Thenhemovedtotherightandsearched，peeringbehindstonesandbirch-bushes，tillpresentlyhehelduphishandandwhistled。Theypassedalongtheslopeandfoundhimstandingbyalittlestreamofwaterwhichwelledfrombeneathagreatrock。
“Hereistheplace。”themansaid。
“Iseenoplace。”answeredSwanhild。
“Still，itisthere，lady。”andheclimbedontotherock，drawingherafterhim。Atthebackofitwasahole，almostovergrownwithmoss。
“Hereisthepath。”hesaidagain。
“ThenitisonethatIhavenomindtofollow。”answeredSwanhild。
“Gizur，gothouwiththemanandseeifhistaleistrue。Iwillstayheretillyecomeback。”
ThenthethralllethimselfdownintotheholeandGizurwentafterhim。ButSwanhildsatthereintheshadowoftherock，herchinrestingonherhand，andwaited。Presently，asshesat，shesawtwomenrideroundthebaseofthefell，andstrikeofftotherighttowardsaturf-boothwhichstoodthehalfofanhour’srideaway。NowSwanhildwasthekeenest-sightedofallwomenofherdayinIceland，andwhenshelookedatthesetwomensheknewoneofthemforJon，Eric’sthrall，andsheknewthehorsealso——itwasawhitehorsewithblackpatches，thatJonhadriddenformanyyears。Shewatchedthemgotilltheycametothebooth，anditseemedtoherthattheylefttheirhorsesandentered。
Swanhildwaiteduponthesideofthefellfornearlytwohoursinall。
Then，hearinganoiseaboveher，shelookedup，andthere，blackwithdirtandwetwithwater，wasGizur，andwithhimwasthethrall。
“Whatluck，Gizur？“sheasked。
“This，Swanhild：EricmayholdMosfellnomore，forwehavefoundawaytoboltthefox。”
“Thatisgoodnews，then。”saidSwanhild。“Sayon。”
“Yonderhole，Swanhild，leadstothecleftabove，havingbeencutthroughthecliffbyfire，orperhapsbywater。Nowupthatcleftamanmayclimb，thoughhardly，asbyadifficultstair，tillhecomestotheflatcrestofthefell。Then，crossingthecrest，onthefurtherside，perhapssixfathomsbelowhim，heseesthatspaceofrockwhereisEric’scave；buthecannotseethecaveitself，becausethebrowofthecliffhangsover。Andsoitisthat，ifanycomefromthecaveontothespaceofrock，itwillbeaneasymattertorollstonesuponthemfromaboveandcrushthem。”
NowwhenSwanhildheardthisshelaughedaloud。
“Ericshallmockusnomore。”shesaid，“andhismightcanavailnothingagainstrocksrolledonhimfromabove。LetusgobacktoColdbackandsummonmentomakeanendofBrighteyes。”
Sotheywentondownthemountaintilltheycametotheplacewheretheyhadhiddentheirhorses。ThenSwanhildrememberedJonandtheothermanwhomshehadseenridingtothebooth，andshetoldGizurofthem。
“Now。”shesaid，“wewillsnarethesebirds，andperchancetheywilltwittertidingswhenwesqueezethem。”
Sotheyturnedandrodeforthebooth，anddrawingnear，theysawtwohorsesgrazingwithout。Nowtheygotofftheirhorses，andcreepinguptothebooth，lookedinthroughthedoorwhichwasajar。Andtheysawthis，thatonemansatonthegroundwithhisbacktothedoor，eatingstock-fish，whileJonmadebundlesoffishandmealreadytotieonthehorses。ForitwasherethatthoseofhisquarterwholovedEricbroughtfoodtobecarriedbyhismentothecaveonMosfell。
NowSwanhildtouchedGizuronthearm，pointingfirsttothemanwhosateatingthefishandthentothespearinGizur’shand。Gizurthoughtawhile，forheshrankfromthisdeed。
ThenSwanhildwhisperedinhisear，“Slaythemanandseizetheother；
