithhimwentThorunna，buthismenstayedawhileanddrankmyale，and，astheydrank，theymockedmewhowasboundbeforethem，andlittlebylittleallthetruthwastoldofthedoingsofOspakarandThorunnamyhousewife，andIlearnedthatitwasshewhohadplannedthissport。ThenmyeyesgrewdarkandIdrewneartodeathfromveryshameandbitterness。Butofasuddensomethingleapedupinmyheart，fireragedbeforemyeyesandvoicesinmyearscalledontowarandvengeance。IwasBaresark——andlikehaybandsIburstmycords。Myaxehungonthewainscot。Isnatcheditthence，andofwhatbefellIknowthisalone，that，whenthemadnesspassed，eightmenlaystretchedoutbeforeme，andalltheplacewasbutagoreofblood。
“’ThenIdrewthedeadtogetherandpileddrinkingtablesoverthem，andbenches，andturf，andanythingelsethatwouldburn，andputcod’soilonthepile，andfiredthesteadabovethem，sothatthetalewentabroadthatallthesemenwereburnedintheircups，andI
withthem。
“’ButItookthenameofSkallagrimandsworeanoathagainstallmen，ay，andwomentoo，andawayIwenttothewood-folkandworkedmuchmischief，forIsparedfew，andsoontoMosfell。HereIhavestayedthesefiveyears，awaitingthetimewhenIshallfindOspakarandThorunnatheharlot，andIhavefoughtmanymen，but，tillthoucamestupagainstme，nonecouldstandbeforemymight。”
“Astrangetale，truly。”saidEric；“butnowhearkenthoutoastranger，forofatruthitseemsthatwehavenotcometogetherbychance。”andhetoldhimofGudrudaandthewrestlingandoftheoverthrowofBlacktooth，andshowedhimWhitefirewhichhewonoutofthehandofOspakar。
Skallagrimlistenedandlaughedaloud。“Surely。”hesaid，“thisistheworkoftheNorns。See，lord，thouandIwillyetsmitethisOspakar。
Hehastakenmywifeandhewouldtakethybetrothed。Letitbe！Letitbe！Ah，wouldthatIhadbeentheretoseethewrestling——Ospakarhadneverrisenfromhissnow-bed。Butthereistimelefttous，andI
shallyetseehisheadrollalongthedust。ThouhasthisgoodlyswordandwithitthoushaltsweepBlacktooth’sheadfromhisshoulders——orperchancethatshallbemylot。”andwiththisSkallagrimsprangup，gnashinghisteethandclutchingattheair。
“Peace。”saidEric。“Blacktoothisnothere。Savethyrageuntilitcanrunalongthyswordandstrikehim。”
“Nay，nothere，noryetsofaroff，lord。Hearken：IknowthisOspakar。IfhehasseteyesoflongingonGudruda，Asmund’sdaughter，hewillnotrestonehourtillhehaveherorisslain；andifhehasseteyesofhateonthee——thentakeheedtothygoingandspydowneverypathbeforethyfeettreadit。SoonshallthemattercomeonforjudgmentandevennowOdin’sValkyries[*]choosetheirown。”
[*]The“corse-choosingsisters“whowerebiddenbyOdintosingleoutthosewarriorswhosehourhadcometodieinbattleandwinValhalla。
“Itiswell，then。”saidEric。
“Yea，lord，itiswell，forwetwohavelittletofearfromanysixmen，ifsobethattheyfallonusinfairfight。ButIdonotaltogetherlikethytale。Toomanywomenaremixedupinit，andwomenstabintheback。Amanmaydealwithswordsaloft，butnotwithtricks，andlies，andfalsewomen’switchery。Itwasawomanwhogreasedthywrestlingsoles；mayhapitwillbeawomanthatbindsonthyHell-shoeswhenallisdone——ay！andwhomakesthemreadyforthyfeet。”
“Ofwomen，asofmen。”answeredEric，“thereisthistobesaid，thatsomearegoodandsomeevil。”
“Yes，lord，andthisalso，thattheevilonesplottheilloftheirevil，butthegooddoitoftheirblindfoolishness。Forswearwomenandsoshaltthoulivehappyanddieinhonour——cherishthemandliveinwretchednessanddieanoutcast。”
“Thytalkisfoolish。”saidEric。“Birdsmusttotheair，theseatotheshore，andmanmusttowoman。Asthingsaresoletthembe，fortheywillsoonseemasthoughtheyhadneverbeen。Ihadratherkissmydearanddie，ifsoitpleasesmetodo，thankisshernotandlive，foratthelasttheendwillbeoneend，andkissesaresweet！“
“Thatisagoodsaying。”saidSkallagrim，andtheyfellasleepsidebysideandErichadnofear。
Nowtheyawokeandthelightwasalreadyfull，fortheywerewearyandtheirsleephadbeenheavy。
HardbythemouthofthecaveisalittlewellofwaterthatgatherstherefromtherocksaboveandinthisEricwashedhimself。ThenSkallagrimshowedhimthecaveandthegoodlystoreofarmsthathehadwonfromthosewhomhehadslainandrobbed。
“Awondrousplace，truly。”saidEric，“andwellfittedtotheusesofsuchachapman[*]asthouart；but，say，howdidstthoufindit？“
[*]Merchant。
“Ifollowedhimwhowasherebeforemeandgavehimchoice——togo，ortofightforthestronghold。Butheneedsmustfightandthatwashisbane，forIslewhim。”
“Whowasthat，then。”askedEric，“whoseheadliesyonder？“
“Acave-dweller，lord，whomItooktomebecauseofthelonesomenessofthewintertide。Hewasanevilman，forthoughitisgoodtobeBaresarkfromtimetotime，yettodwellwithonewhoisalwaysBaresarkisnotgood，andthoudidstaneedfuldeedinsmitinghisheadfromhim——andnowletitgotofinditstrunk。”andherolleditovertheedgeofthegreatrift。
