HereEricstrippedoffhisharness，washed，andbounduphiswounds。
Then，followedbySkallagrim，axeinhand，hecameintothehallasmenmadereadytositatmeat。Nowthetaleofthemightydeedsthathehaddone，exceptthatofthesavingofGudruda，hadgoneabroad，andasBrighteyescameallmenroseandwithonevoiceshoutedtilltheroofofthegreathallrocked：
“/Welcome，EricBrighteyes，thougloryofthesouth！/“
OnlyBj？rn，Asmund’sson，bithishand，anddidnotshout，forhehatedEricbecauseofthefamethathehadwon。
Brighteyesstoodstilltilltheclamourdied，thensaid：
“Muchnoiseforlittledeeds，brethren。ItistruethatIoverthrewtheMosfellBaresarks。See，hereisone。”andheturnedtoSkallagrim；
“IstrangledhiminmyarmsonMosfell’sbrink，andthatwassomethingofadeed。Thenhesworefealtytome，andweareblood-brethrennow，andthereforeIaskpeaceforhim，comrades——evenfromthosewhomhehaswrongedorwhosekinhehasslain。Iknowthis，thatwhenthereafterwestoodbacktobackandmetthecompanyofOspakarBlacktooth，whocametoslayus——ay，andAsmundalso，andbearawayGudrudatobehiswife——hewarredrightgallantly，tillsevenoftheirbandlaystiffonHorse-HeadHeights，overthrownofus，andamongthemMord，Blacktooth’sson；andOspakarhimselfwentthencesoresmittenofthisSkallagrim。Therefore，formysake，donoharmtothismanwhowasBaresark，butnowismythrall；and，moreover，IbegtheaidandfriendshipofallmenofthisquarterinthosesuitsthatwillbelaidagainstmeattheAlthingfortheseslayings，whichIherebygiveoutasdonebymyhand，andbythehandofSkallagrimLambstail，theBaresark。”
Atthesewordsallmenshoutedagain；butAtlitheEarlsprangfromthehighseatwhereAsmundhadplacedhim，and，comingtoEric，kissedhim，and，drawingagoldchainfromhisneck，flungitabouttheneckofEric，crying：
“Thouartagloriousman，EricBrighteyes。Ithoughttheworldhadnomoreofsuchabreed。Listentomybidding：comethoutotheearldominOrkneysandbeasontome，andIwillgivetheeallgoodgifts，and，whenIdie，thoushaltsitinmyseatafterme。”
ButEricthoughtofSwanhild，whomustgofromIcelandaswifetoAtli，andanswered：
“Thoudoestmegreathonour，Earl，butthismaynotbe。Wherethefirisplanted，thereitmustgrowandfall。IcelandIlove，andIwillstayhereamongmyownpeopletillIamdrivenaway。”
“Thatmaywellhappen，then。”saidAtli，“forbesureOspakarandhiskinwillnotletthematteroftheseslayingsrest，andIthinkthatitwillnotavailtheemuchthatthousmotestforthineownhand。
Then，comethouandbemyman。”
“WheretheNornsleadthereImustfollow。”saidEric，andsatdowntomeat。Skallagrimsatdownalsoattheside-bench；butmenshrankfromhim，andhegloweredontheminanswer。
PresentlyGudrudaentered，andsheseemedpaleandfaint。
Whenhehaddoneeating，EricdrewGudrudaontohisknee，andshesatthere，restinghergoldenheaduponhisbreast。ButSwanhilddidnotcomeintothehall，thougheverEarlAtlisoughtherdarkfaceandlovelyeyesofblue，andhewonderedgreatlyhowhiswooinghadsped。
Still，atthistimehespokenomoreofittoAsmund。
NowSkallagrimdrankmuchale，andglaredabouthimfiercely；forhehadthisfault，thatattimeshewasdrunken。InfrontofhimweretwothrallsofAsmund’s；theywerebrothers，andlarge-mademen，andtheywatchedAsmund’ssheepuponthefellsinwinter。ThesetwoalsogrewdrunkandjeeredatSkallagrim，askinghimwhatatonementhewouldmakeforthoseewesofAsmund’sthathehadstolenlastYule，andhowitcametopassthathe，aBaresark，hadbeenoverthrownofanunarmedman。
Skallagrimboretheirgibesforaspaceashedrankon，butsuddenlyheroseandrushedatthem，and，seizingaman’sthroatineitherhand，thrustthemtothegroundbeneathhimandnearlychokedthemthere。
ThenEricrandownthehall，and，puttingouthisstrength，toretheBaresarkfromthem。
“Thisthenisthypeacefulness，thouwolf！“Ericcried。“Thouartdrunk！“
“Ay。”growledSkallagrim，“aleismanyaman’sdoom。”
“Haveacarethatitisnotthineandmine，then！“saidEric。“Go，sleep；andknowthat，ifIseetheethusoncemore，Iseetheenotagain。”
ButafterthismenjeerednomoreatSkallagrimLambstail，Eric’sthrall。
XI
HOWSWANHILDBIDFAREWELLTOERIC
NowallthiswhileAsmundsatdeepinthought；butwhen，atlength，menweresunkinsleep，hetookacandleoffatandpassedtotheshutbedwhereSwanhildsleptalone。Shelayonherbed，andhercurlinghairwasallabouther。Shewasawake，forthelightgleamedinherblueeyes，andonanakedknifethatwasonthebedbesideher，halfhiddenbyherhair。
“Whatwouldstthou，foster-father？“sheasked，risinginthecouch。
Asmundclosedthecurtains，thenlookedathersternlyandspokeinalowvoice：
“Thouartfairtobesovileathing，Swanhild。”hesaid。“Whonowwouldhavedreamedthatheartofthinecouldtalkwithgoblinsandwithwere-wolves——thatthoseeyesofthinecouldbeartolookonmurderandthosewhitehandsfindstrengthtodothesin？“
Shehelduphershapelyarmsand，lookingonthem，laughed。“Wouldthattheyhadbeenfashionedinastrongermould。”shesaid。“Maytheywitherintheirwoman’sweakness！elsehadthedeedbeendoneoutright。Nowmycrimeisasheavyuponmeandnothinggainedbyit。
Saywhatfateforme，foster-father——theStoneofDoomandthepoolwherefaithlesswomenlie？Ah，thenmightGudrudalaughindeed，andI
willnotlivetohearthatlaugh。See。”andshegrippedthedaggeratherside：“alongthisbrightedgerunsthepathtopeaceandfreedom，and，ifneedbe，Iwilltreadit。”
“Besilent。”saidAsmund。“ThisGudruda，mydaughter，whomthouwouldsthavefoullydonetodeath，isthineownsister，anditisshewho，pityingthee，hathpleadedforthylife。”
“Iwillnaughtofherpitywhohavenopity。”sheanswered；“andthisIsaytotheewhoartmyfather：shamebeontheewhohastnotdaredtoownthychild！“
“Hadstthounotbeenmychild，Swanhild，andhadInotlovedtheesecretlyasmychild，besureofthis，Ihadlongsincedriventheehence；formyeyeshavebeenopentomuchthatIhavenotseemedtosee。Butatlengththywickednesshasovercomemylove，andIwillseethyfacenomore。Listen：nonehaveheardofthisshamefuldeedofthinesavethosewhosawit，andtheirtonguesaresealed。NowIgivetheechoice：wedAtliandgo，orstandintheDoom-ringandtakethyfate。”
“HaveInotsaid，father，whiledeathmaybesoughtotherwise，thatI
willneverdothislast？NorwillIdothefirst。IamnotallofthetamebreedofyouIcelandfolk——otherandquickerbloodrunsinmyveins；norwillIbesoldinmarriagetoadotardasamareissoldatamarket。Ihaveanswered。”
“Fool！thinkagain，forIgonotbackuponmyword。WedAtliordie——
bythyownhand，ifthouwilt——thereIwillnotgainsaythee；or，ifthoufearestthis，thenanonintheDoom-ring。”
NowSwanhildcoveredhereyeswithherhandsandshookthelonghairaboutherface，andsheseemedwondrousfairtoAsmundthePriestwhowatched。Andasshesatthus，itcameintohermindthatmarriageisnottheendofayoungmaid’slife——thatoldhusbandshavebeenknowntodie，andthatshemightrulethisAtliandhisearldomandbecomearichandhonouredwoman，settinghersailsinsuchfashionthatwhenthewindturneditwouldfillthem。Otherwiseshemustdie——ay，dieshamedandleaveGudrudawithherlove。