Iwouldlearntidingsfromhim。”
SoGizurcastthespear，anditpassedthroughtheman’sheart，andhewasdeadatonce。ThenheandthethrallleaptintotheboothandthrewthemselvesonJon，hurlinghimtotheground，andholdingswordsoverhim。NowJonwasamanofsmallheart，andwhenhesawhisplightandhisfellowdeadhewasafraid，andprayedformercy。
“IfIsparethee，knave。”saidSwanhild，“thoushaltdothis：thoushaltleadmeupMosfelltospeakwithEric。”
“Imaynotdothat，lady。”groanedJon；“forEricisnotonMosfell。”
“Whereishe，then？“askedSwanhild。
NowJonsawthathehadsaidanunluckything，andanswered：
“Nay，Iknownot。LastnightherodefromMosfellwithSkallagrimLambstail。”
“Thouliest，knave。”saidSwanhild。“Speak，orthoushaltbeslain。”
“Slayon。”groanedJon，glancingattheswordsabovehim，andshuttinghiseyes。For，thoughhefearedmuchtodie，hehadnowilltomakeknownEric’splans。
“Looknotattheswords；thoushaltnotdiesoeasily。Hearken：speak，andspeaktruly，orthoushaltseekHela’slapafterthisfashion。”
and，bendingdown，shewhisperedinhisear，thenlaughedaloud。
NowJongrewfaintwithfear；hislipsturnedblue，andhisteethchatteredatthethoughtofhowheshouldbemadetodie。Still，hewouldsaynothing。
ThenSwanhildspoketoGizurandthethrall，andbadethembindhimwitharope，tearthegarmentsfromhim，andbringsnow。Theydidthis，andpushedthemattertothedrawingofknives。ButwhenhesawthesteelJoncriedaloudthathewouldtellall。
“Nowthoutakestgoodcounsel。”saidSwanhild。
TheninhisfearJontoldhowErichadgonedowntoMiddalhoftowedGudruda，andthencetoflywithhertoEngland。
NowSwanhildwasmadwithwrath，forshehadsoonerdiedthanthatthisshouldcomeabout。
“Letusaway。”shesaidtoGizur。“Butfirstkillthisman。”
“Nay，’saidGizur，“Iwillnotdothat。Hehastoldhistidings；lethimgofree。”
“Thouartchicken-hearted。”saidSwanhild，who，afterthefashionofwitches，hadnomercyinher。“Attheleast，heshallnotgohencetowarnEricandGudrudaofourcoming。Ifthouwiltnotkillhim，thenbindhimandleavehim。”
SoJonwasbound，andthereintheboothhesattwodaysbeforeanyonecametoloosehim。
“Whitheraway？“saidGizurtoSwanhild。
“ToMiddalhoffirst。”Swanhildanswered。
XXIX
HOWWENTTHEBRIDALNIGHT
NowEricandGudrudasatsilentinthehighseatofthehallatMiddalhoftilltheyheardSkallagrimenterbythewomen’sdoor。Thentheycamedownfromthehighseat，andstoodhandinhandbythefireonthehearth。SkallagrimgreetedGudruda，lookingatheraskance，forSkallagrimstoodinfearofwomenalone。
“Whatcounselnow，lord？“saidtheBaresark。
“Tellusthyplans，Gudruda。”saidEric，forasyetnowordhadpassedbetweenthemofwhattheyshoulddo。
“Thisismyplan，Eric。”sheanswered。“First，thatweeat；thenthatthymentakehorseandridehencethroughthenighttowheretheshiplies，bearingwordthatwewillbethereatdawnwhenthetideserves，andbiddingthematemakeeverythingreadyforsailing。ButthouandI
andSkallagrimwillstayheretillto-morrowisthreehoursold，andthisbecauseIhavetidingsthatGizur’sfolkwillsearchtheshipto-night。Now，whentheysearchanddonotfindus，theywillgoaway。
Then，atthedawning，thouandIandSkallagrimwillrowonboardtheshipassheliesatanchor，and，slippingthecable，puttoseabeforetheyknowwearethere，andsobidfarewelltoSwanhildandourwoes。”
