Thesailorssaidthatthiswasagoodword，fortheywerewearyofthesightofWhitefireasheflamedonhighandthesoundoftheaxeofSkallagrimasitcrashedthroughhelmandbyrnie；andasfearcreptinvalourfledout。
“Thisismyrede，then。”saidthemate：“thatwegotothemandgivethempeace，andlaytheminbonds，swearingthatwewillputthemashorewhenwearecomebacktoIceland。Butwhenwehavethemfast，astheysleepatnight，wewillcreeponthemandhurlthemintothesea，andafterwardswewillsaythatweslewthemfighting。”
“Ashamefuldeed！“saidaman。
“Thengothouupagainstthem。”answeredthemate。“Ifweslaythemnot，thenshallthistalebetoldagainstusthroughoutIceland：thataship’scompanywereworstedbytwomen，andwemaynotlivebeneaththatdishonour。”
Themanheldhispeace，andthemate，layingdownhisarms，creptforwardalone，towardsthemast，justasEricandSkallagrimwereabouttocutthemselveslooseandrushonthem。
“Whatwouldestthou？“shoutedEric。“Hasitgonesowellwithyouwitharmsthatyearemindedtocomeupagainstusbearingnone？“
“Ithasgoneill，Eric。”saidthemate，“foryetwainaretoomightyforus。Wehavelostmanymen，andweshalllosemoreereyearelaidlow。Thereforewemakeyouthisoffer：thatyoulaydownyourweaponsandsufferyourselvestobeboundtillsuchtimeaswetouchland，wherewewillsetyouashore，andgiveyouyourarmsagain。Meanwhile，wewilldealwithyouinfriendlyfashion，givingyouofthebestwehave；norwillwesetfootanysuitagainstyouforthoseofournumberwhomyetwohaveslain。”
“Whereforethenshouldwebebound？“saidEric。
“Forthisreasononly：thatwedarenotleaveyoufreewithinourship。Nowchoose，and，ifyewill，takepeace，whichweswearbyalltheGodswewillkeeptowardsyou，and，ifyewillnot，thenwewillbearyoudownwithbeamsandsailsandstones，andslayyou。”
“Whatthinkestthou，Skallagrim？“saidEricbeneathhisbreath。
“IthinkthatIfindlittlefaithinyoncarle’sface。”answeredSkallagrim。“Still，Iamunfittofight，andthystrengthisspent，soitseemsthatwemustlielowifwewouldriseagain。Theycanscarcelybesobaseastodomurderhavinghandselledpeacetous。”
“Iamnotsosureofthat。”saidEric；“still，starvingbeggarsmusteatbones。Hearkenthou：wetaketheterms，trustingtoyourhonour；
andIsaythis：thatyeshallgetshameanddeathifyedepartfromthemtoharmus。”
“Havenofear，lord。”saidthemate，“wearetruemen。”
“Thatweshalllooktoyourdeedstolearn。”saidEric，layingdownhisswordandshield。
Skallagrimdidlikewise，thoughwithnogoodgrace。Thenmencamewithstrongcordsandboundthemfasthandandfoot，handlingthemfearsomelyasmenhandlealivebearinanet。Thentheyledthemforwardtotheprow。
AstheywentEriclookedup。Yonder，twentyfurlongsandmoreaway，sailedtheGudruda。
“Thisisgoodfellowship。”saidSkallagrim，“thustoleaveusinthetrap。”
“Nay。”answeredEric。“Theycannotputaboutinsuchasea，anddoubtlessalsotheythinkusdead。Nevertheless，ifeveritcomesaboutthatHallandIstandfacetofaceagain，therewillbeneedformetothinkofgentleness。”
“Ishallthinklittlethereon。”growledSkallagrim。
Nowtheywerecometotheprow，andtherewasahalfdeckunderwhichtheywereset，outofreachofthewindandwater。Inthedeckwasastoutironring，andthemenmadethemfastwithropestoit，sothattheymightmovebutlittle，andtheysettheirhelmsandweaponsbehindtheminsuchfashionthattheycouldnotcomeatthem。Thentheyflungcloaksaboutthem，andbroughtthemfoodanddrink，ofwhichtheystoodmuchinneed，andtreatedthemwellineveryway。ButforallthisSkallagrimtrustedthemnomore。
“Wearenew-hooked，lord。”hesaid，“andtheygiveusline。Presentlytheywillhaulusin。”
“Evilcomessoonenough。”answeredEric，“noneedtoruntogreetit。”
andhefelltothinkingofGudruda，andoftheday’sdeeds，tillpresentlyhedroppedasleep，forhewasveryweary。
NowitchancedthatasEricslepthedreamedadreamsostrongandstrangethatitseemedtolivewithinhim。HedreamedthatheslepttherebeneaththeRaven’sdeck，andthataratcameandwhisperedspellsintohisear。ThenhedreamedthatSwanhildglidedtowardshim，walkingonthestormyseas。Hesawherafar，andshecameswiftly，andevertheseagrewsmoothbeforeherfeet，nordidthewindsomuchasstirherhair。Presentlyshestoodbyhimintheship，and，bendingoverhim，touchedhimontheshoulder，saying：
“Awake，EricBrighteyes！Awake！awake！“
Itseemedtohimthatheawokeandsaid“Whattidings，Swanhild？“andthatsheanswered：
“Illtidings，Eric——soillthatIamcomehitherfromStraumey[*]totellofthem——ay，comewalkingontheseas。HadGudrudadonesomuch，thinkestthou？“
[*]Stroma，thesouthernmostoftheOrkneys。
“Gudrudaisnowitch。”hesaidinhisdream。
“Nay，butIamawitch，anditiswellforthee，Eric。Ay，Iamawitch。NowdoIseemtosleepatAtli’sside，andlo！hereIstandbythine，andImustjourneybackagainmanyaleaguebeforeanotherdaybeborn——ay，manyaleague，andallforloveofthee，Eric！Hearken，fornotlongmaythespellendure。Ihaveseenthisbymymagic：thatthesemenwhoboundtheecomeevennowtotakethee，sleeping，andcasttheeandthythrallintothedeep，theretodrown。”
“Ifitisfateditwillbefall。”hesaidinhisdream。
“Nay，itshallnotbefall。Putforthallthymightandburstthybonds。ThenfetchWhitefire；cutawaythebondsofSkallagrim，andgivehimhisaxeandshield。Thisdone，coveryourselveswithyourcloaks，andwaittillyehearthemurdererscome。Thenriseandrushuponthem，thetwoofyou，andtheyshallmeltbeforeyourmight。I
havejourneyedoverthegreatdeeptotelltheethis，Eric！HadGudrudadoneasmuch，thinkestthou？“
AnditseemedtohimthatthewraithofSwanhildkissedhimonthebrow，sighedandvanished，bearingtheratinherbosom。
Ericawokesuddenly，justasthoughhehadneverslept，andlookedaround。Heknewbythelownessofthesunthatitwasfarintothenight，andthathehadsleptformanyhours。Theywerealonebeneaththedeck，andfaraft，beyondthemast，asthevesselroseuponthewaves——fortheseawasstillrough，thoughthewindhadfallen——EricsawthemateoftheRaventalkingearnestlywithsomemenofhiscrew。
Skallagrimsnoredbesidehim。
“Awake！“Ericsaidinhisear，“awakeandlisten！“
Heyawnedandrousedhimself。“Whatnow，lord？“hesaid。
“This。”saidEric，andhetoldhimthedreamthathehaddreamed。
“Thatwasafeydream。”saidSkallagrim，“andnowwemustdoasthewraithbadethee。”
“Easytosay，buthardtodo。”quothEric；“thisisagreatropethatholdsus，andastrong。”
“Yes，itisgreatandstrong；still，wemustburstit。”