Suddenlysheslippedfromthebedtothefloorofthechamber，and，claspingthekneesofAsmund，lookedupthroughthemeshesofherhair，whiletearsstreamedfromherbeautifuleyes：
“Ihavesinned。”shesobbed——“Ihavesinnedgreatlyagainsttheeandmysister。Hearken：IwasmadwithloveofEric，whomfromachildI
haveturnedto，andGudrudaisfairerthanIandshetookhimfromme。
MostofallwasImadthisnightwhenIwroughtthedeedofshame，forillthingscounselledme——thingsthatIdidnotcall；andoh，IthanktheGods——ifthereareGods——thatGudrudadiednotatmyhand。Seenow，father，IputthisevilfrommeandtearEricfrommyheart。”andshemadeasthoughsherentherbosom——“IwillwedAtli，andbeagoodhousewifetohim，andIcravebutthisofGudruda：thatsheforgivemeherwrong；foritwasnotdoneofmywill，butofmymadness，andofthedrivingofthosewhommymothertaughtmetoknow。”
Asmundlistenedandthespringsofhislovethawedwithinhim。“Nowthoudosttakegoodcounsel。”hesaid，“andofthisbesure，thatsolongasthouartinthatmoodnoneshallharmthee；andforGudruda，sheisthemostgentleofwomen，anditmaywellbethatshewillputawaythysin。Soweepnomore，andhavenomoredealingswiththyFinnishwitchcraft，butsleep；andto-morrowIwillbearthywordtoAtli，forhisshipisboundandthoumustswiftlybemadeawife。”
Hewentout，bearingthelightwithhim；butSwanhildrosefromthegroundandsatontheedgeofthebed，staringintothedarknessandshudderingfromtimetotime。
“Ishallsoonbemadehiswife。”shemurmured，“whowouldbebutoneman’swife——andmethinksIshallsoonbemadeawidowalso。Thouwilthaveme，dotard——takemeandthyfate！Well，well；bettertowedanEarlthantobeshamedandstretchedacrosstheDoom-stone。Oh，weakarmsthatfailedmeatmyneed，nomorewillIputtrustinyou！WhennextIwound，itshallbewiththetongue；whennextIstrivetoslay，itshallbebyanother’shand。Cursesonthee，thouillcounsellerofdarkness，whodidstbetraymeatthelast！IsitforthisthatI
worshippedtheeandsworetheoath？“
Themorningcame，andatthefirstlightAsmundsoughttheEarl。Hisheartwasheavybecauseoftheguilethathistonguemustpractise，andhisfacewasdarkasawinterdawn。
“Whatnews，Asmund？“askedAtli。“/Earlytidingsarebadtidings/，sorunsthesaw，andthylooksgiveweighttoit。”
“Notaltogetherbad，Earl。Swanhildgivesherselftothee。”
“Ofherownwill，Asmund？“
“Ay，ofherownwill。ButIhavewarnedtheeofhertemper。”
“Hertemper！Littlehangstoamaid’stemper。Onceawifeanditwillmeltinsoftnesslikethesnowwhensummercomes。Thesearegladtidings，comrade，andmethinksIgrowyoungagainbeneaththebreathofthem。Whyartthousoglumthen？“
“ThereissomethingthatmustyetbetoldofSwanhild。”saidAsmund。
“SheiscalledtheFatherless，but，ifthouwilthavethetruth，whyhereitisforthee——sheismydaughter，bornoutofwedlock，andI
knownothowthatwillpleasethee。”
Atlilaughedaloud，andhisbrighteyesshoneinhiswrinkledface。
“Itpleasesmewell，Asmund，forthenthemaidissprungfromasoundstock。ThenameofthePriestofMiddalhofisfamousfarsouthofIceland；andneverthatIcelandbredacomeliergirl。Isthatall？“
“Onemorething，Earl。ThisIchargethee：watchthywife，andholdherbackfromwitchcraftandfromdealingswithevilthingsandtrollsofdarkness。SheisofFinnishbloodandthewomenoftheFinnsaremuchgiventosuchwickedwork。”
“Isetlittlestorebywitchwork，goblinsandtheirkin。”saidAtli。
“Idoubtmemuchoftheirpower，andIshallsoonweanSwanhildfromsuchways，ifindeedshepractisethem。”
ThentheyfelltotalkingofSwanhild’sdower，andthatwasnotsmall。
AfterwardsAsmundsoughtEricandGudruda，andtoldthemwhathadcometopass，andtheyweregladatthenews，thoughtheygrievedforAtlitheEarl。AndwhenSwanhildmetGudruda，shecametoherhumbly，andhumblykissedherhand，andwithtearscravedpardonofherevildoing，sayingthatshehadbeenmad；nordidGudrudawithholdit，forofallwomenshewasthegentlestandmostforgiving。ButtoEric，Swanhildsaidnothing。
Thewedding-feastmustbeheldonthethirddayfromthis，forAtliwouldsailonthatsameday，sincehispeopleweariedofwaitingandhisshipmightlieboundnolonger。BlithewasAtlitheEarl，andSwanhildwasallchanged，fornowsheseemedthegentlestofmaids，and，asbefittedoneabouttobemadeawife，movedthroughthehousewithsoftwordsanddowncasteyes。ButSkallagrim，watchingher，bethoughthimofthegreywolfthathehadseenbyGoldfoss，andthisseemednotwelltohim。
“Itwouldbebadnow。”hesaidtoEric，astheyrodetoColdback，“tostandinyonoldearl’sshoes。Thiswoman’sweatherhaschangedtoofast，andaftersuchacalmthere’llcomeastormindeed。IamnowmindedofThorunna，forshewentjustsothedaybeforeshegaveherselftoOspakar，andmetoshameandbonds。”
“Talknotoftheraventillyouhearhiscroak。”saidEric。
“Heisonthewing，lord。”answeredSkallagrim。
NowEriccametoColdbackintheMarsh，andSaevunahismotherandUnna，Thorod’sdaughter，thebetrothedofAsmund，weregladtowelcomehim；forthetidingsofhismightydeedsandoftheoverthrowofOspakarandtheslayingofMordwerenoisedfarandwide。ButatSkallagrimLambstailtheylookedaskance。Still，whentheyheardofthosethingsthathehadwroughtonHorse-HeadHeights，theywelcomedhimforhisdeed’ssake。
EricsattwonightsatColdback，andontheseconddaySaevunahismotherandUnnarodethencewiththeirservantstothewedding-feastofSwanhildtheFatherless。ButEricstoppedatColdbackthatnight，sayingthathewouldbeatMiddalhofwithintwohoursofsunrise，forhemusttalkwithashepherdwhocamefromthefells。
SaevunaandhercompanycametoMiddalhofandwasasked，firstbyGudruda，thenbySwanhild，whyBrighteyestarried。Sheansweredthathewouldbethereearlyonthemorrow。Nextmorning，beforeitwaslight，EricgirdedonWhitefire，tookhorseandrodefromColdbackalone，forhewouldnotbringSkallagrim，fearinglestheshouldgetdrunkatthefeastandshedsomeman’sblood。
ItwasSwanhild’swedding-day；butshegreeteditwithlittlelightsomenessofheart，andhereyesknewnosleepthatnight，thoughtheywereheavywithtears。
Atthefirstlightsherose，and，glidingfromthehouse，walkedthroughtheheavydewdownthepathbywhichEricmustdrawnear，forshedesiredtospeakwithhim。Gudrudaalsoroseawhileafter，thoughshedidnotknowthis，andfollowedonthesamepath，forshewouldgreetherloverathiscoming。
Nowthreefurlongsormorefromthesteadstoodavetchstack，andSwanhildwaitedonthefurthersideofthisstack。Presentlysheheardasoundofsingingcomefrombehindtheshoulderofthefellandofthetrampofahorse’shoofs。ThenshesawthegoldenwingsofEric’shelmallablazewiththesunlightasherodemerrilyalong，andgreatbitternesslaidholdofherthatEriccouldbeofsuchajoyousmoodonthedaywhenshewholovedhimmustbemadethewifeofanotherman。
Presentlyhewasbeforeher，andSwanhildsteppedfromtheshadowofthestackandlaidherhanduponhishorse’sbridle。
“Eric。”shesaidhumblyandwithbowedhead，“Gudrudasleepsyet。
Canstthou，then，findtimetohearkentomywords？“
Hefrownedandsaid：“Methinks，Swanhild，itwouldbebetterifthougavestthywordstohimwhoisthylord。”
Sheletthebridle-reindropfromherhands。“Iamanswered。”shesaid；“rideon。”