“Knowestthou，Skallagrim，thatthisheadspoketomeafterithadlefttheman’sshoulders，sayingthatwhereitsbodyfellthereI
shouldfall，andwhereitlaythereIshouldliealso？“
“Then，lord，thatislikelytobethydoom，forthismanwasforesighted，and，butthenightbeforelast，aswerodeouttoseeksheep，hefelthishead，andsaidthat，beforethesunsankagain，ahundredfathomsofairshouldlinkittohisshoulders。”
“Itmaybeso。”answeredEric。“IthoughtasIlayinthygripyonderthatthefatewasnear。Andnowarmthyself，andtakesuchgoodsasthouneedest，andletushence，forthatthrallofminewhowaitsmeyonderwillthinkthouhastbeentoomightyforme。”
Skallagrimwenttotheedgeoftheriftandsearchedtheplainwithhishawkeyes。
“Noneedtohasten，lord。”hesaid。“Seeyonderridesthythrallacrosstheblacksand，andwithhimgoesthyhorse。Surelyhethoughtthoucamestnomoredownthepathbywhichthouwentestup，anditisnotthrall’sworktoseekSkallagriminhislairandaskfortidings。”
“Wolvestakehimforafool！“saidEricinanger。“HewillridetoMiddalhofandsingmydeath-song，andthatwillsoundsadlyinsomeears。”
“Itispleasant，lord。”saidSkallagrim，“whengoodtidingsdogtheheelsofbad，andwomenfolkcansparesometearsandbelittlepoorer。
IhavehorsesinasecretdellthatIwillshowthee，andonthemwewillridehencetoMiddalhof——andtherethoumustclaimpeaceforme。”
“Itiswell。”saidEric；“nowarmthyself，forifthougoestwithmethoumustmakeanendofthyBaresarkways，orkeepthemforthehourofbattle。”
“Iwilldothybidding，lord。”saidSkallagrim。Thenheenteredthecaveandsetaplainblacksteelhelmuponhisblacklocks，andablackchainbyrnieabouthisbreast。Hetookthegreataxe-headalsoandfittedtoitthehalfofanotheraxethatlayamongtheweapons。
Thenhedrewoutapurseofmoneyandastoreofgoldenrings，andsettheminabagofotterskin，andbuckleditabouthim。Buttheothergoodshewrappedupinskinsandhidbehindsomestoneswhichwereatthebottomofthecave——purposingtocomeanothertimeandfetchthem。
ThentheywentforthbythatsameperilouspathwhichErichadtrod，andSkallagrimshowedhimhowhemightpasstherockinsafety。
“Aroughroadthis。”saidEricashegainedthedeepcleft。
“Yea，lord，and，tillthoucamest，onethatnonebutwood-folkhavetrodden。”
“Iwouldtreaditnomore。”saidEricagain，“andyetthatfellowthiefofthinesaidthatIshoulddiehere。”andforawhilehisheartwasheavy。
NowSkallagrimLambstailledhimbysecretpathstoadellrichingrass，thatishidintheroundofthemountain，andherethreegoodhorseswereatfeed。Then，goingtoacertainrock，hebroughtoutbitsandsaddles，andtheycaughtthehorses，and，mountingthem，rodeawayfromMosfell。
NowEricandhishenchmanSkallagrimtheBaresarkrodefourhoursandsawnobody，tillatlengththeycametothebrowofahillthatisnamedHorse-HeadHeights，and，crossingit，foundthemselvesalmostinthemidstofascoreofarmedmenwhowereabouttomounttheirhorses。
“Nowwehavecompany。”saidSkallagrim。
“Yes，andbadcompany。”answeredEric，“foryonderIspyOspakarBlacktooth，andGizurandMordhissons，ayandothers。Down，andbacktoback，fortheywillshowuslittlegentleness。”
Thentheysprangtoearthandtooktheirstanduponamoundofrisingground——andthemenrodetowardsthem。
“Ishallsoonknowwhatthyfellowshipisworth。”saidEric。
“Fearnot，lord。”answeredSkallagrim。“HoldthouthyheadandIwillholdthyback。Wearemetinagoodhour。”
“Goodorill，itislikelytobeashortone。Hearkenthou：ifthoumustturnBaresarkwhenswordsbegintoflash，attheleaststandandbeBaresarkwherethouart，forifthourushestonthefoe，mybackwillbenakedandImustsoonbesped。”
“Itshallbeasthousayest，lord。”
Nowmenroderoundthem，butatfirsttheydidnotknowEric，becauseofthegoldenhelmthathidhisfaceinshadow。
“Whoareye？“calledOspakar。
“Ithinkthatthoushouldstknowme，Blacktooth。”Ericanswered，“forIsettheeheelsupinthesnowbutlately——or，attheleast，thouwiltknowthis。”andhedrewgreatWhitefire。
“Thoumayestknowmealso，Ospakar。”criedtheBaresark。“Skallagrim，mencalledme，Lambstail，EricBrighteyescallsme，butoncethoudidstcallmeOunound。Say，lord，whattidingsofThorunna？“
NowOspakarshookhissword，laughing。“Icameouttoseekonefoe，andIhavefoundtwo。”hecried。“Hearken，Eric：whenthouartslainI
gohencetoburnandkillatMiddalhof。ShallIbearthyheadaskeepsakefromtheetoGudruda？Forthee，Ounound，Ithoughttheedead；
but，beingyetalive，Thorunna，mysweetlove，sendstheethis。”andhehurledaspearathimwithallhismight。
ButSkallagrimcatchesthespearasitfliesandhurlsitback。ItstrikesrightontheshieldofOspakarandpiercesit，ayandthebyrnie，andtheshoulderthatisbeneaththebyrnie，sothatBlacktoothwasmadeunmeetforfight，andhowledwithpainandrage。