NowEricandSkallagrimweremadefastinthisfashion：theirhandswereboundbehindthem，andtheirlegswerelashedabovethefeetandabovetheknee。Moreover，athickcordwasfixedaboutthewaistofeach，andthiscordwaspassedthroughtheironringandknottedthere。Butitchancedthatbeneaththehollowsoftheirkneesrananoakenbeam，whichheldtheforepartofthedragontogether。
“Wemaytrythis。”saidEric：“tosetourfeetagainstthebeamandstrainwithallourstrengthupontherope；thoughIthinkthatnotwomencanpartit。”
“Weshallknowthatpresently。”saidSkallagrim，gatheringuphislegs。
Thentheysettheirfeetagainstthebeamandpulledtillitgroaned；
but，thoughtheropegavesomewhat，itwouldnotbreak。Theyrestedawhile，thenstrainedagaintillthesweatburstoutuponthemandtheropecutintotheirflesh，butstillitwouldnotpart。
“Wehavefoundourmatch。”saidEric。
“Thatisnotaltogetherprovedyet。”answeredtheBaresark。“Manyashieldisrivenatthethirdstroke。”
Soonceagaintheysettheirfeetagainstthebeam，andputoutalltheirstrength。
“Theringbends。”gaspedEric。“Now，whentherolloftheshipthrowsourweighttoleeward，inthenameofThorpull！“
Theywaited，thenputouttheirmight，andlo！thoughtheropedidnotbreak，theironringburstasunderandtheyrolleduponthedeck。
“Wellpulled，truly。”saidSkallagrimashestruggledtohishaunches：
“Iammarkedaboutthemiddlewithrope-twistsformanyadaytocome，thatIwillswear。Whatnext，lord？“
“Whitefire。”answeredEric。
Now，theirarmswerepiledafathomormorefromwheretheysat，andrightintheprowoftheship。Hither，then，theymustcrawlupontheirknees，andthiswaswearywork，foreverastheshiprolledtheyfell，andcouldinnowisesavethemselvesfromhurt。Ericwasbleedingatthebrow，andbloodywasthehookednoseofSkallagrim，beforetheycametowhereWhitefirewas。Atlengththeyreachedthesword，andpushedasidethebucklersthatwereoveritwiththeirheads。Thegreatwar-bladewassheathed，andEricmustneedslieuponhisbreastanddrawtheweaponsomewhatwithhisteeth。
“Thisisanillrazortoshavewith。”hesaid，rising，forthekeenbladehadcuthischin。
“Sosomehavethoughtandperchancemoreshallthink。”answeredSkallagrim。“Nowsettheropeontheedgeandrub。”
Thistheydid，andpresentlythethickcordthatboundthemwasintwo。ThenErickneltuponthedeckandpressedthebondsthatboundhislegsupontheblade，andafterhimSkallagrim。Theywerefreenow，exceptfortheirhands，anditwasnoeasythingtocutawaythebondsupontheirwrists。Itwasdonethus：Skallagrimsatuponthedeck，andEricpushedtheswordbetweenhisfingerswithhisfeet。ThentheBaresarkrose，holdingthesword，andEric，turningbacktobackwithhim，frettedthecordsuponhiswristsagainsttheblade。Twicehecuthimself，butthethirdtimethecordpartedandhewasfree。Hestretchedhisarms，fortheywerestiff；thentookWhitefireandcutawaythebondsofSkallagrim。
“Howgoesitwiththathurtofthine？“heasked。
“BetterthanIhadthought。”answeredSkallagrim；“thesorenesshascomeoutwiththebruise。”
“Thatisgoodnews。”saidEric，“formethinks，unlessSwanhildwalkedtheseasfornothing，thouwiltsoonneedthinearms。”
“Theyhaveneverfailedmeyet。”saidSkallagrimandtookhisaxeandshield。“Whatcounselnow？“
“This，Skallagrim：thatweliedownaswewere，andputthecloaksaboutusasthoughwewereyetinbonds。Then，iftheseknavescome，wecantakethemunawaresastheythinktotakeus。”
Sotheywentagaintowheretheyhadbeenbound，andlaydownupontheirshieldsandweapons，drawingcloaksoverthem。Scarcelyhadtheydonethisandrestedawhile，whentheysawthemateandallthecrewcomingalongbothboardstowardsthem。Theyborenoweaponsintheirhands。
“NonetoosoondidSwanhildwalk。”saidEric；“nowweshalllearntheirpurpose。BethoureadytoleapforthwhenIgivetheword。”
“Ay，lord。”answeredSkallagrimasheworkedhisstiffarmstoandfro。“Insuchmattersfewhavethoughtmebackward。”
“Whatnews，friends？“criedEricasthemendrewnear。
“Badnewsforthee，Brighteyes。”answeredthemate，“andthatBaresarkthrallofthine，forwemustlooseyourbands。”
“Thatisgoodnews，then。”saidEric，“forourlimbsarenumbanddeadbecauseofthenippingofthecords。Islandinsight？“
“Nay，norwillbeforthee，Eric。”
“Hownow，friend？hownow？Sure，havinghandselledpeacetous，yemeannoharmtowardstwounarmedmen？“
“Wesworetodoyounoharm，norwillwe，Eric；thisonlywillwedo：
deliveryou，bound，toRan，andleavehertodealwithyouasshemay。”
“Bethinkyou，sirs。”saidEric：“thisisacrueldeedandmostunmanly。Weyieldedtoyouinfaith——willyebreakyourtroth？“
“Warhasnotroth。”heanswered，“yearetoogreattoletslipbetweenourfingers。Shallitbesaidofusthattwomenovercameusall？“
“Mayhap！“murmuredSkallagrimbeneathhisbreath。
“Oh，sirs，Ibeseechyou。”saidEric；“Iamyoung，andthereisamaidwhowaitsmeoutinIceland，anditishardtodie。”andhemadeasthoughhewept，whileSkallagrimlaughedwithinhissleeve，foritwasstrangetoseeEricfeigningfear。
Butthemenmockedaloud。
“Thisisthegreatman。”theycried，“thisisthatEricofwhosedeedsfolksing！Look！heweepslikeachildwhenheseesthewater。Draghimforthandawaywithhimintothesea！“
“Littleneedforthat。”criedEric，andlo！thecloaksabouthimandSkallagrimflewaside。Outtheycamewitharoar；theycameoutasashe-bearfromhercave，andhighaboveBrighteyes’goldencurlsWhitefireshoneinthepalelight，andnightoitshonetheaxeofSkallagrim。Whitefireflaredaloft，thendownhefellandsoughtthefalseheartofthemate。ThegreataxeofSkallagrimshoneandwaslostinthebreastofthecarlewhostoodbeforehim。
“Trolls！“shriekedone。“Herearetrolls！“andturnedtofly。ButagainWhitefirewasupandthatmanflewnotfar——onepace，andnomore。Thentheyfledscreamingandafterthemcameaxeandsword。Theyfled，theyfell，theyleapedintothesea，tillnonewerelefttofallandleap，fortheyhadnotimeorhearttofindordrawtheirweapons，andpresentlyEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailstoodaloneuponthedeck——alonewiththedead。
“Swanhildisawisewitch。”gaspedEric，“and，whateverillshehasdone，Iwillrememberthistoherhonour。”
“Littlegoodcomesofwitchcraft。”answeredSkallagrim，wipinghisbrow：“to-dayitworksforourhands，to-morrowitshallworkagainstthem。”
“Tothehelm。”saidEric；“theshipyawsandcomessideontotheseas。”
Skallagrimsprangtothetillerandputhisstrengthonit，andbutjustintime，foronebigseacameaboardthemandleftmuchwaterinthehold。
“WeowethistothyBaresarkways。”saidEric。“Hadstthounotslainthesteersmanwehadnotfilledwithwater。”