NowpitystirredinEric’sheart，forSwanhild’smienwasmostheavy，andheleapeddownfromhishorse。“Nay。”hesaid，“speakon，ifthouhastanythingtotellme。”
“Ihavethistotellthee，Eric；thatnow，beforewepartforever，I
amcometoaskthypardonformyill-doing——ay，andtowishalljoytotheeandthyfairlove。”andshesobbedandchoked。
“Speaknomoreofit，Swanhild。”hesaid，“butletthygooddeedscoveruptheill，whicharenotsmall；sothoushaltbehappy。”
Shelookedathimstrangely，andherfacewaswhitewithpain。
“Howthenarewesodifferentlyfashionedthatthou，Eric，canstpratetomeofhappinesswhenmyheartisrackedwithgrief？Oh，Eric，I
blametheenot，forthouhastnotwroughtthisevilonmewillingly；
butIsaythis：thatmyheartisdead，asIwouldthatIweredead。
Seethoseflowers：theysmellsweet——formetheyhavenoodour。LookonthelightleapingfromColdbacktothesea，fromtheseatoWestmanIsles，andfromtheWestmancrownofrocksfarintothewideheavensabove。Itisbeautiful，isitnot？YetItellthee，Eric，thatnowtomyeyeshowlingwinterdarknessiseverywhitasfair。Joyisdeadwithinme，music’sbutajangledmadnessinmyears，foodhathnosavouronmytongue，myyouthisspederemydawnisday。Nothingislefttome，Eric，savethisfairbodythatthoudidstscorn，andthedreamswhichImaygatherfrommyhoursofscantysleep，andsuchshameasbefallsalovelessbride。”
“Speaknotso，Swanhild。”hesaid，andclaspedherbythehand，for，thoughheloathedherwickedness，beingsoft-heartedandbutyoung，itgrievedhimtohearherwordsandseetheanguishofhermind。Foritissowithmen，thattheyareeasilymovedbythepleadingofafairwomanwholovesthem，eventhoughtheylovehernot。
“Yea，IwillspeakoutallmymindbeforeIsealitupforever。See，Eric，thisismystateandthouhastsetthiscrownofsorrowonmybrows：andthoucomestsingingdownthefell，andIgoweepingo’erthesea！Iamnotallsoillatheart。Itwasloveoftheethatdrovemedowntosin，asloveoftheemightotherwisehaveliftedmetoholiness。But，lovingtheeasthouseest，thisdayIwedadotard，andgohischattelandhisbrideacrossthesea，andleavetheesingingonthefell，andbythysideherwhoismyfoe。Thouhastdonegreatdeeds，Brighteyes，andstillgreatershaltthoudo；yetbutasechoestheyshallreachmyears。Thouwiltbetomeasonedead，foritisGudruda’stobindthebyrnieonthybreastwhenthougoestforthtowar，andherstoloosethewingedhelmfromthybrowwhenthoureturnest，battle-wornandconquering。”
NowSwanhildceased，andchokedwithgrief；thenspokeagain：
“Sonowfarewell；doubtlessIwearythee，and——Gudrudawaits。Nay，looknotonmyfoolishtears：theyaretheheritageofwoman，ofnaughtelseisshesure！WhileIlive，Eric，mornbymornthethoughtoftheeshallcometowakemeasthesunwakesyonsnowypeak，andnightbynightthymemoryshallpassasatevehepassesfromthevalleys，buttodawnagainindreams。For，Eric，’tistheeIwedto-day——atheartIamthybride，thineandthineonly；andwhenshaltthoufindawifewhoholdstheesodearasthatSwanhildwhomoncethouknewest？Sonowfarewell！Yes，thistimethoushaltkissawaymytears；thenletthemstreamforever。Thus，Eric！andthus！andthus！
doItakefarewellofthee。”
Andnowsheclungabouthisneck，gazingonhimwithgreatdewyeyestillthingsgrewstrangeanddim，andhemustkissherifonlyforherloveandtenderbeauty’ssake。Andsohekissed，anditchancedthatastheyclungthus，Gudruda，passingbythispathtogiveherbetrothedgreeting，cameuponthemandstoodastonished。Thensheturnedand，puttingherhandstoherhead，fledbackswiftlytothestead，andwaitedthere，greatangerburninginherheart；forGudrudahadthisfault，thatshewasveryjealous。
NowEricandSwanhilddidnotseeher，andpresentlytheyparted，andSwanhildwipedhereyesandglidedthence。
AsshedrewnearthesteadshefoundGudrudawatching。
“Wherehastthoubeen，Swanhild？“shesaid。
“TobidfarewelltoBrighteyes，Gudruda。”
“Thenthouartfoolish，fordoubtlesshethrusttheefromhim。”
“Nay，Gudruda，hedrewmetohim。Hearken，Isay，thousister。Vexmenot，forIgomywaysandthougoestthine。Thouartstrongandfair，andhithertothouhastovercomeme。ButIamalsofair，and，ifIfindspacetostrikein，Ialsohaveashowofstrength。PraythouthatI
findnotspace，Gudruda。NowisEricthine。Perchanceonedayhemaybemine。ItliesinthelapoftheNorns。”
“FairwordsfromAtli’sbride。”mockedGudruda。
“Ay，Atli’sbride，butneverAtli’slove！“saidSwanhild，andswepton。
AwhileafterEricrodeup。Hewasshamefacedandvexedatheart，becausehehadyieldedthustoSwanhild’sbeauty，andbeenmeltedbyhertenderwordsandkissedher。ThenhesawGudruda，andatthesightofherallthoughtofSwanhildpassedfromhim，forhelovedGudrudaandheralone。Heleaptdownfromhishorseandrantoher。But，drawntoherfullheight，shestoodwithdarkflashingeyesandfairfacesetinanger。
Still，hewouldhavegreetedherloverwise；butsheliftedherhandandwavedhimback，andfeartookholdofhim。
“Whatnow，Gudruda？“heasked，faltering。
“Whatnow，Eric？“sheanswered，falteringnot。“HastseenSwanhild？“
“Yea，IhaveseenSwanhild。Shecametobidfarewelltome。Whatofit？“
“Whatofit？Why’/thus！andthus！andthus！/’didstthoubidfarewelltoAtli’sbride。Ay，’thusandthus，’withclinginglipsandtwinedarms。Warmandsoftwasthyfarewellkisstoherwhowouldhaveslainme，Brighteyes！“
“Gudruda，thouspeakesttruth，thoughhowthousawestIknownot。
Thinknoillofit，andscourgemenotwithwords，for，soothtosay，Iwasmeltedbyhergriefandthemusicofhertalk。”
“Itisshametotheesotospeakofherwhombutnowthouheldestinthinearms。Bythegriefandthemusicofthetalkofherwhowouldhavemurderedmethouwastmeltedintokisses，Eric！——forIsawitwiththeseeyes。KnowestthouwhatIammindedtosaytothee？Itisthis：’Gohenceandseemenomore；’forIhavelittlewishtocleavetosuchafeather-man，toonesoblownaboutbythefirstbreathofwoman’stempting。”
“Yet，methinks，Gudruda，Ihavewithstoodsomesuchwinds。Itelltheethat，hadstthoubeeninmyplace，thyselfhadstyieldedtoSwanhildandkissedherinfarewell，forshewasmorethanwomaninthathour。”
“Nay，Eric，Iamnoweakmantobeledastraythus。Yetsheismorethanwoman——trollisshealso，thatIknow；butlessthanmanartthou，Eric，thustofallbeforeherwhohatesme。Timemaycomewhensheshallwootheeafterastrongersort，andwhatwiltthousaytoherthen，thouwhoartsoreadywiththykisses？“
“Iwillwithstandher，Gudruda，forIlovetheeonly，andthisiswellknowntothee。”
“TrulyIknowthoulovestme，Eric；buttellmeofwhatworthisthisloveofmanthateyesofbeautyandtongueofcraftmaysoreadilybewray？Idoubtmeofthee，Eric！“
“Nay，doubtmenot，Gudruda。Ilovetheealone，butIgrewsoftaswaxbeneathherpleading。Myheartconsentednot，yetIdidconsent。I
havenomoretosay。”
NowGudrudalookedonhimlongandsteadfastly。“Thyplightissorry，Eric。”shesaid，“andthisonceIforgivethee。Looktoitthatthougivestmenomorecausetodoubtthee，forthenIshallrememberhowthoudidstbidfarewelltoSwanhild。”
“Iwillgivenone。”heanswered，andwouldhaveembracedher；butthisshewouldnotsufferthen，norformanydaysafter，forshewasangrywithhim。ButwithSwanhildshewasstillmoreangry，thoughshesaidnothingofit。ThatSwanhildhadtriedtomurderher，Gudrudacouldforgive，forthereshehadfailed；butnotthatshehadwonErictokissher，forinthisshehadsucceededwell。