“Yetitisariskforustosleepherealone。”saidEric。
“Thereislittledanger。”saidGudruda。“NearlyallofGizur’smenwatchtheship；andIhavelearnedthisfromaspy，that，twodaysago，Gizur，Swanhild，andonethrallrodefromColdbacktowardsMosfell，andtheyhavenotcomebackyet。Moreover，theplaceisstrong，andthouandSkallagrimareheretoguardit。”
“Sobeit，then。”answeredEric，forindeedhehadlittlethoughtleftforanything，exceptGudruda。
Afterthisthewomencameinandsetmeatontheboard，andallate。
Now，whentheyhadeaten，EricbadeSkallagrimfillacup，andbringittohimashesatonthehighseatwithGudruda。Skallagrimdidso；
andthen，lookingdeepintoeachother’seyes，EricBrighteyesandGudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter，drankthebride’scup。
“Therearefewgueststograceourmarriage-feast，husband。”saidGudruda。
“Yetshallourvowsholdtrue，wife。”saidEric。
“Ay，Brighteyes。”sheanswered，“inlifeandindeath，nowandforever！“andtheykissed。
“Itistimeforustobegoing，methinks。”growledSkallagrimtothoseabouthim。“Wearenotwantedhere。”
Thenthemenwhoweretogoontotheshiprose，fetchedtheirhorses，androdeaway。AlsotheycaughtthehorsesofSkallagrim，Eric，andGudruda，saddledthemand，slippingtheirbridles，madethemfastinashedintheyard，givingthemhaytoeat。AfterwardsSkallagrimbarredthemen’sdoorandthewomen’sdoor，and，goingtoGudruda，askedwhereheshouldstaythenighttillitwastimetorideforthesea。
“Inthestore-chamber。”sheanswered，“forthereisashutterofwhichthelatchhasgone。Seethatthouwatchitwell，Skallagrim；thoughI
thinknonewillcometotroublethee。”
“Iknowtheplace。Itshallgobadlywiththeheadthatlooksthroughyonderhole。”saidSkallagrim，glancingathisaxe。
NowGudrudaforgotthis，thatinthestore-chamberwerecasksofstrongale。
ThenGudrudatoldhimtowakethemwhenthemorrowwastwohoursold，forErichadneithereyesnorwordsexceptforGudrudaalone，andSkallagrimwent。
Thewomenwentalsototheirshutbedattheendofthehall，leavingBrighteyesandGudrudaalone。Ericlookedather。
“WheredoIsleepto-night？“heasked。
“Thousleepestwithme，husband。”sheansweredsoft，“fornothing，exceptDeath，shallcomebetweenusanymore。”
NowSkallagrimwenttothestore-room，andsatdownwithhisbackagainstacask。Hisheartwasheavyinhim，forhebodednogoodofthismarriage。Moreover，hewasjealous。Skallagrimlovedbutonethingintheworldtruly，andthatwasEricBrighteyes，hislord。Nowheknewthathenceforthhemusttakeasecondplace，andthatforonethoughtwhichEricgavetohim，hewouldgivetentoGudruda。
ThereforeSkallagrimwasverysadatheart。
“Apestuponthewomen！“hesaidtohimself，“forfromthemcomesallevil。BrighteyesoweshisilllucktoSwanhildandthisfairwifeofhis，andthatisscarcelydonewithyet。Well，well，’tisnature；butwouldthatweweresafeatsea！HadImywill，wehadnotslepthereto-night。Buttheyarenewlywed，and——well，’tisnature！Betterthebridelovestolieabedthantoridethecoldwoldsandseekthecommondeck。”
Now，asSkallagrimgrumbled，feargatheredinhisheart，heknewnotofwhat。Hebegantothinkontrollsandgoblins。Itwasdarkinthestore-room，exceptforalittlelineoflightthatcreptthroughthecrackoftheshutter。Atlengthhecouldbearthedarknessandhisthoughtsnolonger，but，rising，threwtheshutterwideandletthebrightmoonlightpourintothechamber，whencehecouldseethehillsidebehind，andwatchtheshadowsofthecloudsastheyfloatedacrossit。AgainSkallagrimsatdownagainsthiscask，andashesatitmoved，andheheardthewashofaleinsideit。