“True，lord。”answeredSkallagrim；“butwhenoncemyaxeisaloft，itseemstoflyofitself，tillnothingisleftbeforeit。Whatcoursenow？“
“ThesameonwhichtheGudrudawaslaid。Perhaps，ifwemayenduretillwecometotheFareyIsles，[*]weshallfindherinharbourthere。”
[*]TheFaroes。
“Thereisnotmuchchanceofthat。”saidSkallagrim；“still，thewindisfair，andweflyfastbeforeit。”
Thentheylashedthetillerandsettobailing。Theybailedlong，anditwasheavywork，buttheyridtheshipofmuchwater。Afterthattheyatefood，foritwasnowmorning，anditcameontoblowyetmorestrongly。
Forthreedaysandthreenightsitblewthus，andtheRavenspedalongbeforethegale。Allthistime，turnandturnabout，EricandSkallagrimstoodatthehelmandtendedthesails。Theyhadlittletimetoeat，andnonetosleep。Theyweresohardpressedalso，andmustharbourtheirstrengthsoclosely，thatthebodiesofthedeadmenyetcumberedthehold。Thustheygrewverywearyandliketofallfromfaintness，butstilltheyheldtheRavenonhercourse。Inthebeginningofthefourthnightagreatseastruckthegoodshipsothatshequiveredfromstemtostern。
“MethinksIhearwaterbubblingup。”saidSkallagriminahoarsevoice。
Ericclimbeddownintothewellandliftedthebottomplanks，andtherebeneaththemwasaleakthroughwhichthewaterspoutedinathinstream。Hestoppeduptherentasbesthemightwithgarmentsfromthedeadmen，andplacedballaststonesuponthem，thenclamberedontothedeckagain。
“Ourhoursareshortnow。”hesaid，“thewaterrushesinapace。”
“Well，itistimetorest。”saidSkallagrim；“butsee，lord！“andhepointedahead。“Whatlandisthat？“
“ItmustbetheFareys。”answeredEric；“now，ifwecanbutkeepafloatforthreehoursmore，wemayyetdieashore。”
Afterthisthewindbegantofall，butstilltherewasenoughtodrivetheRavenonswiftly。
Andeverthewatergainedinthehold。
Nowtheywerenotfarfromland，foraheadofthemthebleakhillstoweredup，shininginthefaintmidnightlight，andbetweenthehillswasacleftthatseemedtobeafjord。Anotherhourpassed，andtheywerenomorethantenfurlongsfromthemouthofthefjord，whensuddenlythewindfell，andtheywereincalmwaterundershelteroftheland。Theywentamidshipsandlooked。Theholdwashalffullofwater，andinitfloatedthebodiesofOspakar’smen。
“Shehasnotlongtolive。”saidSkallagrim，“butwemaystillbesavediftheboatisnotbroken。”
Nowaft，nearthetiller，asmallboatwasboundonthehalfdeckoftheRaven。Theywenttoitandlooked；itwaswhole，withoarslashedinit，buthalffullofwater，whichtheymustbailout。Thistheydidasswiftlyastheymight；thentheycutthelittleboatloose，and，havingmadeitfastwitharope，lifteditovertheside-railandletitfallintothesea，andthatwasnogreatway，fortheRavenhadsunkdeep。Itfellonanevenkeel，andEriclethimselfdowntheropeintoitandcalledtoSkallagrimtofollow。
“Bideawhile，lord。”heanswered；“thereisthatwhichIwouldbringwithme。”
ForaspaceEricwaitedandthencalledaloud，“Swift！thoufool；
swift！theshipsinks！“
Andashecalled，Skallagrimcame，andhisarmswerefullofswordsandbyrnies，andredringsofgoldthathehadfoundtimetogatherfromthedeadandoutofthecabin。
“Throwallasideandcome。”saidEric，layingontotheoars，fortheRavenwallowedbeforeshesank。
“Thereisyettime，lord，andthegearisgood。”answeredSkallagrim，andonebyonehethrewpiecesdownintotheboat。AsthelastfelltheRavensanktoherbulwarks。ThenSkallagrimsteppedfromthesinkingdeckintotheboat，andcutthecord，nottoosoon。
Ericgavewaywithallhisstrength，and，ashepulled，whenhewasnomorethanfivefathomsfromher，theRavenvanishedwithahugeswirl。
“Holdstill。”hesaid，“orweshallfollow。”
Roundspuntheboatintheeddy，shewassuckeddowntillthewatertrickledoverhergunwale，andforamomenttheyknewnotiftheywerelostorsaved。Ericheldhisbreathandwatched，thenslowlytheboatliftedhernose，andtheyweresafefromthewhirlpoolofthelostdragon。
“Greedismanyaman’sbane。”saidEric，“anditwasnearlythineandmine，Skallagrim。”
“Ihadnohearttoleavethegoodgear。”heanswered；“andthouseest，lord，itissafeandwewithit。”
Thentheygottheboat’sheadroundslowlyintothemouthofthefjord，pausingnowandagaintorest，fortheirstrengthwasspent。
Fortwohourstheyroweddownagulf，asitwere，andoneithersideofthemwerebarrenhills。Atlengththewater-wayopenedoutintoagreatbasin，andthere，onthefurthersideofthebasin，theysawgreenslopesrunningdowntothewater’sedge，strewnwithwhitestock-fishsettodryinthewindandsun，andabovetheslopesalargehall，andaboutitbooths。Moreover，theysawalongdragonofwaratanchorneartheshore。Forawhiletheyrowedon，easingnowandagain。ThenEricspoketoSkallagrim。
“Whatthinkestthouofyondership，Lambstail？“
“Ithinkthis，lord：thatsheisfashionedwondrousliketotheGudruda。”
“Thatisinmymindalso。”saidEric，“andourfortuneisgoodifitisshe。”
Theyrowedonagain，andpresentlyarayfromthesuncameoverthehills——fornowitwasthreehourspastmidnight——and，theshiphavingswungalittlewiththetide，lituponherprow，andlo！theregleamedthegoldendragonoftheGudruda。
“Thisisastrangething。”saidEric。
“Ay，lord，astrangeandamerry，fornowIshalltalkwithHallthemate。”andtheBaresarksmiledgrimly。
“ThoushaltdonohurttoHall。”saidEric。“Iamlordhere，andI
mustjudge。”
“Thywillismywill。”saidSkallagrim；“butifmywillwerethine，hewouldhangonthemasttillsea-birdsnestedamidsthisbones。”
Nowtheywereclosetotheship，buttheycouldseenoman。Skallagrimwouldhavecalledaloud，butEricbadehimholdhispeace。
“Eithertheyaredead，andthycallingcannotwakethem，orperchancetheysleepandwillwakeofthemselves。Wewillrowunderthestern，and，havingmadefast，climbaboardandseewithourowneyes。”
This，then，theydidassilentlyasmightbe，andsawthattheGudrudahadnotbeenhandledgentlybythewindsandwaves，forhershieldrailwaswashedaway。Thistheyfoundalso，thatallmenlaydeepinsleep。Now，amidshipsafirestillburned，andbyitwasfood。Theycamethereandateofthefood，ofwhichtheyhadgreatneed。Thentheytooktwocloaksthatlayonthedeck，and，throwingthemaboutthem，warmedthemselvesoverthefire：fortheywerecoldandwet，ay，andutterlyoutworn。
Astheysatthuswarmingthemselves，amanofthecrewawokeandsawthem，andbeingamazed，atoncecalledtohisfellows，sayingthattwogiantswereaboard，warmingthemselvesatthefire。Nowmensprangup，and，seizingtheirweapons，rantowardsthem，andamongthemwasHallthemate。
ThensuddenlyEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailthrewasidethecloaksandstoodup。Theyweregauntandgrimtosee。Theircheekswerehollowandtheireyesstaredwidewithwantofsleep。Thickwastheirharnesswithbrine，andopenwoundsgapedupontheirfacesandtheirhands。Mensawandfellbackinfear，fortheyheldthemtobewizardsrisenfromtheseaintheshapesofEricandtheBaresark。
ThenEricsangthissong：
“SwiftandsureacrosstheSwan’sBathSpedSea-stagonRaven’strack，Heav’dRan’sbreastinragingbillows，Stream’dgale-bannersthroughthesky！
YetdidEricthewar-eagerLeapwithBaresark-mateaboard，Fiercetheironsetonthefoemen！
Whereforebrakethegrapnel-chain？“
Hallheardandslunkback，fornowhesawthatthesewereindeedEricandSkallagrimcomeupalivefromthesea，andthattheyknewhisbaseness。
Ericlookedathimandsangagain：
“SwiftawayspedshipGudruda，Leftherlordinfoeman’sring；
BrighteyesbacktobackwithBaresarkHeldhishead’gainstmightyodds。
Downamidsttheballasttumbling，Ospakar’sshield-carleswererolled。
Holypeaceatlengththeyhandselled，Ericmustinbondsbelaid！
“CametheGreyRat，cametheEarl’swife，Camethewitch-wordfromafar；
Cag’dwolvesrousedthem，andwithstrugglingToretheirfetterfromitshold。
Nowtheywatchupontheirweapons；
Nowtheyweepandprayforlife；
Nowtheyleapforthlikeatorrent——
Sweptawayinfoeman’sstrength！
“ThenaloneupontheRavenThreelongdaystheysteerandsail，Tillthewaters，wellingupwards，Washdeadmenabouttheirfeet。
Failsthegaleandsinksthedragon，Barelymaytheywintheboat：
SafetheystandonshipGudruda——
Say，whocutthegrapnel-chain？“
XV
HOWERICDWELTINLONDONTOWN
Menstoodastonished，butHallthemateslunkback。
“Hold，comrade。”saidEric，“Ihavesomethingtosaythatsongscannotcarry。Hearken，myshield-mates：wesworetobetruetoeachother，eventodeath：isitnotso？WhatthenshallbesaidofthatmanwhocutloosetheGudrudaandleftustwotodieatthefoeman’shand？“
“Whowastheman？“askedavoice。
“ThatmanwasHallofLithdale。”saidEric。
“Itisfalse！“saidHall，gatheringuphiscourage；“thecablepartedbeneaththestrainingoftheship，andafterwardswecouldnotputaboutbecauseofthegreatsea。”
“Thouartfalse！“roaredSkallagrim。“WithmyeyesIsawtheeletthineaxefalluponthecable。Liarartthouanddastard！ThouartjealousalsoofBrighteyesthylord，andthiswasinthymind：tolethimdieupontheRavenandthentobindhisshoesuponthycowardlyfeet。Thoughnoneelsesaw，Isaw；andIsaythis：thatifImayhavemywill，Iwillstringthee，living，totheprowinthatsamecabletillgullstearoutthyfox-heart！“
NowHallgrewverywhiteandhiskneestrembledbeneathhim。“Itistrue。”hesaid，“thatIcutthechain，butnotfromanythoughtofevil。HadInotcutitthevesselmusthavesunkandallbeenlost。”
“Didwenotswear，Hall。”saidEricsternly，“togethertofightandtogethertofall——togethertofareand，ifneedbe，togethertoceasefromfaring，anddostthoureadtheoaththus？Say，mates，whatrewardshallbepaidtothismanforhisgoodfellowshiptousandhistendernessforyourlives？“
Aswithonevoicethemenanswered“/Death！/“
“Thouhearest，Hall？“saidEric。“YetIwoulddealmoregentlywithonetowhomIsworefellowshipsolately。Gettheegonefromourcompany，andletusseethycur’sfacenomore。Gettheegone，Isay，beforeIrepentofmymercy。”
Thenamidstaloudhooting，HalltookhisweaponsandwithoutawordslunkintotheboatoftheRaventhatlayastern，androwedashore；
nordidEricseehisfaceformanymonths。
“Thouhastdonefoolishly，lord，toletthatweaselgo。”saidSkallagrim，“forhewilllivetonipthyhand。”
“Forgoodorevil，heisgone。”saidEric，“andnowIamwornoutanddesiretosleep。”
AfterthisEricandSkallagrimrestedthreefulldays，andtheyweresowearythattheywereawakeforlittleofthistime。Butonthethirddaytheyroseup，strongandwell，exceptfortheirhurtsandsoreness。Thentheytoldthemenofthatwhichhadcometopass，andallwonderedattheirmightandhardihood。TothemindeedEricseemedasaGod，forfewsuchdeedsashishadbeentoldofsincetheGod-
kindwereonearth。
ButBrighteyesthoughtlittleofhisdeeds，andmuchofGudruda。AttimesalsohethoughtofSwanhild，andofthatwitch-dreamshesenthim：foritwaswonderfultohimthatsheshouldhavesavedhimthusfromRan’snet。
EricwasheartilywelcomedbytheEarloftheFareyIsles，for，whenheheardhisdeeds，hemadeafeastinhishonour，andsethiminthehighseat。Itwasagreatfeast，butSkallagrimbecamedrunkatitandrandownthechamber，axealoft，roaringforHallofLithdale。
ThisangeredEricmuchandhewouldscarcelyspeaktoSkallagrimformanydays，thoughthegreatBaresarkslunkaboutafterhimlikehisshadow，orawhippedhoundatitsmaster’sheel，andatlengthhumbledhispridesofarastoaskpardonforhisfault。
“Igrantitforthydeeds’sake。”saidEricshortly；“butthisisuponmymind：thatthouwilterrthusagain，anditshallbemycauseofdeath——ay，andthatofmanymore。”
“Firstmaymybonesbewhite。”saidSkallagrim。
“Theyshallbewhitethereafter。”answeredEric。
AtFareysEricshippedtwelvegoodmenandtrue，totaketheseatsofthosewhohadbeenslainbyOspakar’sfolk。Afterwards，whenthewoundedwerewelloftheirhurtsexceptonemanwhodied，andtheGudrudawasmadefittotaketheseaagain，BrighteyesbadefarewelltotheEarlofthoseIsles，whogavehimagoodcloakandagoldringatparting，andsailedaway。
NowitweretoolongtotellofallthedeedsthatEricandhismendid。Never，soscaldssing，wasthereavikinglikehimforstrengthandskillandhardihood，and，inthosedays，nosuchwar-dragonastheGudrudahadbeenknownuponthesea。WhereverEricjoinedbattle，andthatwasinmanyplaces，heconquered，fornoneprevailedagainsthim，tillatlastfoeswouldflybeforetheterrorofhisname，andearlsandkingswouldsendfromfarcravingtheaidofhishands。Withalhewasthebestandgentlestofmen。ItissaidofEricthatinallhisdayshedidnobasedeed，norhurttheweak，norrefusedpeacetohimwhoprayedit，norliftedswordagainstprisonerorwoundedfoe。Fromtradershewouldtakeatolloftheirmerchandiseonlyandletthemgo，andwhatevergainshewonhewouldshareequally，askingnolargerpartthanthemeanestofhisband。AllmenlovedEric，andevenhisfoesgavehimhonourandspokewellofhim。NowthatHallofLithdalewasgone，therewasnomanamonghismateswhowouldnothavepassedtodeathforhim，fortheyheldhimdearerthantheirlives。Women，too，lovedhimmuch；buthisheartwassetuponGudruda，andheseldomturnedtolookonthem。