XII
HOWERICWASOUTLAWEDANDSAILEDA-VIKING
Nowthemarriage-feastwenton，andSwanhild，drapedinwhiteandgirtaboutwithgold，satbyAtli’ssideuponthehighseat。Hewasfainofheranddrewhertohim，butshelookedathimwithcoldcalmeyesinwhichhatelurked。Thefeastwasdone，andallthecompanyrodetotheseastrand，wheretheEarl’sshiplayatanchor。Theycamethere，andSwanhildkissedAsmund，andtalkedawhilewithGroa，hermother，andbadefarewelltoallmen。ButshebadenofarewelltoEricandtoGudruda。
“Whysayestthounowordtothesetwo？“askedAtli，herhusband。
“Forthisreason，Earl。”sheanswered，“becauseerelongwethreeshallmeetagain；butIshallseeAsmund，myfather，andGroa，mymother，nomore。”
“Thatisanillsaying，wife。”saidAtli。“Methinksthoudostforetelltheirdoom。”
“Mayhap！AndnowIwilladdtomyredes，forIforetell/thy/doomalso：itisnotyet，butitdrawson。”
ThenAtlibethoughthimofmanywisesaws，butspokenomore，foritseemedtohimthiswasastrangebridethathehadwed。
Theyhauledtheanchorhome，shookoutthegreatsail，andpassedawayintotheeveningnight。Butwhilelandcouldstillbeseen，Swanhildstoodnearthehelm，gazingwithherblueeyesuponthelesseningcoast。Thenshepassedtothehold，andshutherselfinalone，andthereshestayed，sayingthatshewassick，tillatlength，afterafairvoyageoftwentydays，theymadetheOrkneyIslands。
ButallthispleasedAtliwondrousill，yethedarednotcrosshermood。
Now，inIcelandthetimedrewonwhenmenmustridetotheAlthing，andnoticewasgiventoEricBrighteyesofmanysuitsthatwerelaidagainsthim，inthathehadbroughtMord，Ospakar’sson，tohisdeath，dealinghimabrainorabodyoramarrowwound，andothersofthatcompany。ButnosuitswerelaidagainstSkallagrim，forhewasalreadyoutlaw。Thereforehemustgoinhiding，formenwereouttoslayhim，andthishedidunwillingly，atEric’sbidding。AsmundtookupEric’scase，forhewasthemostfamousofalllawmeninthatday，andwhenthirteenfullweeksofsummerweredone，theytworodetotheThing，andwiththemagreatcompanyofmenoftheirquarter。
Now，mengouptotheL？gberg，andtherecameOspakar，thoughhewasnotyethealedofhiswound，andallhiscompany，andlaidtheirsuitsagainstEricbythemouthofGizurtheLawman，Ospakar’sson。Thepleadingswerelongandcunningoneitherside；buttheendofitwasthatOspakarbroughtitabout，bythehelpofhisfriends——andofthesehadmany——thatEricmustgointooutlawryforthreeyears。ButnoweregildwastobepaidtoOspakarandhismenforthosewhohadbeenkilled，andnoatonementforthegreatwoundthatSkallagrimLambstailgavehim，orforthedeathofMord，hisson，inasmuchasEricfoughtforhisownhandtosavehislife。
ThepartyofOspakarwereillpleasedatthisfinding，andEricwasnotoverglad，foritwaslittletohismindthatheshouldsaila-
warringacrosstheseas，whileGudrudasatathomeinIceland。Still，therewasnohelpforthematter。
NowOspakarspokewithhiscompany，andtheendofitwasthathecalledonthemtotaketheirweaponsandavengethemselvesbytheirownmight。AsmundandEric，seeingthis，musteredtheirarmyoffree-
menandthralls。Therewereonehundredandfiveofthem，allstoutmen；butOspakarBlacktooth’sbandnumberedahundredandthirty-
three，andtheystoodwiththeirbackstotheRaven’sRift。
“NowIwouldthatSkallagrimwasheretoguardmyback。”saidEric，“forbeforethisfightisdonefewwillleftstandingtotellitstale。”
“Itisasadthing。”saidAsmund，“thatsomanymenmustdiebecausesomemenarenowdead。”
“Averysadthing。”saidEric，andtookthiscounsel。HestalkedalonetowardstheranksofOspakarandcalledinaloudvoice，saying：
“Itwouldbegrievousthatsomanywarriorsshouldfallinsuchamatter。Nowhearken，youcompanyofOspakarBlacktooth！Iftherebeanytwoamongyouwhowilldaretomatchtheirmightagainstmysingleswordinholmgang，hereI，EricBrighteyes，standandwaitthem。Itisbetterthatoneman，orperchancethreemen，shouldfall，thanthatanonsomanyshouldrollinthedust。Whatsayye？“
Nowallthosewhowatchedcalledoutthatthiswasagoodofferandamanlyone，thoughitmightturnoutillforEric；butOspakaranswered：
“WereIbutwellofmywoundIalonewouldcutthatgoldencombofthine，thoubraggart；asitis，besurethattwoshallbefound。”
“Whoisthebraggart？“answeredEric。“Hewhotwicehaslearnedtheweightofthisarmandyetboastshisstrength，orIwhostandcravingthattwoshouldcomeagainstme？Gettheehence，Ospakar；gettheehomeandbidThorunna，thyleman，whomthoudidstbeguilefromthatOunoundwhonowisnamedSkallagrimLambstailtheBaresark，nursetheewholeofthewoundherhusbandgavethee。Besureweshallyetstandfacetoface，andthatcombsshallbecutthen，combsblackorgolden。
Nursethee！nursethee！ceasethyprating——gettheehome，andbidThorunnanursethee；butfirstnamethouthetwowhoshallstandagainstmeinholmganginOxarà’sstream。”
FolklaughedaloudwhileEricmocked，butOspakargnashedhisteethwithrage。Still，henamedthetwomightiestmeninhiscompany，biddingthemtakeuptheirswordsagainstBrighteyes。This，indeed，theywerelothtodo；still，becauseoftheshamethattheymustgetiftheyhungback，andforfearofthewrathofOspakar，theymadereadytoobeyhisbidding。
ThenallmenpasseddowntothebankofOxarà，and，ontheotherside，peoplecamefromtheirboothsandsatupontheslopeofAllMan’sRaft，foritwasanewthingthatonemanshouldfighttwoinholmgang。
NowEriccrossedtotheislandwhereholmgangsarefoughttothisday，andafterhimcamethetwochosen，flourishingtheirswordsbravely，andtakingcounselhowoneshouldrushathisface，whiletheotherpassedbehindhisbackandspittedhim，aswoodfolkspitalamb。EricdrewWhitefireandleanedonit，waitingfortheword，andallthewomenheldhimtobewondrousfairas，cladinhisbyrnieandhisgoldenhelm，heleanedthusonWhitefire。Presentlythewordwasgiven，andEric，standingnottodefendhimselfastheydeemedhesurelywould，whirledWhitefireroundhishelmandrushedheadlongonhisfoes，shieldaloft。
ThegreatcarlessawthelightthatplayedonWhitefire’sedgeandtheotherlightthatburnedinEric’seyes，andterrorgotholdofthem。
Nowhewasalmostcome，andWhitefiresprangaloftlikeatongueofflame。Thentheystayednomore，but，runningonethiswayandonethat，castthemselvesintothefloodandswamfortheriver-edge。Nowfromeitherbankroseuparoaroflaughter，thatgrewandgrew，tillitechoedagainstthelavariftsandscaredtheravensfromtheirnests。
Eric，too，stoppedhischargeandlaughedaloud；thenwalkedbacktowhereAsmundstood，unarmed，tosecondhimintheholmgang。
“Icangetlittlehonourfromsuchchampionsasthese。”hesaid。
“Nay。”answeredAsmund，“thouhastgotthegreatesthonour，andthey，andOspakar，suchshameasmaynotbewipedout。”
NowwhenBlacktoothsawwhathadcometopass，hewell-nighchoked，andfellfromhishorseinfury。Still，hecouldfindnostomachforfighting，but，musteringhiscompany，rodestraightwayfromtheThinghomeagaintoSwinefell。ButhecausedthosetwowhomhehadputuptodobattlewithErictobesetuponwithstavesanddrivenfromhisfollowing，andtheendofitwasthattheymightstaynomoreinIceland，buttookshipandsailedsouth，andnowtheyareoutofthestory。