“Thatisagoodsound。”saidSkallagrim，andheturnedandsmeltatthecask；“aye，andagoodsmell，too！WetastedlittlealeyonderonMosfell，andweshallfindlessatsea。”Againhelookedatthecask。
Therewasaspigotinit，andlo！ontheshelfstoodhorncups。
“Itsurelyisondraught。”hesaid；“andnowitwillstandtillitgoessour。’Tisapity；butIwillnotdrink。Ifearale——aleisanotherman！No，Iwillnotdrink。”andallthewhilehishandwentuptothecupsupontheshelf。“EricisbetterlainyonderinGudruda’schamberthanIamherealonewithevilthoughtsandtrolls。”hesaid。
“Why，whatfishwasthatweateatsupper？Mythroatiscrackedwiththirst！IftherewerewaternowI’ddrinkit，butIseenone。Well，onecuptowishthemjoy！Thereisnoharminacupofale。”andhedrewthespigotfromthecaskandwatchedthebrowndrinkflowintothecup。Thenheliftedittohislipsanddrank，saying“Skoll！
skoll！“[*]nordidheceasetillthehornwasdrained。“Thisiswondrousgoodale。”saidSkallagrimashewipedhisgrizzledbeard。
“Onemorecup，andevilthoughtsshallceasetohauntme。”
[*]“Health！health！“
Againhefilled，drank，satdown，andforawhilewasmerry。Butpresentlytheblackthoughtscamebackintohismind。Herose，lookedthroughtheshutter-holetothehillside。Hecouldseenothingonitexcepttheshadowsoftheclouds。
“Trollswalkthewindsto-night。”hesaid。“Ifeelthempullingatmybeard。Onemorecuptofrightenthem。”
Hedrankanotherdraughtofaleandgrewmerry。Thenalecalledforale，andSkallagrimdrainedcuponcup，singingashedrained，tillatlastheavysleepovercamehim，andhesankdrunkenonthegroundtherebythebarrel，whilethebrownaletrickledroundhim。
NowEricBrighteyesandGudrudatheFairsleptsidebyside，lockedineachother’sarms。PresentlyGudrudawaswideawake。
“Rousethee，Eric。”shesaid，“Ihavedreamedanevildream。”
Heawokeandkissedher。
“What，then，wasthydream，sweet？“hesaid。“Thisisnohourforbaddreams。”
“Nohourforbaddreams，truly，husband；yetdreamsdonotweighthehouroftheircoming。Idreamedthis：thatIlaydeadbesidetheeandthouknewestitnot，whileSwanhildlookedattheeandmocked。”
“Anevildream，truly。”saidEric；“butsee，thouartnotdead。ThouhastthoughttoomuchonSwanhildoflate。”
Nowtheysleptoncemore，tillpresentlyEricwaswideawake。
“Rousethee，Gudruda。”hesaid，“Itoohavedreamedadream，anditisfullofevil。”
“What，then，wasthydream，husband？“sheasked。
“IdreamedthatAtlitheEarl，whomIslew，stoodbythebed。Hisfacewaswhite，andwhiteassnowwashisbeard，andbloodfromhisgreatwoundrandownhisbyrnie。’EricBrighteyes，’hesaid，’Iamhewhomthoudidstslay，andIcometotelltheethis：thatbeforethemoonisyoungagainthoushaltliestiff，withHell-shoesonthyfeet。ThouartErictheUnlucky！Takethyjoyandsaythysaytoherwholiesatthyside，forwetandcoldisthebedthatwaitstheeandsoonshallthywhitelipsbedumb。’Thenhewasgone，andlo！inhisplacestoodAsmund，thyfather，andhealsospoketome，saying，’Thouwhodostlieinmybedandatmydaughter’sside，knowthis：thewordsofAtliaretrue；butIaddthesetothem：yeshalldie，yetisdeathbutthegateoflifeandloveandrest，’andhewasgone。”