ThefirstsummerofhisoutlawryEricwarredalongthecoastofIreland，butinthewinterhecametoDublin，andforawhileservedinthebody-guardofthekingofthattown，whoheldhiminhonour，andwouldhavehadhimstaythere。ButEricwouldnotbidethere，andnextspring，theGudrudabeingreadyforsea，hesailedfortheshoresofEngland。Therehegavebattletotwovikings’shipsofwar，andtookthemafterahardfight。ItwasinthisfightthatSkallagrimLambstailwaswoundedalmosttodeath。Forwhen，havingtakenoneship，Ericboardedtheotherwithbutfewmen，hewasdrivenbackandfelloverabeam，andwouldhavebeenslain，hadnotSkallagrimthrownhimselfacrosshisbody，takingonhisownbackthatblowofabattle-
axewhichwasaimedatEric’shead。Thiswasagreatwound，fortheaxeshorethroughthesteelofthebyrnieandsankintotheflesh。ButwhenEric’smensawtheirlorddown，andSkallagrim，astheydeemed，deadathwarthim，theymadesofiercearushthatthefoemenfellbeforethemlikeleavesbeforeawintergale，andtheendofitwasthatthevikingsprayedpeaceofEric。Skallagrimlaysickformanydays，buthewashardtokill，andEricnursedhimbacktolife。Afterthisthesetwolovedeachotherasbrotherlovestwinbrother，andtheycouldscarcelybeartobeapart。ButotherpeopledidnotloveSkallagrim，norhethem。
EricsailedonuptheThamestoLondon，bringingthevikingshipswithhim，andhedeliveredtheircaptainsboundtoEdmund，Edward’sson，thekingwhowascalledEdmundtheMagnificent。ThesecaptainstheKinghung，fortheyhadwroughtdamagetohisships。
EricfoundmuchfavourwiththeKing，and，indeed，hisfamehadgonebeforehim。Sowhenhecameintothecourt，bravelyclad，withSkallagrimathisback，whowasnowalmostrecoveredofhiswound，theKingcalledouttohimtodrawnear，sayingthathedesiredtolookonthebravestvikingandmostbeauteousmanwhosailedtheseas，andonthatfierceBaresarkwhommencalled“Eric’sDeath-shadow。”
SoEriccameforwardupthelonghallthatwasadornedwiththingsmoresplendidthaneverhiseyeshadseen，andstoodbeforetheKing。
WithhimcameSkallagrim，drivingthetwocaptivevikingchiefsbeforehimwithhisaxe，asaflesherdriveslambs。Now，duringthesemanymonthsBrighteyeshadgrownyetmoregreatingirthandglorioustolookonthanhewasbefore。Moreover，hishairwasnowsolongthatitflowedlikeafloodofgolddowntowardshisgirdle，forsinceGudrudatrimmeditnoshearshadcomenearhishead，andhislocksgrewfastasawoman’s。TheKinglookedathimandwasastonished。
“Ofatruth。”hesaid，“menhavenotliedaboutthee，Icelander，norconcerningthatgreatwolf-houndofthine。”andhepointedatSkallagrimwithhisswordofstate。“NeversawIsuchaman；“andhebadeallthemightiestmenofhisbody-guardstandforwardthathemightmeasurethemagainstEric。ButBrighteyeswasaninchtallerthanthetallest，andmeasuredhalfaspanmoreroundthechestthanthebiggest。
“Whatwouldestthouofme，Icelander？“askedtheKing。
“This，lord。”saidEric：“toservetheeawhile，andallmymenwithme。”
“Thatisanofferthatfewwouldturnfrom。”answeredtheKing。“Thoushaltgointomybody-guard，and，ifIhavemywill，thoushaltbenearmeinbattle，andthywolf-dogalso。”
Ericsaidthatheaskednobetter，andthereafterhewentupwithEdmundtheKingtomakewarontheDanesofMercia，andheandSkallagrimdidgreatdeedsbeforetheeyesoftheEnglishmen。
ThatwinterEricandhiscompanycamebacktoLondon，andabodewiththeKinginmuchstateandhonour。Now，therewasacertainladyofthecourtnamedElfrida。Shewasbothfairandwealthy，thesweetestofwomen，andofroyalbloodbyhermother’sside。SosoonashereyesfellonEricshelovedhim，andnoonethingdidshedesiremorethantobehiswife。ButBrighteyeskeptalooffromher，forhelovedGudrudaalone；andsothewinterworeaway，andinthespringhewentawaywarring，nordidhecomebacktillautumnwasathand。
TheLadyElfridasatatawindowwhenEricrodethroughLondonTownintheKing’sfollowing，andashepassedshethrewhimawreathofflowers。TheKingsawitandlaughed。
“Mycoldkinswomanseemstomeltbeforethosebrighteyesofthine，Icelander。”hesaid，“asmyfoesmeltbeforeWhitefire’sflame。Well，Icouldwishheraworsemate。”andhelookedonhimstrangely。
Ericbowed，butmadenoanswer。
Thatnight，astheysatatmeatinthepalace，theLadyElfrida，beingbiddeninjestofEdmundtheKingtofillthecupofthebravest，passeddowntheboard，and，beforeallmen，pouredwineintoEric’scup，and，asshedidso，welcomedhimbackwithshortsweetwords。
Ericgrewredasdawn，andthankedhergraciously；butafterthefeasthespokewithSkallagrim，askinghimoftheGudruda，andwhenshecouldbereadytotakethesea。
“Intendays，lord。”saidSkallagrim；“butstaywenotherewiththeKingthiswinter？Itislatetosail。”
“Nay。”saidEric，“webidenothere。IwouldwinterthisyearinFareys，fortheyarethenighestplacetoIcelandthatImayreach。
Nextsummermythreeyearsofoutlawryareover，andIwouldfarebackhomewards。”
“Now，Iseetheshadowofawoman’shand。”saidSkallagrim。“Itisverylatetofacethenorthernseas，andwemaysailtoIcelandfromLondoninthespring。”
“Itismywillthatweshouldsail。”answeredEric。
“PastOrkneysrunstheroadtoFareys。”saidSkallagrim，“andinOrkneyssitsahawktowhomtheLadyElfridaisbutadove。Infaringfromillwemayhaponworse。”
“Itismywillthatwesail。”saidEricstubbornly。
“Asthouwilt，andastheKingwills。”answeredSkallagrim。
OnthemorrowEricwentinbeforetheKing，andcravedaboon。
“Thereislittlethatthoucanstask，Brighteyes。”saidtheKing，“thatIwillnotgivethee，for，bymytroth，Iholdtheedear。”
“Iamcomebacktoseeknogreatthing，lord。”answeredEric，“butthisonly：leavetobidtheefarewell。Iwouldwendhomeward。”
“Say，Eric。”saidtheKing，“haveInotdealtwellwiththee？“
“Well，andoverwell，lord。”
“Why，then，wouldstthouleaveme？Ihavethisinmymind——tobringtheetogreathonour。See，now，thereisafairladyinthiscourt，andinherveinsrunsbloodthatevenanIcelandvikingmightbeproudtomatewith。Shehasgreatlands，and，mayhap，sheshallhavemore。
Canstthounotfindahomeonthem，thinkestthou，Brighteyes？“
“InIcelandonlyIamathome，lord。”saidEric。
ThentheKingwaswroth，andbadehimbegonewhenitpleasedhim，andEricbowedbeforehimandwentout。
Twodaysafterwards，whileEricwaswalkinginthePalacegardenshemettheLadyElfridafacetoface。Sheheldwhiteflowersinherhand，andshewasfairtoseeandpaleastheflowersshebore。
Hegreetedher，and，afterawhile，shespoketohiminagentlevoice：“TheysaythatthougoestfromEngland，Brighteyes？“shesaid。
“Yes，lady；Igo。”heanswered。
Shelookedonhimonceandtwiceandthenburstoutweeping。“Whygoestthouhencetothatcoldlandofthine？“shesobbed——“thathatefullandofsnowandice！IsnotEnglandgoodenoughforthee？“