Onthenextday，Asmund，andwithhimEricandalltheirmen，rodebacktoMiddalhof。GudrudagreetedEricwell，andforthefirsttimesinceSwanhildwentawayshekissedhim。Moreover，sheweptbitterlywhenshelearnedthathemustgointooutlawry，whileshemustbideathome。
“Howshallthedayspassby，Eric？“shesaid，“whenthouartfar，andIknownotwherethouart，norhowitgoeswiththee，norifthoulivestorartalreadydead？“
“InsoothIcannotsay，sweet。”heanswered；“butofthisIamsurethat，wheresoeverIam，yetmorewearyshallbemyhours。”
“Threeyears。”shewenton——“threelong，coldyears，andnosightofthee，andperchancenotidingsfromthee，tillmayhapIlearnthatthouartinthatlandwhencetidingscannotcome。Oh，itwouldbebettertodiethantopartthus。”
“WellIwotthatitisbettertodiethantolive，andbetternevertohavebeenbornthantoliveanddie。”answeredEricsadly。“Here，itwouldseem，isnothingbuthateandstrife，wearinessandbitterenvytofretawayourstrength，andatlast，ifwecomesofar，sorrowfulageanddeath，andthereafterweknownotwhat。Littleofgooddowefindtoourhands，andmuchofevil；norknowIforwhatill-doingtheseburdensarelaiduponus。Yetmustweneedsbreathesuchanairasisblownaboutus，Gudruda，claspingatthishappinesswhichisgiven，thoughwemaynotholdit。Attheworst，thegamewillsoonbeplayed，andotherswillstandwherewehavestood，andstriveaswehavestriven，andfailaswehavefailed，andsoon，tillmanhasworkedouthisdoom，andtheGodsceasefromtheirwrath，orRagnarr？kcomeuponthem，andtheytooarelostinthejawsofgreywolfFenrir。”
“Menmaywinonegoodthing，andthatisfame，Eric。”
“Nay，Gudruda，whatisittowinfame？Isitnottoraiseupfoes，asitwere，fromtheverysoil，who，madewithsecrethate，seektostabusintheback？Isitnottolosepeace，andtoilonfromheighttoheightonlytobehurleddownatlast？Happy，then，isthemanwhomfamefliesfrom，forhersisadeadlygift。”
“Yetthereisonethingleftthatthouhastnotnumbered，Eric，anditislove——forloveistoourlifewhatthesunistotheworld，and，thoughitseemstosetindeath，yetitmayriseagain。Wearehappy，then，inourlove，fortherearemanywholivetheirlivesanddonotfindit。”
Sothesetwo，EricBrighteyesandGudrudatheFair，talkedsadly，fortheirheartswereheavy，andonthemlaytheshadowofsorrowsthatweretocome。
“Say，sweet。”saidEricatlength，“wiltthouthatIgonotintobanishment？ThenImustfallintooutlawry，andmylifewillbeinthehandsofhimwhomaytakeit；yetIthinkthatmyfoeswillfindithardtocomebywhilemystrengthremains，andattheworstIdobutturntomeetthefatethatdogsme。”
“Nay，thatIwillnotsuffer，Brighteyes。Nowwewillgotomyfather，andheshallgivetheehisdragonofwar——sheisagoodvessel——andthoushaltmanherwiththebriskestmenofourquarter：fortherearemanywhowillbegladtofareabroadwiththee，Eric。Soonsheshallbeboundandthoushaltsailatonce，Eric：forthesoonerthouartgonethesoonerthethreeyearswillbesped，andthoushaltcomebacktome。But，oh！thatImightgowiththee。”
NowGudrudaandEricwenttoAsmundandspokeofthismatter。
“Idesired。”heanswered，“thatthou，Eric，shouldstbidehereinIcelandtillafterharvest，foritisthenthatIwouldtakeUnna，Thorod’sdaughter，towife，anditwasmeetthatthoushouldstsitatthewedding-feastandgivehertome。”
“Nay，father，letEricgo。”saidGudruda，“forwellbegunis，surely，halfdone。Hemustremainthreeyearsinoutlawry：addthounodaytothem，for，ifhestayshereforlong，Iknowthis：thatIshallfindnohearttolethimgo，and，ifgohemust，thenIshallgowithhim。”
“Thatmayneverbe。”saidAsmund；“thouarttooyoungandfairtosaila-vikingdownthesea-path。Hearken，Eric：Igivetheethegoodship，andnowwewillgoabouttofindstoutmentomanher。”
“Thatisagoodgift。”saidEric；andafterwardstheyrodetotheseashoreandoverhauledthevesselasshelayinhershed。Shewasagreatdragonofwar，longandslender，andstandinghighatstemandprow。Shewasfashionedofoak，allboltedtogetherwithiron，andatherprowwasagildeddragonmostwonderfullycarved。
Ericlookedonherandhiseyesbrightened。
“Hererestsawave-horsethatshallbearavikingwell。”hesaid。
“Ay。”answeredAsmund，“ofallthethingsIownthisshipistheverybest。Sheissoswiftthatnonemaycatchher，andshecanalmostgoaboutinherownlength。Thatgalemustbeheavythatshallfillher，withtheetosteer；yetIgivehertotheefreely，Eric，andthoushaltdogreatdeedswiththismygift，and，ifthingsgowell，sheshallcomebacktothisshoreatlast，andthouinher。”
“NowIwillnamethiswar-giftwithanewname。”saidEric。
“’Gudruda，’Inameher：for，asGudrudahereisthefairestofallwomen，soisthisthefairestofallwar-dragons。”
“Sobeit。”saidAsmund。
ThentheyrodebacktoMiddalhof，andnowEricBrighteyesletitbeknownthatheneededmentosailtheseaswithhim。Nordidheaskinvain，for，whenitwastoldthatEricwenta-viking，sogreatwashisfamegrown，thatmanyastoutyeomanandmanyagreat-limbedcarlereacheddownswordandshieldandcameuptoMiddalhoftoputtheirhandsinhis。Formate，hetookacertainmannamedHallofLithdale，andthisbecauseBj？rnaskedit，forHallwasafriendtoBj？rn，andhehad，moreover，greatskillinallmannerofseamanship，andhadoftensailedtheNorthernSeas——ay，androundEnglandtothecoastofFrance。
ButwhenGudrudasawthisman，shedidnotlikehim，becauseofhissharpface，uncannyeyes，andsmoothtongue，andsheprayedErictohavenothingtodowithhim。
“Itistoolatenowtotalkofthat。”saidEric。“Hallisawell-
skilledman，and，fortherest，fearnot：Iwillwatchhim。”
“Thenevilwillcomeofit。”saidGudruda。
SkallagrimalsolikedHalllittle，nordidHallloveSkallagrimandhisgreataxe。
Atlengthallweregathered；theywerefiftyinnumberanditissaidthatnosuchbandofmenevertookshipfromIceland。
Nowthegreatdragonwasboundandherfaringgoodswereaboardofher，forEricmustsailonthemorrow，ifthewindshouldbefair。Alldaylonghestalkedtoandfroamonghismen；hewouldtrustnothingtoothers，andtherewasnoswordorshieldinhiscompanybuthehimselfhadprovedit。Alldaylonghestalked，andathisbackwentSkallagrimLambstail，axeonshoulder，forhewouldneverleaveEricifhehadhiswill，andtheywereamightypair。
Atlengthallwasreadyandmensatdowntothefaring-feastinthehallatMiddalhof，andthatwasagreatfeast。Eric’sfolkweregatheredontheside-benches，andbythehighseatatAsmund’ssidesatBrighteyes，andneartohimwhereBj？rn，Asmund’sson，Gudruda，Unna，Asmund’sbetrothed，andSaevuna，Eric’smother。ForthishadbeensettledbetweenAsmundandEric，thathismotherSaevuna，whowassomesomewhatsunkinage，shouldflitfromColdbackandcomewithUnnatodwellatMiddalhof。ButEricsetatrustygrievetodwellatColdbackandmindthefarm。
Whenthefaring-toastshadbeendrunk，EricspoketoAsmundandsaid：
“Ifearonething，lord，anditisthatwhenIamgoneOspakarwilltroublethee。Now，IprayyoualltobewareofBlacktooth，for，thoughthehoundiswhipped，hecanstillbite，anditseemsthathehasnotyetputGudrudafromhismind。”
NowBj？rnhadsatsilently，thinkingmuchanddrinkingmore，forhelovedEriclessthaneveronthisdaywhenhesawhowallmendidhimhonourandmournedhisgoing，andhisfathernottheleastofthem。