NowGudrudashiveredwithfear，andcreptclosertoEric’sside。
“Wearesurelyfey，fortheNornsspeakwiththevoicesofAtliandofAsmund。”shesaid。“Oh，Eric！Eric！whithergowewhenwedie？WillValhallatakethee，beingsomightyaman，andmustIawaytoHela’shalls，wherethouartnot？Oh！thatwouldbedeathindeed！Say，Eric，whitherdowego？“
“WhatsaidthevoiceofAsmund？“answeredBrighteyes。“Thatdeathisbutthegateoflifeandloveandrest。Hearken，Gudruda，myMay！Odindoesnotreignoveralltheworld，forwhenIsatoutyonderinEngland，acertainholymantaughtmeofanotherGod——aGodwholovesnotslaughter，aGodwhodiedthatmenmightliveforeverinpeacewiththosetheylove。”
“HowisthisGodnamed，Eric？“
“TheynameHimtheWhiteChrist，andtherearemanywhoclingtoHim。”
“WouldthatIknewthisChrist，Eric。Iamwearyofdeathandbloodandevildeeds，suchasarepleasingtoourGods。Oh，Eric，ifIamtakenfromthee，swearthistome：thatthouwiltslaynomore，saveforthylife’ssakeonly。”
“Iswearthat，sweet。”hemadeanswer。“ForItooamwearyofdeathandblood，anddesirepeacemostofallthings。Theworldissad，andsadhavebeenourdays。Yetitiswelltohavelived，forthroughmanyheavydayswehavewanderedtothishappynight。”
“Yea，Eric，itiswelltohavelived；thoughIthinkthatdeathdrawson。Nowthisismycounsel：thatwerise，andthatthoudostputonthyharnessandsummonSkallagrim，sothat，ifevilcomes，thoumaystmeetitarmed。SurelyIthoughtIheardasound——yonderinthehall！“
“Thereislittleuseinthat。”saidEric，“forthingswillbefallastheyarefated。Wemaydonothingofourownwill，Iamsureofthis，anditisnogoodtostrugglewiththeNorns。YetIwillrise。”
Sohekissedher，andmadereadytoleavethebed，whensuddenly，ashelingered，agreatheavinessseizedhim。
“Gudruda。”hesaid，“Iampresseddownwithsleep。”
“ThatIamalso，Eric。”shesaid。“MyeyesshutofthemselvesandI
canscarcelystirmylimbs。Ah，Eric，wearefeyindeed，andthisis——
deaththatcomes！“
“Perchance！“hesaid，speakingheavily。
“Eric！——wake，Eric！Thoucanstnotmove？Yethearkentome——ah！thisweightofsleep！Thoulovestme，Eric！——isitnotso？“
“Yea。”heanswered。
“Nowandforeverthoulovestme——andwiltcleavetomealwayswhereverwego？“
“Surely，sweet。Oh，sweet，farewell！“hesaid，andhisvoicesoundedlikethevoiceofonewhospeaksacrossthewater。
“Farewell，EricBrighteyes！——mylove——mylove，farewell！“sheansweredveryslowly，andtogethertheysankintoasleepthatwasheavyasdeath。
NowGizur，Ospakar’sson，andSwanhild，Atli’swidow，rodefastandhardfromMosfell，givingnoresttotheirhorses，andwiththemrodethatthrallwhohadshowedthesecretpathtoGizur。TheystayedawhileonHorse-HeadHeightstillthemoonrose。NowonepathledhencetotheshorethatisagainsttheWestmans，whereGudruda’sshiplaybound。ThenSwanhildturnedtothethrall。Herbeautifulfacewasfierceandshehadsaidfewwordsallthiswhile，butinherheartragedafireofhateandjealousywhichshonethroughherblueeyes。
“Listen。”shesaidtothethrall。“ThoushaltridehencetothebaywheretheshipofGudrudatheFairliesatanchor。Thouknowestwhereourfolkareinhiding。Thoushaltspeakthustothem。BeforeitisdawntheymusttakeboatsandboardGudruda’sshipandsearchher。
And，iftheyfindEric，theoutlaw，aboard，theyshallslayhim，iftheymay。”