“Go，bidThorunnadrawthatsplinterforth。”saysSkallagrim，“andhealtheholewithkisses。”
NowOspakar，writhingwithhishurt，shoutstohismentoslaythetwoofthem，andthenthefightbegins。
OnerushesatEricandsmitesathimwithanaxe。Theblowfallsonhisshield，andshearsoffthesideofit，thenstrikesthebyrniebeneath，butlightly。InanswerEricsweepslowathimwithWhitefire，andcutshislegfromunderhimbetweenkneeandthigh，andhefallsanddies。
Anotherrushesin。DownflashesWhitefirebeforehecansmite，andthecarle’sshieldiscloventhrough。Thenhechoosestodrawbackandfightsnomorethatday。
Skallagrimslaysaman，andwoundsanothersore。AtallchiefwitharedscaronhisfacecomesatBrighteyes。TwicehefeintsattheheadwhileEricwatches，thenlowerstheswordbeneaththecoverofhisshield，andsweepssuddenlyatEric’slegs。Brighteyesleapshighintotheair，smitingdownwardwithWhitefireasheleaps，andpresentlythatchiefisdead，shornthroughshouldertobreast。
NowSkallagrimslaysanotherman，andgrowsBaresark。Helookssofiercethatmenfallbackfromhim。
TworushonEric，onefromeitherside。Theswordofhimontherightfallsonhisshieldandsinksin，butBrighteyestwiststheshornshieldsostronglythattheswordiswrenchedfromthesmiter’shand。
Nowtheotherswordisaloftabovehim，andthathadbeenEric’sbane，butSkallagrimglancesroundandseesitabouttofall。Hehasnotimetoturn，butdashesthehammerofhisaxebackward。Itfallsfullontheswordsman’shead，andtheheadisshattered。
“Thatwaswelldone。”saysEricastheswordgoesdown。
“Notsoillbutitmightbeworse。”growlsSkallagrim。
Presentlyallmendrewbackfromthosetwo，fortheyhavehadenoughofWhitefireandtheBaresark’saxe。
Ospakarsitsonhishorse，hisshieldpinnedtohisshoulderandcursesaloud。
“Closein，youcowards！“heyells，“closeinandcutthemdown！“butnomanstirs。
ThenEricmocksthem。“Therearebuttwoofus。”hesays，“willnomantryagamewithme？Letitnotbesungthattwentywereovercomeoftwo。”
NowOspakar’ssonMordhears，andhegrowsmadwithrage。Heholdshisshieldaloftandrusheson。ButGizurtheLawmandoesnotcome，forGizurwasacoward。
SkallagrimturnstomeetMord，butEricsays：——
“Thisoneforme，comrade。”andstepsforward。
Mordstrikesamightyblow。Eric’sshieldisallshatteredandcannotstayit。Itcrashesthroughandfallsfullonthegoldenhelm，beatingBrighteyestohisknee。Nowheisupagainandblowsfallthickandfast。Mordisastrongman，unwearied，andskilledinwar，andEric’sarmsgrowfaintandhisstrengthsinkslow。Mordsmitesagainandwoundshimsomewhatontheshoulder。
Ericthrowsasidehisclovenshieldand，shouting，pliesWhitefirewithbotharms。Mordgivesbeforehim，thenrushesandsmites；Ericleapsaside。Againherushesandlo！Brighteyeshasdroppedhispoint，anditstandsafullspanthroughthebackofMord，andinstantlythatwashisbane。
Nowmenrushtotheirhorses，mountinhothasteandrideaway，cryingthatthesearetrollswhomtheyhavetodowithhere，notmen。
Skallagrimsees，andtheBaresarkfittakeshimsore。Withaxealofthechargesafterthem，screamingashecomes。Thereisoneman，thesamewhomhehadwounded。Hecannotmounteasily，andwhentheBaresarkcomeshestillliesontheneckofhishorse。Thegreataxewheelsonhighandfalls，anditistoldofthisstrokethatitwassomightythatmanandhorsesankdeadbeneathit，cloventhroughandthrough。ThenthefitleavesSkallagrimandhewalksback，andtheyarealonewiththedeadanddying。
EricleansonWhitefireandspeaks：
“Gettheegone，SkallagrimLambstail！“hesaid；“gettheegone！“
“Itshallbeasthouwilt，lord。”answeredtheBaresark；“butIhavenotbefriendedtheesoillthatthoushouldstfearforblowstocome。”
“Iwillkeepnomanwithmewhoputsmywordaside，Skallagrim。WhatdidIbidthee？WasitnotthatthoushouldsthavedonewiththeBaresarkways，andwherethoustoodesttherethoushouldstbide？andsee：thoudidstforgetmywordswiftly！Nowgettheegone！“
“Itistrue，lord。”hesaid。“Hewhoservesmustservewholly。”andSkallagrimturnedtoseekhishorse。
“Stay。”saidEric；“thouartagallantmanandIforgivethee：butcrossmywillnomore。WehaveslainseveralmenandOspakargoeshencewounded。Wehavegothonour，andtheylossandthegreatestshame。Nevertheless，illshallcomeofthistome，forOspakarhasmanyfriendsandwillsetalaw-suitonfootagainstmeattheAlthing，[*]andthoudidstdrawthefirstblood。”
[*]Theannualassemblyoffreemenwhich，inIceland，performedthefunctionsofaParliamentandSupremeCourtofLaw。
“Wouldthatthespearhadgonemorehome。”saidSkallagrim。
“Ospakar’stimeisnotyet。”answeredEric；“still，hehassomethingbywhichtobearusinmind。”
IX
HOWSWANHILDDEALTWITHGUDRUDA