“Iamathomethere，lady，andtheremymotherwaitsme。”
“’Therethymotherwaitsthee，’Eric？——say，doesamaidcalledGudrudatheFairwaittheetherealso？“
“ThereissuchamaidinIceland。”saidEric。
“Yes；Iknowit——Iknowitall。”sheanswered，dryinghertears，andofasuddengrowingcoldandproud；“Eric，thouartbetrothedtothisGudruda；and，forthywelfare，somewhatoverfaithfultothytroth。Forhearken，EricBrighteyes。Iknowthis：thatlittleluckshallcometotheefromthemaidGudruda。Itwouldbecomemeilltosaymore；
nevertheless，thisistrue——thathere，inEngland，goodfortunewaitsthyhand，andthereinIcelandsuchfortuneasmenmetetotheirfoes。
Knowestthouthis？“
Ericlookedatherandanswered：“Lady。”hesaid，“menarenotbornoftheirownwill，theyliveanddolittlethattheywill，theydoandgo，perchance，whithertheywouldnot。Yetitmayhappentoamanthatonemeetshimwhosehandhefainwouldhold，ifitbebutforanhour’stravelovericyways；anditisbettertoholdthathandforthisshorthourthantowendhislifethroughatastranger’sside。”
“Perhapsthereiswisdominthyfolly。”saidtheLadyElfrida。“Still，Itelltheethis：thatnogoodluckwaitstheethereinIceland。”
“Itwellmaybe。”saidEric：“mydayshavebeenstormy，andthegaleisstillbrewing。Butitisapoorheartthatfearsthestorm。Bettertosink；for，cowardorhero，allmustsinkatlast。”
“Say，Eric。”saidthelady，“ifthathandthoudostdesiretoholdislosttothee，whatthen？“
“Ifthathandiscoldindeath，thenhenceforthIwendmywaysalone。”
“Andifitbeheldofanotherhandthanthine？“
“ThenIwilljourneybacktoEngland，lady，andhereinthisfairgardenImaycravespeechoftheeagain。”
Theylookedoneonanother。“Faretheewell，Eric！“saidtheLadyElfrida。“Hereinthisgardenwemaytalkagain；and，ifwetalknomore——why，faretheewell！Dayscomeandgo；theswallowtakesflightatwinter，andlo！atspringittwittersroundtheeaves。Andifitcomenotagain，thenfarewelltothatswallow。Theworldisagreathouse，Eric，andthereisroomformanyswallows。Butalas！forherwhoisleftdesolate——alas，alas！“Andsheturnedandwent。
ItistoldofthisladyElfridathatshebecameverywealthyandwasmuchhonouredforhergentlenessandwisdom，andthat，whenshewasold，shebuiltagreatchurchandnameditEricskirk。Itisalsotoldthat，thoughmanysoughtherinmarriage，sheweddednone。
XVI
HOWSWANHILDWALKEDTHESEAS
Withintwodaysafterwards，theGudrudabeingboundforsea，EricwentuptobidfarewelltotheKing。ButEdmundwassoangrywithhimbecauseofhisgoingthathewouldnotseehim。ThereonErictookhorseandrodedownsadlyfromthePalacetotheriver-bankwheretheGudrudalay。Butwhenhewasabouttogivethewordtogetouttheoars，theKinghimselfrodeup，andwithhimmenbearingcostlygifts。
Ericwentashoretospeakwithhim。
“Iamangrywiththee，Brighteyes。”saidEdmund，“yetitisnotinmyhearttolettheegowithoutwordsandgiftsoffarewell。ThisonlyI
askoftheenow，that，ifthingsgonotwellwiththeethere，outinIceland，thouwiltcomebacktome。”
“Iwill——thatIpromisethee，King。”saidEric，“forIshallneverfindabetterlord。”
“NorIabraverservant。”saidtheKing。Thenhegavehimthegiftsandkissedhimbeforeallmen。ToSkallagrimalsohegaveagoodbyrnieofWelshsteelcolouredblack。
ThenEricwentaboardagainanddroppeddowntheriverwiththetide。
Forfivedaysallwentwellwiththem，theseabeingcalmandthewindslightandfavourable。Butonthefifthnight，astheysailedslowlyalongthecoastsofEastAngliaoveragainstYarmouthsands，themoonroseredandringedandtheseafelldeadcalm。
“Yonderhangsastorm-lamp，lord。”saidSkallagrim，pointingtotheangrymoon。“Weshallsoonbebailing，fortheautumngalesdrawnear。”
“Waittilltheycome，thenspeak。”saidEric。“Thoucroakesteverlikearaven。”
“Andravenscroakbeforefoulweather。”answeredSkallagrim，andjustashespokeasuddengustofwindcameupfromthesouth-eastandlaidtheGudrudaover。Afterthisitcameontoblow，andsofiercelythatforwholedaysandnightstheirclotheswerescarcelydry。Theyrannorthwardsbeforethestormandstillnorthward，sightingnolandandseeingnostars。Andeverastheyscuddedonthegalegrewfiercer，tillatlengththemenwerewornoutwithbailingandstarvedwithwetandcold。Threeoftheirnumberalsowerewashedawaybytheseas，andallwereinsorryplight。
Itwasthefourthnightofthegale。Ericstoodatthehelm，andbyhimSkallagrim。Theywerealone，fortheircomradeswerespentandlaybeneathdecks，waitingfordeath。Theshipwashalffullofwater，buttheyhadnomorestrengthtobail。Ericseemedgrimandgauntinthewhitelightofthemoon，andhislonghairstreamedabouthimwildly。
GrimmeryetwasSkallagrimasheclungtotheshield-railandstaredacrossthedeep。
“Sherollsheavily，lord。”heshouted，“andthewatergainsfast。”
“Canthemenbailnomore？“askedEric。
“Nay，theyareoutwornandwaitfordeath。”
“Theyneednotwaitlong。”saidEric。“Whatdotheysayofme？“
“Nothing。”
ThenEricgroanedaloud。“Itwasmystubbornnessthatbroughtustothispass。”hesaid；“Icarelittleformyself，butitisillthatallshoulddieforoneman’sfolly。”
“Grievenot，lord。”answeredSkallagrim，“thatistheworld’sway，andthereareworsethingsthantodrown。Listen！methinksIheartheroarofbreakersyonder。”andhepointedtotheleft。
“Breakerstheysurelyare。”saidEric。“Nowtheendisnear。Butsee，isnotthatlandloomingupontheright，orisitcloud？“
“Itisland。”saidSkallagrim，“andIamsureofthis，thatwerunintoafirth。Look，theseasboillikeahotspring。Holdonthycourse，lord，perchancewemayyetsteerbetweenrocksandland。
Alreadythewindfallsandthecurrentlessenstheseas。”
“Ay。”saidEric，“alreadythefogandraincomeup。”andhepointedaheadwheredensecloudsgatheredintheshapeofagiant，whoseheadreachedtotheskiesandmovedtowardsthem，hidingthemoon。
Skallagrimlooked，thenspoke：“Nowhere，itseems，iswitchwork。Say，lord，hastthoueverseenmisttravelagainstwindasittravelsnow？“
“Neverbefore。”saidEric，andashespokethelightofthemoonwentout。
Swanhild，Atli’swife，satinbeautyinherboweronStraumeyIsleandlookedwithwideeyestowardsthesea。Itwasmidnight。NonestirredinAtli’shall，butstillSwanhildlookedouttowardsthesea。
Nowsheturnedandspokeintothedarkness，fortherewasnolightinthebowersavethelightofhergreateyes。
“Artthouthere？“shesaid。“Ihavesummonedtheethriceinthewordsthouknowest。Say，Toad，artthere？“
“Ay，SwanhildtheFatherless！Swanhild，Groa’sdaughter！Witch-