“Methinksitisthou，Eric。”hesaid，“whomOspakarhates，andtheeonwhomhewouldworkhisvengeance，andthatfornolightcause。”
“Whenbadfortunesitsinthyneighbour’shouse，sheknocksuponthydoor，Bj？rn。Gudruda，thysister，ismybetrothed，andthouartapartytothisfeud。”saidEric。“ThereforeitbecomestheebettertoholdherhonourandthyownagainstthisNorthlander，thantogirdatmeforthatinwhichIhavenoblame。”
Bj？rngrewwrothatthesewords。“Pratenottome。”hesaid。“Thouartanupstartwhowouldstteachtheirdutytothybetters——ay，puffedupwithlight-wonfame，likeafeatheronthebreeze。ButIsaythis：thebreezeshallfail，andthoushaltfalluponthegoose’sbackoncemore。AndIsaythisalso，that，hadImywill，GudrudashouldwedOspakar：forheisamightychief，andnotalong-leggedcarle，outlawedforman-slaying。”
NowEricsprangfromhisseatandlaidhanduponthehiltofWhitefire，whilemenmurmuredinthehall，fortheyheldthisanillspeechofBj？rn’s。
“Inthee，itseems，Ihavenofriend。”saidEric，“andhadstthoubeenanyothermanthanGudruda’sbrother，forsooththoushouldstanswerforthymockingwords。ThisItellthee，Bj？rn，that，wertthoutwiceherbrother，ifthouplottestwithOspakarwhenIamgone，thoushaltpaydearlyforitwhenIcomebackagain。Iknowthyheartwell：itiscunningandgreedyofgain，andfilledwithenvyasacaskwithale；
yet，ifthoulovesttofeelitbeatinginthybreast，strivenottoworkmemischiefandtoputGudrudafromme。”
NowBj？rnsprangupalsoanddrewhissword，forhewaswhitewithrage；butAsmundhisfathercried，“Peace！“inagreatvoice。
“Peace！“hesaid。“Beseated，Eric，andtakenoheedofthisfoolishtalk。Andforthee，Bj？rn，artthouthePriestofMiddalhof，andGudruda’sfather，oramI？IthaspleasedmetobetrothBrighteyestoGudruda，anditpleasedmenottobetrothhertoOspakar，andthatisenoughforthee。Fortherest，OspakarwouldhaveslainEric，notheOspakar，thereforeEric’shandsareclean。Thoughthouartmyson，I
saythis，that，ifthouworkestilltoEricwhenheisoversea，thoushaltrightlylearntheweightofWhitefire：itisanidderingdeedtoplotagainstanabsentman。”
Ericsatdown，butBj？rnstrodescowlingfromthehall，and，takinghorse，rodesouth；nordidheandEricmeetagaintillthreeyearshadcomeandgone，andthentheymetbutonce。
“Maggotsshallbebredofthatfly，norshalltheylackfleshtofeedon。”saidSkallagriminEric’searsashewatchedBj？rnpass。ButEricbadehimbesilent，andturnedtoGudruda。
“Looknotsosad，sweet。”hesaid，“forhastywordsriselikethefoamonmeadandpassassoon。ItvexesBj？rnthatthyfatherhasgivenmethegoodship：buthisangerwillsoonpass，or，attheveryworst，I
fearhimnotwhilethouarttruetome。”
“Thenthouhastlittletofear，Eric。”sheanswered。“Looknowonthyhair：itgrowslongasawoman’s，andthatisill，foratseathesaltwillhangtoit。Say，shallIcutitforthee？“
“Yes，Gudruda。”
Soshecuthisyellowlocks，andoneofthemlayuponherheartformanyaday。
“Nowthoushaltsweartome。”shewhisperedinhisear，“thatnoothermanorwomanshallcutthyhairtillthoucomestbacktomeandIclipitagain。”
“ThatIswear，andreadily。”heanswered。“Iwillgolong-hairedlikeagirlforthysake，Gudruda。”
Hespokelow，butKolltheHalf-witted，Groa’sthrall，heardthisoathandkeptitinhismind。
Veryearlyonthemorrowallmenrose，and，takinghorse，rodeoncemoretotheseaside，tilltheycametothatshedwheretheGudrudalay。
Then，whenthetidewashigh，Eric’scompanytookholdoftheblackship’sthwarts，andathisworddraggedherwithmightandmain。Sherandownthegreasedblocksandspedonquiveringtothesea，andasherdragon-prowdippedinthewaterpeoplecheeredaloud。
NowEricmustbidfarewelltoall，andthishedidwithabravehearttillatthelasthecametoSaevuna，hismother，andGudruda，hisdearlove。
“Farewell，son。”saidtheolddame；“Ihavelittlehopethattheseeyesshalllookagainuponthatbonnyfaceofthine，yetIamwellpaidformybirth-pains，forfewhavebornesuchamanasthou。Thinkofmeattimes，forwithoutmethouhadstneverbeen。Benotledastrayofwomen，norleadthemastray，orillshallovertakethee。Benotquarrelsomebecauseofthygreatmight，forthereisastrongerthanthestrongest。Spareafallenfoe，andtakenotapoorman’sgoodsorabraveman’ssword；but，whenthousmitest，smitehome。Soshaltthouwinhonour，and，atthelast，peace，thatismorethanhonour。”
Ericthankedherforhercounsel，andkissedher，thenturnedtoGudruda，whostood，whiteandstill，pluckingathergoldengirdle。
“WhatcanIsaytothee？“heasked。
“Saynothing，butgo。”sheanswered：“gobeforeIweep。”
“Weepnot，Gudruda，orthouwiltunmanme。Say，thouwiltthinkonme？“
“Ay，Eric，bydayandbynight。”
“Andthouwiltbetruetome？“
“Ay，tilldeathandafter，forsolongasthoucleavesttomeIwillcleavetothee。Iwillfirstdieratherthanbetraythee。ButoftheeIamnotsosure。PerchancethoumayestfindSwanhildinthyjourneyingsandcravemorekissesofher？“
“Angermenot，Gudruda！thouknowestwellthatIhateSwanhildmorethananyotherwoman。WhenIkissheragain，thenthoumaystwedOspakar。”
“Speaknotsorashly，Eric。”shesaid，andasshespokeSkallagrimdrewnear。
“Ifthoulingeresthere，lord，thetidewillserveuslittleroundWestmans。”hesaid，eyeingGudrudaasitwerewithjealousy。
“Icome。”saidEric。“Gudruda，faretheewell！“
Shekissedhimandclungtohim，butdidnotanswer，forshecouldnotspeak。
XIII
HOWHALLTHEMATECUTTHEGRAPNELCHAIN
Gudrudabentherheadlikeadroopingflower，andpresentlysanktoearth，forherkneeswouldbearherweightnomore；butEricmarchedtothelipofthesea，hisheadheldhighandlaughingmerrilytohidehispainofheart。HerestoodAsmund，whogrippedhimbybothhands，andkissedhimonthebrow，biddinghimgoodluck。
“Iknownotwhetherweshallmeetagain。”hesaid；“but，ifmyhoursbespedbeforethoureturnest，thisIchargethee：thatthoumindestGudrudawell，forsheisthesweetestofallwomenthatIhaveknown，andIholdherthemostdear。”
“Fearnotforthat，lord。”saidEric；“andIpraytheethis，that，ifIcomebacknomore，aswellmayhappen，donotforceGudrudaintomarriage，ifshewillsitnot，andIthinkshewillhavelittleleaningthatway。AndIsaythisalso：donotcountovermuchonBj？rnthyson，forhehasnoloyalheart；andbewareofGroa，whowasthyhousekeeper，forshelovesnotthatUnnashouldtakeherplaceandmore。AndnowIthanktheeformanygoodthings，andfarewell。”
“Farewell，myson。”saidAsmund，“forinthishourthouseemestasasontome。”
Ericturnedtoentertheseaandwadetothevessel，butSkallagrimcaughthiminhisarmsasthoughhewerebutachild，and，wadingintothesurftillthewatercoveredhiswaistbelt，borehimtothevesselandliftedhimupsothatEricreachedthebulwarkswithhishands。
Thentheyloosedthecableandgotouttheoarsandsoonweredancingoverthesea。Presentlythebreezecaughtthem，andtheysetthegreatsailandspedawaylikeagulltowardstheWestmanIsles。ButGudrudasatontheshorewatchingtill，atlength，thelightfadedfromEric’sgoldenhelmashestooduponthepoop，andtheworldgrewdarktoher。