NowJon，Eric’sthrall，watchedallnightonMosfell，butsawnothingexceptthelightofWhitefireasitsmotetheBaresark’sheadfromhisshoulders。Hestayedtheretilldaylight，muchafraid；then，makingsurethatEricwasslain，JonrodehardandfastforMiddalhof，whitherhecameatevening。
Gudrudawaswatchingbythewomen’sdoor。ShestrainedhereyestowardsMosfelltocatchthelightgleamingonEric’sgoldenhelm，andpresentlyitgleamedindeed，whitenotred。
“See。”saidSwanhildatherside，“Ericcomes！“
“NotEric，buthisthrall。”answeredGudruda，“totellusthatEricissped。”
TheywaitedinsilencewhileJongallopedtowardsthem。
“WhatnewsofBrighteyes？“criedSwanhild。
“Littleneedtoask。”saidGudruda，“lookathisface。”
NowJontoldhistaleandGudrudalistened，clingingtothedoorpost。
ButSwanhildcursedhimforacoward，sothatheshrankbeforehereyes。
Gudrudaturnedandwalkedintothehallandherfacewaslikethefaceofdeath。Mensawher，andAsmundaskedwhysheworesostrangeamien。ThenGudrudasangthissong：
“UptoMosfell，battleeager，RodehelmedBrighteyentothefray。
BackfromMosfell，battleshunning。
SlunkyoncowardthrallIween。
NowshallmaidGudrudaneverKnowahusband’sdearembrace；
Widowedisshe——sunkinsorrow，ErictreadsValhalla’shalls！“
Andwiththisshewalkedfromthestead，lookingneithertotherightnortotheleft。
“Letthemaidbe。”saidAtlitheEarl。“Grieffaresbestalone。ButmyheartissoreforEric。ItshouldgoillwiththatBaresarkifImightgetagripofhim。”
“ThatIwillhavebeforesummerisgone。”saidAsmund，forthedeathofEricseemedtohimtheworstofsorrows。
Gudrudawalkedfar，and，crossingLaxàbythesteppingstones，climbedStonefelltillshecametotheheadofGoldenFalls，for，likeastrickenthing，shedesiredtobealoneinhergrief。ButSwanhildsawherandfollowed，comingonherasshesatwatchingthewaterthunderdownthemightycleft。PresentlySwanhild’sshadowfellathwarther，andGudrudalookedup。
“Whatwouldstthouwithme，Swanhild？“sheasked。“Artthoucometomockmygrief？“
“Nay，foster-sister，forthenImustmockmyown。Icometomixmytearswiththine。See，welovedEric，thouandI，andEricisdead。
Letourhatebeburiedinhisgrave，whenceneithermaydrawhimback。”
Gudrudalookeduponhercoldly，fornothingcouldstirhernow。
“Gettheegone。”shesaid。“Weepthineowntearsandleavemetoweepmine。NotwiththeewillImournEric。”
Swanhildfrownedandbitherlip。“Iwillnotcometotheewithwordsofpeaceasecondtime，myrival。”shesaid。“Ericisdead，butmyhatethatwasbornofEric’slovefortheelivesonandgrows，anditsflowershallbethydeath，Gudruda！“
“NowthatBrighteyesisdead，Iwouldfainfollowonhispath：so，ifthoulistest，throwthegateswide。”Gudrudaanswered，andheededhernomore。
Swanhildwent，butnotfar。Onthefurthersideofaknollofgrasssheflungherselftoearthandgrievedasherfierceheartmight。Sheshednotears，butsatsilently，lookingwithemptyeyesadownthepast，andonwardtothefuture，andfindingnogoodtherein。
ButGudrudaweptastheweightofherlosspressedinuponher——weptheavysilenttearsandcriedinherhearttoEricwhowasgone——criedtodeathtocomeuponherandbringhersleeporEric。
Soshesatandsoshegrievedtill，quiteoutwornwithsorrow，sleepstoleuponherandshedreamed。GudrudadreamedthatshewasdeadandthatshesatnightothegoldendoorthatisinOdin’shouseatValhalla，bywhichthewarriorspassandrepassforever。Thereshesatfromagetoage，listeningtothethunderoftenthousandthousandtrampingfeet，andwatchingthefiercefacesofthechosenastheymarchedoutinarmiestodobattleinthemeads。Andasshesat，atlengthaone-eyedman，cladingleaminggarments，drewnearandspoketoher。Hewasglorioustolookon，andold，andsheknewhimforOdintheAllfather。
“Whomseekestthou，maidGudruda？“heasked，andthevoicehespokewithwasthevoiceofwaters。
“IseekEricBrighteyes。”sheanswered，“whopassedhitherathousandyearsago，andforloveofwhomIamheart-broken。”
“EricBrighteyes，Thorgrimur’sson？“quothOdin。“Iknowhimwell；nobriskerwarriorentersatValhalla’sdoors，andnoneshalldomoreserviceatthecomingofgreywolfFenrir。[*]PassonandleavehimtohisgloryandhisGod。”
[*]ThefoedestinedtobringdestructionontheNorsegods。
Then，inherdream，sheweptsore，andprayedofOdinbythenameofFreyathathewouldgiveErictoherforalittlespace。
“Whatwiltthoupay，then，maidGudruda？“saidOdin。
“Mylife。”sheanswered。
“Good。”hesaid；“foranightEricshallbethine。Thendie，andletthydeathbehiscauseofdeath。”AndOdinsangthissong：
“Now，corse-choosingDaughters，hearkenTothedreadAllfather’sword：
Whenthegaleofspears’breathgathersCountnotEricmidsttheslain，TillBrighteyenoncehathslumbered，Wedded，atGudruda’sside——
Then，Maidens，screamyourbattlecall；
Whelmedwithfoes，letEricfall！“