mother’switch-child！Iamhere。Whatisthywillwithme？“pipedathinvoicelikethevoiceofadyingbabe。
Swanhildshudderedalittleandhereyesgrewbrighter——asbrightastheeyesofacat。
“Thisfirst。”shesaid：“thatthoushowthyself。Hideousasthouart，Ihadratherseethee，thanspeakwiththeeseeingtheenot。”
“Mocknotmyform，lady。”answeredthethinvoice，“foritisasthoudostfashionitinthythought。TothegoodIamfairasday；totheevil，foulastheirheart。/Toad/thoudidstcallme：look，nowIcomeasatoad！“
Swanhildlooked，andbehold！aringofthedarknessgrewwhitewithlight，andinitcrouchedathinghideoustosee。Itwasshapedasagreatspottedtoad，andonitwassetahag’sface，withwhitelockshangingdownoneitherside。Itseyeswereblood-redandsunken，blackwereitsfangs，anditsskinwasdeadyellow。ItgrinnedhorriblyasSwanhildshrankfromit，thenspokeagain：
“/GreyWolf/thoudidstcallmeonce，Swanhild，whenthouwouldsthavethrustGudrudadownGoldfossgulf，andasagreywolfIcame，andgavetheecounselthatthoutookestbutill。/Rat/didstthoucallmeonce，whenthouwouldstsaveBrighteyesfromthecarlesofOspakar，andasaratIcameandinthyshapeIwalkedtheseas。/Toad/thoucallestmenow，andasatoadIcreepaboutthyfeet。Namethywill，Swanhild，andIwillnamemyprice。Butbeswift，forthereareotherfairladieswhosewishImustdoeredawn。”
“Thouarthideoustolookon！“saidSwanhild，placingherhandbeforehereyes。
“Saynotso，lady；saynotso。Lookatthisfaceofmine。Knowestthouitnot？Itisthymother’s——deadGroalentitme。Itookitfromwhereshelies；andmytoad’sskinIdrewfromthyspottedheart，Swanhild，andmorehideousthanIamshaltthoubeinadaytocome，asonceI
wasmorefairthanthouartto-day。”
Swanhildopenedherlipstoshriek，butnosoundcame。
“Troll。”shewhispered，“mockmenotwithlies，buthearkentomybidding：wheresailsEricnow？“
“Lookoutintothenight，lady，andthoushaltsee。”
Swanhildlooked，andthewaysofthedarknessopenedbeforeherwitch-
sight。ThereatthemouthofPentlandFirththeGudrudalabouredheavilyinthegreatseas，andbythetillerstoodEric，andwithhimSkallagrim。
“Seestthouthylove？“askedtheFamiliar。
“Yea。”sheanswered，“fullclearly；heiswornwithwindandsea，butmoregloriousthanaforetime，andhishairislong。Say，whatshallbefallhimifthouaidestnot？“
“This，thatheshallsafelypasstheFirth，forthegalefalls，andcomesafelytoFareys，andfromFareysislestoGudruda’sarms。”
“Andwhatcanstthoudo，Goblin？“
“This：IcanlureEric’sshiptowreck，andgivehiscomrades，allsaveSkallagrim，toRan’snet，andbringhimtothyarms，Swanhild，witch-mother’switch-child！“
Shehearkened。Herbreastheavedandhereyesflashed。
“Andthyprice，Toad？“
“/Thou/arttheprice，lady。”pipedthegoblin。“Thoushaltgivethyselftomewhenthydayisdone，andmerrilywillwesistersdwellinHela’shalls，andmerrilyforeverwillwefareabouttheeartho’
nights，doingsuchtasksasthistaskofthine，Swanhild，andworkingwickedwoetillthelastwoeisworkedonus。Artthoucontent？“
Swanhildthought。Twiceherbreathwentfromherlipsingreatsighs。
Thenshestood，paleandsilent。
“SafelyshallhesailtheFirth。”pipedthethinvoice。“SafelyshallhesitinFareys。SafelyshallhelieinwhiteGudruda’sarms——/hee！
hee！/Thinkofit，lady！“
ThenSwanhildshooklikeabirth-treeinthegale，andherfacegrewashen。
“Iamcontent。”shesaid。
“/Hee！hee！/Bravelady！Sheiscontent！Ah，wesistersshallbemerry。Hearken：ifIaidtheethusImaydonomore。Thricehasthenight-owlcomeatthycall——nowitmustwingaway。YetthingswillbeasIhavesaid；thineownwisdomshallguidetherest。EremornBrighteyesshallstandinAtli’shall，erespringhewillbethylove，andereautumnGudrudashallsitonthehighseatinthehallofMiddalhofthebrideofOspakar。Drawnigh，givemethinearm，sister，thatbloodmaysealourbargain。”
Swanhilddrewnearthetoad，and，shuddering，stretchedoutherarm，andthenandtheretheredbloodran，andtheretheysealedtheirsisterhood。Andasthenamelessdeedwaswrought，itseemedtoSwanhildasthoughfireshotthroughherveins，andfiresurgedbeforehereyes，andinthefireashapepassedupweeping。
“Itisdone，Blood-sister。”pipedthevoice；“nowImustawayinthyformtobeaboutthytasks。Seattheeherebeforeme——so。Nowlaythybrowuponmybrow——fearnot，itwasthymother’s——lifeondeath！
curlinglocksoncorpsehair！See，sowechange——wechange。NowthouarttheDeath-toadandIamSwanhild，Atli’swife，whoshallbeEric’slove。”
ThenSwanhildknewthatherbeautyhadenteredintothefoulnessofthetoad，andthefoulnessofthetoadintoherbeauty，fortherebeforeherstoodherownshapeandhereshecrouchedatoaduponthefloor。
“Awaytowork，away！“saidasoftlowvoice，herownvoicespeakingfromherownbodythatstoodbeforeher，andlo！itwasgone。
ButSwanhildcrouched，intheshapeofahag-headedtoad，uponthegroundinherbowerofAtli’shall，andfeltwickednessandevillongingsandhateboilandseethewithinherheart。Shelookedoutthroughhersunkenhornyeyesandsheseemedtoseestrangesights。
ShesawAtli，herlord，deaduponthegrass。Shesawawomanasleep，andaboveherflashedasword。ShesawthehallofMiddalhofredwithblood。Shesawagreatgulfinamountain’sheart，andmenfelldownit。And，last，shesawawar-shipsailingfastoutonthesea，afire，andvanishthere。
Nowthewitch-hagwhoworeSwanhild’slovelinessstooduponthecliffsofStraumeyandtossedherwhitearmstowardsthenorth。
“Come，fog！come，sleet！“shecried。“Come，fog！come，sleet！PutoutthemoonandblindtheeyesofEric！“Andasshecalled，thefogroseuplikeagiantandstretchedhisarmsfromshoretoshore。
“Move，fog！beat，rain！“shecried。“Moveandbeatagainstthegale，andblindtheeyesofEric！“
Andthefogmovedonagainstthewind，andwithitsleetandrain。
“NowIamafeared。”saidErictoSkallagrim，astheystoodindarknessupontheship：“thegaleblowsfrombehindus，andyetthemistdrivesfastinourfaces。Whatcomesnow？“
“Thisiswitch-work，lord。”answeredSkallagrim，“andinsuchthingsnocounselcanavail。Holdthetillerstraightanddriveon，sayI。
Methinksthegalelessensmoreandmore。”
Sotheydidforalittlewhile，andallaroundthemsoundedtheroarofbreakers。Darkergrewtheskyanddarkeryet，tillatthelast，thoughtheystoodsidebyside，theycouldnotseeeachother’sshapes。
“Thisisstrangesailing。”saidEric。“Iheartheroarofbreakersasitwerebeneaththeprow。”
“Lashthehelm，lord，andletusgoforward。Iftherearebreakers，perhapsweshallseetheirfoamthroughtheblackness。”saidSkallagrim。