NowOspakarBlacktoothhadnewsofthissailingandtookcounselofGizurhisson，andtheendofitwasthattheymadereadytwogreatships，dragonsofwar，and，placingsixtyfightingmenineachofthem，sailedroundtheIcelandcoasttotheWestmansandwaitedtheretowaylayEric。Theyhadspiesontheland，andfromthemtheylearnedofBrighteyes’coming，andsailedouttomeethiminthechannelbetweenthegreaterandthelesserislands，wheretheyknewthathemustpass。
NowitdrewtowardseveningwhenEricroweddownthischannel，forthewindhadfallenandhedesiredtobeclearatsea。Presently，astheGudrudacameneartothemouthofthechannel，thathadhighcliffsoneitherhand，Ericsawtwolongdragonsofwar——fortheirbulwarkswereshield-hung——glidefromthecoveroftheislandandtaketheirstationsidebysidebetweenhimandtheopensea。
“Nowherearevikings。”saidErictoSkallagrim。
“NowhereisOspakarBlacktooth。”answeredSkallagrim，“forwellI
knowthatravenbannerofhis。Thisisagoodvoyage，forwemustseekbutalittlewhilebeforewecometofighting。”
Ericbadethemenlayontheiroars，andspoke：
“BeforeusisOspakarBlacktoothintwogreatdragons，andheisheretocutusoff。Nowtwochoicesarelefttous：oneistoboutshipandrunbeforehim，andtheothertorowonandgivehimbattle。Whatsayye，comrades？“
HallofLithdale，themate，answered，saying：
“Letusgoback，lestwedie。Theoddsaretoogreat，Eric。”
Butamanamongthecrewcriedout，“WhenthoudidstgoonholmgangatThingvalla，Eric，Ospakar’stwochosenchampionsstoodbeforethee，yetatWhitefire’sflashtheyskurriedthroughthewaterlikestartledducks。Itwasanomen，forsoshallhisgreatshipsflywhenweswooponthem。”Thentheothersshouted：
“Ay，ay！NeverletitbesaidthatwefledfromOspakar——fieonthywoman’stalk，Hall！“
“Thenweareallofonemind，saveHallonly。”saidEric。“LetusputOspakartotheproof。”Andwhilemenshouted“Yea！“heturnedtospeakwithSkallagrim。TheBaresarkwasgone，for，wastingnobreathinwords，alreadyhewasfixingthelongshieldsonthebulwarkrail。
Themenbuskedontheirharnessandmadethemfitforfight，and，whenallwasready，Ericmountedthepoop，andwithhimSkallagrim，andbadetherowersgiveway。TheGudrudaleaptforwardandrushedontowardsOspakar’sships。Nowtheysawthatthesewereboundtogetherwithacableandyettheymustgobetwixtthem。
Ericranforwardtotheprow，andwithhimSkallagrim，andcalledaloudtoagreatmanwhostoodupontheshiptostarboard，wearingablackhelmwithraven’swings：
“Whoartthouthatbarstheseaagainstme？“
“IamnamedOspakarBlacktooth。”answeredthegreatman。
“Andwhatmustweloseatthyhands，Ospakar？“
“Butonething——yourlives！“answeredBlacktooth。
“Thricehavewestoodfacetoface，Ospakar。”saidEric，“anditseemsthathithertothouhastwonnogreatglory。Nowitshallbeprovedifthyluckhasbettered。”
“Artyethealed，lord，ofthatprickintheshoulderwhichthoucamestbyonHorse-HeadHeights？“roaredSkallagrim。
Foranswer，OspakarseizedaspearandhurleditstraightatEric，andithadbeenhisdeathhadhenotcaughtitinhishandasitflew。
Thenhecastitback，andthatsomightilythatitspedrightthroughtheshieldofOspakarandwasthebaneofamanwhostoodbesidehim。
“Agiftforagift！“laughedEric。OnrushedtheGudruda，butnowthecablewasstrainedsixfathomsfromherbowthatheldtogethertheshipsofOspakaranditwastoostrongforbreaking。Ericlookedandsaw。ThenhedrewWhitefire，andwhileallmenwondered，leapedovertheprowoftheshipand，claspingthegoldendragon’sheadwithhisarm，sethisfeetuponitsclawsandwaited。Onspedtheshipandspearsflewthickandfastabouthim，butthereBrighteyeshung。NowtheGudruda’sbowcaughtthegreatropeandstrainedittautand，asitrosebeneathherweight，EricsmoteswiftandstrongwithWhitefireandcloveitintwo，sothattheseveredendsfellwithasplashintothequietwater。
Ericsprangbacktodeckwhilestonesandspearshissedabouthim。
“Thatwaswelldone，lord。”saidSkallagrim；“nowweshallbesnuglyberthed。”
“Inoarsandoutgrappling-irons。”shoutedEric。
Uprosetherowers，andtheirwar-gearrattledastheyrose。Theydrewinthelongoars，andnotbeforeitwastime，fornowtheGudrudaforcedherwaybetweenthetwodragonsofOspakarandlaywithherbowtotheirsterns。ThenwithashoutEric’smencasttheironsandsoontheshipswerelockedfastandthefightbegan。Thespearsflewthick，andoneithersidesomegottheirdeathbeforethem。Thenthemenofthatvessel，namedtheRaven，whichwastolarboardoftheGudruda，madereadytoboard。Ontheycamewitharush，andweredrivenback，thoughhardly，fortheyweremany，andthosewhostoodagainstthemfew。Againtheycame，scramblingoverthebulwarks，andthistimeascoreofthemleaptaboard。EricturnedfromthefightagainstthedragonofOspakarandsawit。Then，withSkallagrim，herushedtomeettheboardersastheyswarmedalongthehold，andnaughtmighttheywithstandtheaxeandsword。
Throughandthroughthemsweptthemightypair，nowWhitefireflashed，andnowthegreataxefell，andateverystrokeamanlaydeadorwounded。Sixoftheboardersturnedtofly，butjustthenthegrappling-ironbrokeandtheirshipdriftedoutwiththetidetowardstheopensea，andpresentlynomanofthattwentywasleftalive。
NowthemenoftheshipofOspakarandoftheGudrudapressedeachotherhard。ThricedidOspakarstrivetocomeaboardandthricehewaspushedback。Ericwaseverwherehewasmostneeded，andwithhimSkallagrim，forthesetwothrewthemselvesfromsidetoside，andwerenowhereandnowthere，sothatitseemedasthoughtherewerenotonegoldenhelmandoneblack，butratherfouronboardtheGudruda。
Ericlookedandsawthattheothershipwasdrawinground，thoughsomewhatslowly，tocomealongsideofthemoncemore。
“NowwemustmakeanendofOspakar，elseourhandswillbeoverfull。”
hesaid，andtherewithsprangupuponthebulwarksandafterhimmanymen。Oncetheyweredrivenback，butcameonagain，andnowtheythrustallOspakar’smenbeforethemandpasseduphisshiponbothboards。BythemaststoodOspakarandwithhimGizurhisson，andEricstrovetocometohim。Butmanymenwerebetweenthem，andhecouldnotdothis。
Presently，whilethefightyetwentonhotlyandmenfellfast，BrighteyesfeltthedragonofOspakarstrike，and，looking，sawthattheyhaddriftedwiththesendofthetideontotherocksoftheisland。Therewasagreatholeinthehullamidshipsandthewaterrushedinfast。
“Back！men；back！“hecried，andallhisfolkthatwereunhurt，ran，andleaptonboardtheGudruda；butOspakarandhismensprangintotheseaandswamfortheshore。ThenSkallagrimcutloosethegrappling-ironswithhisaxe，andthatnottoosoon，for，scarcelyhadtheypushedclearwithgreattoilwhenthelongwarshipslippedfromtherockandfoundered，takingmanydeadandwoundedmenwithher。
NowOspakarandsomeofhispeoplestoodsafeupontherocks，andEriccalledtohiminmockery，biddinghimcomeaboardtheGudruda。
Ospakarmadenoanswer，butstoodgnawinghishand，whilethewaterranfromhim。OnlyGizurhissoncursedthemaloud。
Ericwasgreatlymindedtofollowthem，andlandandfightthemthere；
buthemightnotdothis，becauseoftherocksandoftheotherdragon，thathungaboutthem，fearingtocomeonandyetnotwillingtogoback。
“Wewillhaveher，attheleast。”saidEric，andbadetherowersgetouttheiroars。