AndGudrudaawoke，butinherearsthemightywatersstillseemedtospeakwithOdin’svoice，saying：
“Then，Maidens，screamyourbattlecall；
Whelmedwithfoes，letEricfall！“
Sheawokefromthatfeysleep，andlookedupwards，andlo！beforeher，withshatteredshieldandallbesmearedwithwar’sredrain，stoodgold-helmedEric。Therehestood，greatandbeautifultosee，andshelookedonhimtremblingandamazed。
“Isitindeedthou，Eric，orisityetmydream？“shesaid。
“Iamnodream，surely。”saidEric；“butwhylookestthouthusonme，Gudruda？“
Sheroseslowly。“Methought。”shesaid，“methoughtthatthouwastdeadatthehandofSkallagrim。”Andwithagreatcryshefellintohisarmsandlaytheresobbing。
ItwasasweetsightthustoseeGudrudatheFair，herheadofgoldpillowedonEric’swar-stainedbyrnie，herdarkeyesafloatwithtearsofjoy；butnotsothoughtSwanhild，watching。Sheshookinjealousrage，thencreptaway，andhidherselfwhereshecouldseenomore，lestsheshouldbesmittenwithmadness。
“Whencecamestthou？ah！whencecamestthou？“saidGudruda。“Ithoughttheedead，mylove；butnowIdreamedthatIprayedOdin，andhesparedtheetomeforalittle。”
“Well，andthathehath，thoughhardly。”andhetoldherallthathadhappened，andhow，asherodewithSkallagrim，whoyetsatyonderonhishorse，hecaughtsightofawomanseatedonthegrassandknewthecolourofthecloak。
ThenGudrudakissedhimforveryjoy，andtheywerehappyeachwitheach——forofallthingsthataresweetonearth，thereisnothingmoresweetthatthis：tofindhimweloved，andthoughtdeadandcold，aliveandatourside。
Andsotheytalkedandwereverygladwiththegladnessofyouthandlove，tillEricsaidhemustontoMiddalhofbeforethelightfailed，forhecouldnotcomeonhorsebackthewaythatGudrudatook，butmustrideroundtheshoulderofthehill；and，moreover，hewasspentwithtoilandhunger，andSkallagrimgrewwearyofwaiting。
“Go！“saidGudruda；“Iwillbetherepresently！“
Sohekissedherandwent，andSwanhildsawthekissandsawhimgo。
“Well，lord。”saidSkallagrim，“hastthouhadthyfillofkissing？“
“Notaltogether。”answeredEric。
Theyrodeawhileinsilence。
“Ithoughtthemaidseemedveryfair！“saidSkallagrim。
“Therearewomenlessfavoured，Skallagrim。”
“Richbaitformightyfish！“saidSkallagrim。“ThisItellthee：that，striveasthoumayestagainstthyfate，thatmaidwillbethybaneandminealso。”
“Thingsforedoomedwillhappen。”saidEric；“butifthoufearestamaid，thecureiseasy：departfrommycompany。”
“Whowastheother？“askedtheBaresark——“shewhocreptandpeered，listened，thencreptbackagain，hidherfaceinherhands，andtalkedwithagreywolfthatcametoherlikeadog？“
“ThatmusthavebeenSwanhild。”saidEric，“butIdidnotseeher。
Everdoesshehidelikearatinthethatch，andasforthewolf，hemustbeherFamiliar；for，likeGroa，hermother，Swanhildplaysmuchwithwitchcraft。NowIwillawaybacktoGudruda，formyheartmisdoubtsmeofthismatter。StaythouheretillIcome，Lambstail！“
AndEricturnsandgallopsbacktotheheadofGoldfoss。
WhenEriclefther，Gudrudadrewyetnearertotheedgeofthemightyfalls，andseatedherselfontheirverybrink。Herbreastwasfullofjoy，andthereshesatandletthesplendourofthenightandthegreatnessoftherushingsoundssinkintoherheart。Yondershonethesettingsun，poised，asitwere，onWestman’sdistantpeaks，andherespedthewaters，andbythatpathErichadcomebacktoher。Yea，andthereonSheep-saddlewastheroadthathehadtroddownGoldfoss；andbutnowhehadslainoneBaresarkandwonanothertobehisthrall，andtheytwoalonehadsmittenthecompanyofOspakar，andcomethencewithhonourandbutlittleharmed。SurelynosuchmanasErichadeverlived——nonesofairandstrongandtender；andshewasrighthappyinhislove！Shestretchedoutherarmstowardshimwhombutanhourgoneshehadthoughtdead，butwhohadlivedtocomebacktoherwithhonour，andblessedhisbelovedname，andlaughedaloudinherjoyousnessofheart，calling：
“/Eric！Eric！/“
ButSwanhild，creepingbehindher，didnotlaugh。SheheardGudruda’svoiceandguessedGudruda’sgladness，andjealousyarosewithinherandrenther。Shouldthisfairrivalliketotakeherjoyfromher？
“/GreyWolf，GreyWolf！whatsayestthou？/“
See，now，ifGudrudaweregone，ifsherolledacorpseintothoseboilingwaters，Ericmightyetbehers；or，ifhewasnothers，yetGudruda’shecouldneverbe。
“/GreyWolf，GreyWolf！whatisthycounsel？/“
RightonthebrinkofthegreatgulfsatGudruda。Onestrokeandallwouldbeended。Erichadgone；therewasnoeyetosee——nonesavetheGreyWolf’s；therewasnotonguetotellthedeedthatmightbedone。
Whocouldcallhertoaccount？TheGods！WhoweretheGods？WhatweretheGods？Weretheynotdreams？TherewerenoGodssavetheGodsofEvil——theGodssheknewandcommunedwith。
“/GreyWolf，GreyWolf！whatisthyrede？/“