Ericdidso，andtheycreptforwardonthestarboardboardrighttotheprowoftheship，andthereSkallagrimpeeredintothefogandsleet。
“Lord。”hewhisperedpresently，andhisvoiceshookstrangely，“whatisthatyonderonthewaters？Seestthouaught？“
Ericstaredandsaid，“ByOdin！Iseeashapeoflightliketotheshapeofawoman；itwalksuponthewaterstowardsusandthemistmeltsbeforeit，andtheseagrowscalmbeneathitsfeet。”
“Iseethatalso！“saidSkallagrim。
“Shecomesnigh！“gaspedEric。“Seehowswiftshecomes！Bythedead，itisSwanhild’sshape！Look，Skallagrim！lookhowhereyesflame！——
lookhowherhairstreamsuponthewind！“
“ItisSwanhild，andwearefey！“quothSkallagrim，andtheyranbacktothehelm，whereSkallagrimsankuponthedeckinfear。
“See，Skallagrim，sheglidesbeforetheGudruda’sbeak！sheglidesbackwardsandshepointsyonder——theretotheright！ShallIputthehelmdownandfollowher？“
“Nay，lord，nay；setnofaithinwitchcraftorevilwillbefallus。”
Ashespokeagreatgustofwindshooktheship，themusicofthebreakersroaredintheirears，andthegleamingshapeuponthewaterstosseditsarmswildlyandpointedtotheright。
“Thebreakerscallahead。”saidEric。“Theshapepointsyonder，whereIhearnosoundofsea。Oncebefore，thoumindest，SwanhildwalkedthewavestowarnusandtherebysavedusfromthemenofOspakar。Evershesworeshelovedme；nowsheissurelycomeinlovetosaveusandallourcomrades。Say，shallIputabout？Look：oncemoreshewavesherarmsandpoints。”andashespokehegrippedthehelm。
“Ihavenorede，lord。”saidSkallagrim，“andIlovenotwitch-work。
Wecandiebutonce，anddeathisallaround；beitasthouwilt。”
Ericputdownthehelmwithallhismight。Thegoodshipanswered，andhertimbersgroanedloudly，asthoughinwoe，whenthestrainoftheseastruckherabeam。Thenoncemoresheflewfastacrossthewaters，andfastbeforeherglidedthewraithofSwanhild。Nowitpointedhereandnowthere，andasitpointedsoEricshapedhiscourse。Forawhilethenoiseofbreakerslessened，butnowagaincameathunder，likethethunderofwavessmitingonacliff，andaboutthesidesoftheGudrudathewaveshissedlikesnakes。
SuddenlytheShapethrewupitsarmsandseemedtosinkbeneaththewaves，whileasoundlikethesoundofagreatlaughwentupfromseatosky。
“Nowhereistheend。”saidSkallagrim，“andweareluredtodoom。”
Ereeverthewordshadpassedhislipstheshipstruck，andsofiercelythattheywererolleduponthedeck。Suddenlytheskygrewclear，themoonshoneout，andbeforethemwerecliffsandrocks，andbehindthemagreatwaverushedon。Fromtheholdoftheshiptherecameacry，fornowtheircomradeswereawakeandtheyknewthatdeathwashere。
EricgrippedSkallagrimroundthemiddleandlookedaft。Onrushedthewave，nosuchwavehadheeverseen。NowitstruckandtheGudrudaburstasunderbeneaththeblow。
ButEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailwereliftedonitscrestandknewnomore。
Swanhild，crouchinginhideousguiseuponthegroundinthebowerofAtli’shall，lookeduponthevisionsthatpassedbeforeher。Suddenlyawoman’sshape，herownshape，wasthere。
“Itisdone，Blood-sister。”saidavoice，herownvoice。“MerrilyI
walkedthewaves，andoh，merrywasthecryofEric’sfolkwhenRancaughttheminhernet！Bethyself，again，Blood-sister——befairasthouartfoul；thenarise，wakeAtlithylord，andgodowntothesea’slipbythesoutherncliffsandseewhatthoushaltfind。Weshallmeetnomoretillallthisgameisplayedandanothergameisset。”andtheshapeofSwanhildcroucheduponthefloorbeforethehag-headedtoadmuttering“Pass！pass！“
ThenSwanhildfeltherfleshcomebacktoher，andasitgrewuponhersotheshapeoftheDeath-headedtoadfadedaway。
“Farewell，Blood-sister！“pipedavoice；“makemerryasthoumayest，butmerriershallbeournightswhenthouhastgonea-sailingwithEriconthesea。Farewell！farewell！/Were-wolf/thoudidstcallmeonce，andasawolfIcame。/Rat/thoudidstcallmeonce，andasaratIcame。/Toad/didstthoucallmeonce，andasatoadIcame。Say，atthelast，whatwiltthoucallmeandinwhatshapeshallIcome，Blood-sister？Tillthenfarewell！“
Andallwasgoneandallwasstill。
XVII
HOWASMUNDTHEPRIESTWEDDEDUNNA，THOROD’SDAUGHTER
NowthestorygoesbacktoIceland。
WhenBrighteyeswasgone，forawhileGudrudatheFairmovedsadlyaboutthestead，likeonenew-widowed。Thencametidings。MentoldhowOspakarBlacktoothhadwaylaidEricontheseaswithtwolongships，dragonsofwar，andhowErichadgivenhimbattleandsunkonedragonwithgreatlosstoOspakar。TheytoldalsohowBlacktooth’sotherdragon，theRaven，hadsailedawaybeforethewind，andErichadsailedafteritinarisinggale。Butofwhatbefelltheseshipsnonewscameformanyamonth，anditwasrumouredthatthishadbefallenthem——thatbothhadsunkinthegale，andthatEricwasdead。
ButGudrudawouldnotbelievethis。WhenAsmundthePriest，herfather，askedherwhyshedidnotbelieveit，sheansweredthat，hadEricbeendead，herheartwouldsurelyhavespokentoherofit。TothisAsmundsaidthatitmightbeso。
Hay-harvestbeingdone，AsmundmadereadyforhisweddingwithUnna，Thorod’sdaughterandEric’scousin。
Nowitwasagreedthatthemarriage-feastshouldbeheldatMiddalhof；
forAsmundwishedtoaskagreatcompanytothewedding，andtherewasnoplaceatColdbacktoholdsomany。AlsosomeofthekinofThorod，Unna’sfather，werebiddentothefeastfromtheeastandnorth。Atlengthallwaspreparedandtheguestscameingreatcompanies，fornosuchfeasthadbeenmadeinthisquarterformanyyears。
OntheeveofthemarriageAsmundspokewithGroa。Thewitch-wifehadborneherselfhumblysinceshewasrecoveredfromhersickness。Shepassedaboutthesteadlikearatatnight，speakingfewwordsandwithdowncasteyes。Shewasbusyalsomakingallthingsreadyforthefeasting。
NowasAsmundwentupthehallseeingthateverythingwasinorder，Groadrewneartohimandtouchedhimgentlyontheshoulder。
“Arethingstothymind，lord？“shesaid。
“Yes，Groa。”heanswered，“moretomymindthantothineIfear。”
“Fearnot，lord；thywillismywill。”
“Say，Groa，isitthywishtobidehereinMiddalhofwhenUnnaismyhousewife？“
“Itismywishtoservetheeasaforetime。”sheansweredsoftly，“ifsobethatUnnawillsit。”
“Thatisherdesire。”saidAsmundandwenthisways。
ButGroastoodlookingafterhimandherfacewasfierceandevil。
“Whilebanehasvirtue，whileruneshavepower，andwhilehandhascunning，never，Unna，shaltthoutakemyplaceatAsmund’sside！OutofthewaterIcametothee，Asmund；intothewaterIgoagain。
UnquietshallIliethere——unquietshallIwendthroughHela’shalls；
butUnnashallrestatAsmund’sside——inAsmund’scairn！“