Now，whenthemenonboardtheothershipsawtheGudrudadrawingon，theytooktotheiroarsatonceandrowedswiftlyforthesea，andatthisagreatroaroflaughterwentdownEric’sship。
“Theyshallnotslipfromussoeasily。”saidEric；“giveway，comrades，andafterthem。”
Butthemenweremuchweariedwithfighting，andthedeckswereallcumberedwithdeadandwounded，sothatbythetimethattheGudrudahadputabout，andcometothemouthofthewaterway，Ospakar’svesselhadshakenouthersailsandcaughtthewind，thatnowblewstrongoffshore，andspedawaysixfurlongsormorefromEric’sprow。
“NowweshallseehowtheGudrudasails。”saidEric，andtheyspreadtheircanvasandgavechase。
ThenEricbademenclearthedecksofthedead，andtendthewounded。
Hehadlostsevenmenslainoutright，andthreewerewounded，onetodeath。ButonboardtheshiptherelayofOspakar’sforcetwentyandthreedeadmen。
Whenallwerecastintothesea，menateandrested。
“Wehavenotdonesobadly。”saidErictoSkallagrim。
“Weshalldobetteryet。”saidSkallagrimtoEric；“ratherhadIseenOspakar’sheadlyinginthescuppersthanthoseofallhiscarles；forhemaygetmoremen，butneveranotherhead！“
Nowthewindfreshenedtillbymidnightitblewstrongly。ThemateHallcametoEricandsaid：
“TheGudrudadipshernosedeepinRan’scup。Say，Eric，shallweshortensail？“
“Nay。”answeredEric，“keepherfullandbail。WhereyonderRavenflies，mySea-stagmustfollow。”andhepointedtothewarshipthatrodethewavesbeforethem。
Aftermidnightcloudscameup，withrain，andhidthefaceofthenight-sunandtheshiptheysought。Thewindbleweverharder，tillatlength，whentherainhadpassedandthecloudslifted，therewasmuchwaterintheholdandthebailerscouldhardlystandattheirwork。
Menmurmured，andHallthematemurmuredmostofall；butstillEricheldon，forthere，nottwofurlongsaheadofthem，rodethedragonofOspakar。Butnow，beingafraidofthewindandsea，shehadloweredhersailsomewhat，andmadeasthoughshewouldputaboutandrunforIceland。
“Thatshemaynotdo。”calledErictoSkallagrim，“ifoncesherollssideontothoseseasRanhasher，forshemustfillandsink。”
“Sotheyhold，lord。”answeredSkallagrim；“see，oncemoresheruns！“
“Ay，butwerunfaster——sheisoutsailed。Up，men，up：forpresentlythefightbegins。”
“Itisbadtojoinbattleinsuchasea。”quothHall。
“Goodorbad。”growledSkallagrim，“dothouthylord’sbidding。”andhehalflifteduphisaxe。
Thematesaidnomore，forhemisdoubtedhimofSkallagrimLambstailandhisaxe。
Thenmenmadereadyforthefrayasbesttheymight，andstood，swordinhandanddrenchedwithfoam，clingingtothebulwarksoftheGudrudaasshewallowedthroughtheseas。
Ericwentafttothehelmandseizedit。NowbutalengthaheadOspakar’sshiplabouredonbeneathhersmallsail，buttheGudrudarushedtowardsherwithallcanvassetandateveryleapplungedhergoldendragonbeneaththesurfandshookthewaterfromherforedeck。
“Makereadythegrapnel！“shoutedEricthroughthestorm。Skallagrimseizedtheironandstoodby。NowtheGudrudarushedalongsidetheRaven，andEricsteeredsoskilfullythattherewasafathomspace，andnomore，betweentheships。
Skallagrimcasttheironwellandtruly，sothatithookedandheld。
OnspedtheGudrudaandthecabletautened——nowhersternkissedthebowofOspakar’sship，asthoughshewastowingher，andthusforaspacetheytravelledthroughtheseas。
Eric’sfolkshoutedandstrovetocastspears；buttheydidthisbutill，becauseoftherockingofthevessel。AsforOspakar’smen，theyclungtotheirbulwarksanddidnothing，foralltheheartwasoutofthembetweenfearofEricandterrorofthesea。Ericcalledtoamantoholdthehelm，andSkallagrimcreptafttowherehestood。
“Whatcounselshallwetakenow？“saidEric，andashespokeaseabrokeoverthem——forthegalewasstrong。
“Boardthemandmakeanend。”answeredSkallagrim。
“Roughwork；still，wewilltryit。”saidEric，“forwemaynotliethusforlong，andIamloathtoleavethem。”
ThenEriccalledformentofollowhim，andmanyanswered，creepingasbesttheymighttowherehestood。
“Thouartmad，Eric。”saidHallthemate；“cutlooseandletusdrive，elseweshallbothfounder，andthatisapoortaletotell。”
Erictooknoheed，but，watchinghischance，leaptontothebowsoftheRaven，andafterhimleaptSkallagrim。Evenashedidso，agreatseacameandsweptpastandoverthem，sothathalftheshipwashidforfoam。Now，Hallthematestoodneartothegrapnelcable，and，fearinglesttheyshouldsink，outofthecowardiceofhisheart，helethisaxefalluponthechain，andsevereditsoswiftlythatnomansawhim，exceptSkallagrimonly。ForwardsprangtheGudruda，freedfromherburden，andrushedawaybeforethewind，leavingEricandSkallagrimaloneupontheRaven’sprow。
“Nowweareinanevilplight。”saidEric，“thecablehasparted！“
“Ay。”answeredSkallagrim，“andthatloselHallhathpartedit！Isawhisaxefall。”
XIV
HOWERICDREAMEDADREAM
Now，whenthemenofOspakar，whoweregatheredonthepoopoftheRaven，sawwhathadcomeabout，theyshoutedaloudandmadereadytoslaythepair。ButEricandSkallagrimclamberedtothemastandgottheirbacksagainstit，andswiftlymadethemselvesfastwitharope，sothattheymightnotfallwiththerollingoftheship。ThenthepeopleofOspakarcameontocutthemdown。
Butthiswasnoeasytask，fortheymightscarcelystand，andtheycouldnotshootwiththebow。Moreover，EricandSkallagrim，beingboundtothemast，hadtheuseofbothhandsandweremindedtodiehard。ThereforeOspakar’sfolksgotbutonethingbytheironslaught，andthatwasdeath，forthreeoftheirnumberfellbeneaththelongsweepofWhitefire，andonebowedbeforetheaxeofSkallagrim。Thentheydrewbackandstrovetothrowspearsatthesetwo，buttheyflewwidebecauseoftherollingofthevessel。OnespearstruckthemastneartheheadofSkallagrim。Hedrewitout，and，waitingtilltheshipsteadiedherselfinthetroughofthesea，hurleditataknotofOspakar’sthralls，andamangothisdeathfromit。Afterthattheythrewnomorespears。
Thenceoncemorethecrewcameonwithswordsandaxes，butfaint-
heartedly，andtheendofitwasthattheylostsomemoremendeadandwoundedandfellbackagain。
Skallagrimmockedatthemwithbitterwords，andoneofthem，mademadbyhisscoffing，castaheavyballast-stoneathim。Itfelluponhisshoulderandnumbedhim。
“NowIamunmeetforfight，lord。”saidSkallagrim，“formyrightarmisdeadandIcanscarcelyholdmyaxe。”
“Thatisill，then。”saidEric，“forwehavelittlehelp，exceptfromeachother，andI，too，amwell-nighspent。Well，wehavedoneagreatdeedandnowitistimetorest。”
“Myleftarmisyetwhole，lord，andIcanmakeshiftforawhilewithit。Cutloosethecordbeforetheybaitustodeath，andletusrushuponthesewolvesandfallfighting。”
“Agoodcounsel。”saidEric，“andaquickend；butstayawhile：whatplanhavetheynow？“
NowthemenofOspakar，havinglittleheartleftinthemforsuchworkasthis，hadtakenthoughttogether。
“Wehavegotgreathurt，andlittlehonour。”saidthemate。“Therearebutnineteenofusleftalive，andthatisscarcelyenoughtoworktheship，anditseemsthatweshallbefewerbeforeEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailliequietbyyondermast。Theyaremightymen，indeed，anditwouldbebetter，methinks，todealwiththembycraft，ratherthanbyforce。”