TheresatGudruda，laughinginthetriumphofherjoy，withthesunset-glowshiningonherbeauty，andthere，behindher，Swanhildcrept——creptlikeafoxuponhissleepingprey。
Nowsheisthere——
“/Ihearthee，GreyWolf！Backtomybreast，GreyWolf！/“
SurelyGudrudaheardsomething？Shehalfturnedherhead，thenagainfelltocallingaloudtothewaters：
“Eric！belovedEric！——ah！isthereeveralightlikethelightofthineeyes——isthereeverajoylikethejoyofthykiss？“
Swanhildheard，andherspringsofmercyfroze。Hateandfuryenteredintoher。Sheroseuponherkneesandgatheredupherstrength：
“Seek，then，thyjoyinGoldfoss。”shecriedaloud，andwithallherforceshethrust。
Gudrudafellafathomormore，then，withacry，sheclutchedwildlyatalittleledgeofrock，andhungthere，herfeetrestingontheshelvingbank。ThirtyfathomsdownswirledandpouredandrolledthewatersoftheGoldenFalls。Afathomabove，redintheredlightofevening，loweredthepitilessfaceofSwanhild。Gudrudalookedbeneathherandsaw。Palewithagonyshelookedupandsaw，butshesaidnaught。
“Letgo，myrival；letgo！“criedSwanhild：“thereisnonetohelpthee，andnonetotellthytale。Letgo，Isay，andseekthymarriage-
bedinGoldfoss！“
ButGudrudaclungonandgazedupwardswithwhitefaceandpiteouseyes。
“What！artthousofainofamoment’slife？“saidSwanhild。“ThenI
willsavetheefromthyself，foritmustbeilltosufferthus！“andsherantoseekarock。Nowshefindsoneand，staggeringbeneathitsweighttothebrinkofthegulf，peersover。StillGudrudahangs。
Spaceyawnsbeneathher，thewatersroarinherears，theredskyglowsabove。SheseesSwanhildcomeandshrieksaloud。
Ericisthere，thoughSwanhildhearshimnot，forthesoundofhishorse’sgallopingfeetislostintheroarofwaters。Butthatcrycomestohisears，heseesthepoisedrock，andallgrowscleartohim。Heleapsfromhishorse，andevenassheloosesthestone，clutchesSwanhild’skirtleandhurlsherback。Therockboundssidewaysandpresentlyislostinthewaters。
Ericlooksover。HeseesGudruda’swhitefacegleaminginthegloom。
Downheleapsupontheledge，thoughthisisnoeasything。
“Holdfast！Icome；holdfast！“hecries。
“Icannomore。”gaspsGudruda，andonehandslips。
Ericgraspstherockand，stretchingdownward，gripsherwrist；justasherholdloosenshegripsit，andsheswingsloose，herweighthangingonhisarm。
Nowhemustneedsliftherupandthatwithonehand，fortheledgeisnarrowandhedarenotloosehisholdoftherockabove。Sheswingsoverthegreatgulfandsheissenselessasonedead。Hegathersallhismightystrengthandlifts。Hisfeetslipalittle，thencatch，andoncemoreGudrudaswings。Thesweatburstsoutuponhisforeheadandhisblooddrumsthroughhim。Nowitmustbe，ornotatall。Againheliftsandhismusclesstrainandcrack，andsheliesbesidehimonthenarrowledge！
Allisnotyetdone。Thebrinkofthecleftistheheightofamanabovehim。Therehemustlayher，forhemaynotleavehertofindaid，lestsheshouldwakeandrollintothechasm。Loosinghisholdofthecliff，heturns，facingtherock，and，bendingoverGudruda，twistshishandsinherkirtlebelowthebreastandabovetheknee。
ThenoncemoreEricputsouthismightanddrawsheruptothelevelofhisbreast，andrests。Againwithallhisforceheliftsherabovethecrestofhishelmandthrowsherforward，sothatnowsheliesuponthebrinkofthegreatcliff。Healmostfallsbackwardattheeffort，but，clutchingtherock，hesaveshimself，andwithastrugglegainsherside，andliesthere，pantinglikeaweariedhoundofchase。
Ofalltrialsofstrengththateverwereputuponhismight，Ericwaswonttosay，thisliftingofGudrudawasthegreatest；forshewasnolightwoman，andtherewaslittletostandonandalmostnothingtoclingto。
PresentlyBrighteyesroseandpeeredatGudrudathroughthegloom。Shestillswooned。Thenhegazedabouthim——butSwanhild，thewitchgirl，wasgone。
ThenhetookGudrudainhisarms，and，leadingthehorse，stumbledthroughthedarkness，callingonSkallagrim。TheBaresarkanswered，andpresentlyhislargeformwasseenloominginthegloom。
Erictoldhistaleinfewwords。
“Thewaysofwomankindareevil。”saidSkallagrim；“butofallthedeedsthatIhaveknowndoneattheirhands，thisistheworst。Ithadbeenwelltohurlthewolf-witchfromthecliff。”
“Ay，well。”saidEric；“butthatsongmustyetbesung。”
NowdimlylightedoftherisingmoonbyturnstheyboreGudrudadownthemountainside，tillatlength，utterlyfordone，theysawthefiresofMiddalhof。
X
HOWASMUNDSPOKEWITHSWANHILD
Nowasthedayswent，thoughAtli’sshipwasboundforsea，shedidnotsail，anditcameaboutthattheEarlsankeverdeeperinthetoilsofSwanhild。Hecalledtomindmanywisesaws，buttheseavailedhimlittle：forwhenLoveriseslikethesun，wisdommeltslikethemists。Soatlengthitcametothis，thatonthedayofEric’scomingback，AtliwenttoAsmundthePriest，andaskedhimforthehandofSwanhildtheFatherlessinmarriage。Asmundheardandwasglad，forheknewwellthatthingswentbadlybetweenSwanhildandGudruda，anditseemedgoodtohimthatseasshouldbesetbetweenthem。Nevertheless，hethoughtithonesttowarntheEarlthatSwanhildwasapartfromotherwomen。