“Thatwillbenoeasytask。”saidthethrall。
“AndiftheyfindGudrudatheyshallkeepherprisoner。Butiftheyfindneithertheonenortheother，theyshalldothis：theyshalldrivethecrewashore，killingasfewasmaybe，andburntheship。”
“Itisanilldeedthustoburnanother’sship。”saidGizur。
“Goodorill，itshallbedone。”answeredSwanhildfiercely。“Thouartalawman，andwellcanstthoumeetthesuit；moreoverGudrudahasweddedanoutlawandshallsufferforhersin。Nowgo，andseethoutarrynot，orthybackshallpaytheprice。”
Themanrodeawayswiftly。ThenGizurturnedtoSwanhild，asking：
“Whither，then，gowe？“
“IhavesaidtoMiddalhof。”
“Thatisintothewolf’sden，ifEricandSkallagrimarethere。”heanswered：“Ihavelittlechanceagainstthetwoofthem。”
“Nay，noragainsttheone，Gizur。Why，ifEric’srighthandwerehewnfromhim，andhestoodunarmed，hewouldstillslaytheewithhisleft，as，swordless，heslewOspakarthyfather。YetIshallfindawaytocomeathim，ifheisthere。”
Thentheyrodeon，andGizur’sheartwasheavyforfearofEricandSkallagrimtheBaresark。Sofiercelydidtheyridethat，withinonehouraftermidnight，theywereatthesteadofMiddalhof。
“Wewillleavethehorseshereinthefield。”saidSwanhild。
Sotheyleapedtoearthand，tyingthereinsofthehorsestogether，leftthemtofeedonthegrowinggrass。Thentheycreptintotheyardandlistened。Presentlytherecameasoundofhorsesstampinginthefarcorneroftheyard。Theywentthither，andtheretheyfoundahorseandtwogeldingssaddled，butwiththebitsslipped，andonthehorsewassuchasaddleaswomenuse。
“EricBrighteyes，SkallagrimLambstail，andGudrudatheFair。”
whisperedSwanhild，namingthehorsesandlaughingevilly——“thebirdsarewithin！Nowtosnarethem。”
“Wereitnotbesttomeetthembytheship？“askedGizur。
“Nay，thoufool；ifonceEricandSkallagrimarebacktoback，andWhitefireisaloft，howmanyshallbedeadbeforetheyaredown，thinkestthou？Weshallnotfindthemsleepingtwice。”
“Itisshamefultoslaysleepingmen。”saidGizur。
“Theyareoutlaws。”sheanswered。“Hearken，Ospakar’sson。Thousayestthoudostlovemeandwouldstwedme：knowthis，thatifthoudostfailmenow，Iwillneverlookuponthyfaceagain，butwillnametheeNidderinginallmen’sears。”
NowGizurlovedSwanhildmuch，forshehadthrownherglamouronhimasonceshedidonAtli，andhethoughtofherdayandnight。FortherewasthisstrangethingaboutSwanhildthat，thoughshewasawitchandwicked，beingbothfairandgentleshecouldleadallmen，exceptEric，toloveher。
ButofmenshelovedEricalone。
ThenGizurheldhispeace；butSwanhildspokeagain：
“Itwillbeofnousetotrythedoors，fortheyarestrong。YetwhenIwasachildbeforenowIhavepassedinandoutthehouseatnightbythestore-roomcasement。Followme，Gizur。”Thenshecreptalongtheshadowofthewall，forsheknewiteverystone，tillshecametothestore-room，andlo！theshutterstoodopen，andthroughitthemoonlightpouredintothechamber。Swanhildliftedherheadabovethesillandlooked，thenstartedback。
“Hush！“shesaid，“Skallagrimliesasleepwithin。”
“PraytheGodshewakenot！“saidGizurbeneathhisbreath，andturnedtogo。ButSwanhildcaughthimbythearm；thengentlyraisedherheadandlookedagain，longandsteadily。Presentlysheturnedandlaughedsoftly。
“Thingsgowellforus。”shesaid；“thesotliesdrunk。Wehavenothingtofearfromhim。Heliesdrunkinapoolofale。”