“Thoudostgreathonour，earl，tomyfoster-daughterandmyhouse。”hesaid。“Still，itbehovesmetomovegentlyinthismatter。Swanhildisfair，andsheshallnotgohenceawifeundowered。ButImusttelltheethis：thatherwaysaredarkandsecret，andstrangeandfieryarehermoods，andIthinkthatshewillbringevilonthemanwhowedsher。Now，Ilovethee，Atli，wereitonlyforouryouth’ssake，andthouartnotaltogetherfittomatewithsuchamaid，foragehasmettheeonthyway。For，asthouwouldstsay，youthdrawstoyouthasthetidetotheshore，andfallsawayfromeldasthewavefromtherock。Think，then：isitwellthatthoushouldsttakeher，Atli？“
“Ihavethoughtmuchandovermuch。”answeredtheEarl，strokinghisgreybeard；“butshipsoldandnewdrivebeforeagale。”
“Ay，Atli，andthenewshiprides，wheretheoldonefounders。”
“Atruerede，aheavyrede，Asmund；yetIammindedtosailthissea，and，ifitsinkme——well，Ihaveknownfairweather！Greatlonginghasgotholdofme，andIthinkthemaidlooksgentlyonme，andthatthingsmayyetgowellbetweenus。Ihavemanythingstogivesuchaswomenlove。Attheleast，ifthougivestmethygoodword，Iwillriskit，Asmund：fortheboldthrowersometimeswinsthestake。OnlyIsaythis，that，ifSwanhildisunwilling，lettherebeanendofmywooing，forIdonotwishtotakeabridewhoturnsfrommygreyhairs。”
Asmundsaidthatitshouldbeso，andtheymadeanendoftalkingjustasthelightfaded。
NowAsmundwentoutseekingSwanhild，andpresentlyhemethernearthestead。Hecouldnotseeherface，andthatwaswell，foritwasnotgoodtolookon，buthermienwaswondrouswild。
“Wherehastthoubeen，Swanhild？“heasked。
“MourningEricBrighteyes。”shemadeanswer。
“ItismeeterforGudrudatomournoverEricthanforthee，forherlossisheavy。”Asmundsaidsternly。“WhathastthoutodowithEric？“
“Little，ormuch；orall——readitasthouwilt，foster-father。Still，allweptforarenotlost，norallwhoarelostweptfor。”
“LittledoIknowofthydarkredes。”saidAsmund。“WhereisGudrudanow？“
“Highissheorlow，sleepingorperchanceawakened：naughtreckI。
ShealsomournedforEric，andwewentnightominglingtears——neartogetherwerebrowncurlsandgolden。”andshelaughedaloud。
“Thouartsurelyfey，thouevilgirl！“saidAsmund。
“Ay，foster-father，fey：yetisthisbutthefirstofmyfeydom。HerestartstheroadthatImusttravel，andmyfeetshallberederethejourney’sdone。”
“Leavethydarktalk。”saidAsmund，“fortomeitisasthewind’ssong，andlisten：agoodthinghasbefallenthee——ay，goodbeyondthydeserving。”
“Isitso？Well，Istandgreatlyinneedofgood。Whatisthytidings，foster-father？“
“This：AtlitheEarlaskstheeinmarriage，andheisamightyman，wellhonouredinhisownland，andsethigher，moreover，thanIhadlookedforthee。”
“Ay。”answeredSwanhild，“setlikethesnowabovethefells，setintheyearsthatlongaredead。Nay，foster-father，thiswhite-beardeddotardisnomateforme。What！shallImixmyfirewithhisfrost，mybreathingyouthwiththecreepingpalsyofhisage？Never！IfSwanhildwedsshewedsnotso，foritisbettertogomaidentothegravethanthustoshrinkandwitheratthetouchofeld。NowisAtli’swooingsped，andthere’sanend。”
Asmundheardandgrewwroth，forthematterseemedstrangetohim；noraremaidenswontthustoputasidethewordofthosesetoverthem。
“Thereisnoend。”hesaid；“Iwillnotbeansweredthusbyagirlwholivesuponmybounty。ItismyredethatthouweddestAtli，orelsethougoesthence。Ihavelovedthee，andforthatlove’ssakeIhavebornethywickedness，thydarksecretways，andevilwords；butIwillbecrossednomorebythee，Swanhild。”
“ThouwouldstdrivemehencewithGroamymother，thoughperchancethouhastyetmorereasontoholdmedear，foster-father。Fearnot：I
willgo——perhapsfurtherthanthouthinkest。”andoncemoreSwanhildlaughed，andpassedfromhimintothedarkness。
ButAsmundstoodlookingafterher。“Truly。”hesaidinhisheart，“illdeedsarearrowsthatpiercehimwhoshotthem。Ihavesowedevilly，andnowIreaptheharvest。WhatmeansshewithhertalkofGudrudaandtherest？“
Nowashethought，hesawmenandhorsesdrawnear，andoneman，whosehelmgleamedinthemoonlight，boresomethinginhisarms。
“Whopasses？“hecalled。
“EricBrighteyes，SkallagrimLambstail，andGudruda，Asmund’sdaughter。”answeredavoice；“whoartthou？“
ThenAsmundthePriestsprangforward，mostgladatheart，forheneverthoughttoseeEricagain。
“Welcome，andthricewelcomeartthou，Eric。”hecried；“for，know，wedeemedtheedead。”
“Ihavelatelygoneneartodeath，lord。”saidEric，forheknewthevoice；“butIamhaleandwhole，thoughsomewhatweary。”
“Whathascometopass，then？“askedAsmund，“andwhyholdestthouGudrudainthyarms？Isthemaiddead？“
“Nay，shedoesbutswoon。See，evennowshestirs。”andashespakeGudrudaawoke，shuddering，andwithalittlecrythrewherarmsabouttheneckofEric。
Hesetherdownandcomfortedher，thenoncemoreturnedtoAsmund：
“Threethingshavecomeabout。”hesaid。“First，IhaveslainoneBaresark，andwonanothertobemythrall，andforhimIcravethypeace，forhehasservedmewell。Next，wetwoweresetuponbyOspakarBlacktoothandhisfellowship，and，fightingforourhands，havewoundedOspakar，slainMordhisson，andsixothermenofhisfollowing。”
“Thatisgoodnewsandbad。”saidAsmund，“sinceOspakarwillaskagreatweregild[*]forthesemen，andthouwiltbeoutlawed，Eric。”
[*]Thepenaltyformanslaying。
“Thatmayhappen，lord。Thereistimeenoughtothinkofit。Nowthereareothertidingstotell。ComingtotheheadofGoldfossIfoundGudruda，mybetrothed，mourningmydeath，andspokewithher。
AfterwardsIlefther，andpresentlyreturnedagain，toseeherhangingoverthegulf，andSwanhildhurlingrocksuponhertocrushher。”
“Thesearetidingsintruth。”saidAsmund——“suchtidingsasmyheartfeared！Isthistrue，Gudruda？“
“Itistrue，myfather。”answeredGudruda，trembling。“AsIsatonthebrinkofGoldfoss，Swanhildcreptbehindmeandthrustmeintothegulf。ThereIclungabovethewaters，andshebroughtarocktohurluponme，whensuddenlyIsawEric’sface，andafterthatmymindleftmeandIcantellnomore。”
NowAsmundgrewasonemad。Hepluckedathisbeardandstampedontheground。“Maidthoughshebe。”hecried，“yetshallSwanhild’sbackbebrokenontheStoneofDoomforawitchandamurderess，andherbodyhurledintothepooloffaithlesswomen，andtheearthwillbewellridofher！“
NowGudrudalookedupandsmiled：“Itwouldbeilltowreaksuchavengeanceonher，father。”shesaid；“andthiswouldalsobringthegreatestshameonthee，andallourhouse。Iamsaved，bythemercyoftheGodsandthemightofEric’sarm，andthisismycounsel：thatnothingbetoldofthistale，butthatSwanhildbesentawaywhereshecanharmusnomore。”
“Shemustbesenttothegrave，then。”saidAsmund，andfelltothinking。Presentlyhespokeagain：“Bidyonmanfallback，Iwouldspeakwithyoutwain。”andSkallagrimwentgrumbling。
“Hearkennow，EricandGudruda：onlyanhouragohathAtlitheGoodaskedSwanhildofmeinmarriage。ButnowImetSwanhildhere，andhermienwaswild。Still，Ispokeofthemattertoher，andshewouldhavenoneofit。Now，thisismycounsel：thatchoicebegiventoSwanhild，eitherthatshegohenceAtli’swife，ortakehertrialintheDoom-
ring。”
“ThatwillbebadfortheEarlthen。”saidEric。“Methinksheistoogoodamantobeplayedonthus。”
“/Bairnfirst，thenfriend/。”answeredAsmund。
“NowIwilltelltheesomethingthat，tillthishour，Ihavehiddenfromall，foritismyshame。ThisSwanhildismydaughter，andthereforeIhavelovedherandputawayherevildeeds，andsheishalf-sistertothee，Gudruda。See，then，howsoreismystraight，whomustavengedaughterupondaughter。”
“KnowsthysonBj？rnofthis？“askedEric。
“Noneknewittillthishour，exceptGroaandI。”
“YetIhavefeareditlong，father。”saidGudruda，“andthereforeI
havealsobornewithSwanhild，thoughshehatesmemuchandhasstrivenhardtodrawmybetrothedfromme。Nowthoucanstonlytakeonecounsel，anditis：togivechoicetoSwanhildofthesetwothings，thoughitisunworthythatAtlishouldbedeceived，andatthebestlittlegoodcancomeofit。”
“Yetitmustbedone，forhonourisoftenslainofheavyneed。”saidAsmund。“ButwemustfirstswearthisBaresarkthrallofthine，thoughlittlefaithlivesinBaresark’sbreast。”
NowEriccalledtoSkallagrimandchargedhimstrictlythatheshouldtellnothingofSwanhild，andofthewolfthathesawbyher，andofhowGudrudawasfoundhangingoverthegulf。
“Fearnot。”growledtheBaresark，“mytongueisnowmymaster’s。Whatisittomeifwomendotheirwickednessoneonanother？Letthemworkmagic，hateandslaybystealth，soshallevilbelessenedintheworld。”
“Peace！“saidEric；“ifanythingofthispassesthylipsthouartnolongerathrallofmine，andIgivetheeuptothemenofthyquarter。”
“AndIcleavethatwolf’sheadofthinedowntothyhawk’seyes；but，otherwise，Igivetheepeace，andwillholdtheefromharm，wood-
dwellerasthouart。”saidAsmund。
TheBaresarklaughed：“Myhandswillholdmyheadagainsttensuchmannikinsasthouart，Priest。Therewasneverbutonemanwhomightovercomemeinfairfightandtherehestands，andhisbiddingismylaw。Sowastenowordsandmakenotnidderingthreatsagainstgreaterfolk。”andheslouchedbacktohishorse。
“Amightymanandarough。”saidAsmund，lookingafterhim；“Ilikehislookslittle。”
“Nathelessastronginbattle。”quothEric；“hadhenotbeenatmybacksomesixhoursgone，bynowtheravenshadtornouttheseeyesofmine。Therefore，formysake，bearwithhim。”
Asmundsaiditshouldbeso，andthentheypassedontothestead。