ThenGizurlooked。Themoonlightpouredintothelittleroom，andbyithesawthegreatshapeofSkallagrim。Hisheadwasthrownback，hismouthwaswide。Hesnoredloudlyinhisdrunkensleep，andallabouthimranthebrownale，forthespigotofthecasklayuponthefloor。
Inhislefthandwasahorncup，butinhisrighthestillgraspedhisaxe。
“Nowwemustenter。”saidSwanhild。Gizurhungback，butshespranguponthesilllightlyasafox，andslidthenceintothestore-room。
ThenGizurmustfollow，andpresentlyhestoodbesideherintheroom，andattheirfeetlaydrunkenSkallagrim。Gizurlookedfirstathissword，thenontheBaresark，andlastlyatSwanhild。
“Nay。”shewhispered，“touchhimnot。Perchancehewouldcryout——andweseekhighergame。Hehasthatwithinhimwhichwillholdhimfastforawhile。FollowwhereIshalllead。”
Shetookhishandand，glidingthroughthedoorway，passedalongthepassagetillshecametothegreathall。Swanhildcouldseewellinthedark，andmoreoversheknewtheroad。Presentlytheystoodintheemptyhall。Thefirehadburntdown，buttwoembersyetgloweduponthehearth，likeredandangryeyes。
ForawhileSwanhildstoodstilllistening，buttherewasnothingtohear。ThenshedrewneartotheshutbedwhereGudrudaslept，and，withhereartothecurtain，listenedoncemore。Gizurcamewithher，andashecamehisfootstruckagainstabenchandstirredit。NowSwanhildheardmurmuredwordsandthesoundofkisses。Shestartedback，andfuryfilledherheart。GizuralsoheardthevoiceofEric，saying：“Iwillrise。”Thenhewouldhavefled，butSwanhildcaughthimbythearm。
“Fearnot。”shewhispered，“theyshallsoonsleepsound。”
Hefeltherstretchoutherarmsandpresentlyhesawthiswonderfulthing：theeyesofSwanhildglowinginthedarknessastheembersgloweduponthehearth。Nowtheyglowedbrightly，sobrightlythathecouldseetheoutstretchedarmsandthehardwhitefacebeneaththem，andnowtheygrewdim，ofasuddentoshinebrightagain。Andallthewhileshehissedwordsthroughherclenchedteeth。
Thusshehissed，fierceandlow：
“Gudruda，Sistermine，hearkenandsleep！
BythebondofbloodIbidtheesleep！——
BythestrengththatisinmeIbidtheesleep！——
Sleep！sleepsound！
“EricBrighteyes，hearkenandsleep！
BythebondofsinIchargetheesleep！——
BythebloodofAtliIchargethee，sleep！——
Sleep！sleepsound！“
Thenthriceshetossedherhandsaloft，saying：
“Fromlovetosleep！
Fromsleeptodeath！
FromdeathtoHela！
Say，lovers，whereshallyekissagain？“
Thenthelightwentoutofhereyesandshelaughedlow。Andeverasshewhispered，thespokenwordsofthetwointheshutbedgrewfainterandmorefaint，tillatlengththeydiedaway，andasilencefellupontheplace。
“ThouhastnocausetofeartheswordofEric，Gizur。”shesaid。
“Nothingwillwakehimnowtilldaylightcomes。”
“Thouartawesome！“answeredGizur，forheshookwithfear。“Looknotonmewiththoseflamingeyes，Ipraythee！“
“Fearnot。”shesaid，“thefireisout。Nowtothework。”
“Whatmustwedo，then？“
“/Thou/mustdothis。ThoumustenterandslayEric。”
“ThatIcannot——thatIwillnot！“saidGizur。
Sheturnedandlookedathim，andlo！hereyesbegantoflameagain——
uponhiseyestheyseemedtoburn。
“ThouwiltdoasIbidthee。”shesaid。“WithEric’sswordthoushaltslayEric，elseIwillcursetheewherethouart，andbringsuchevilontheeasthouknowestnotof。”
“Looknotso，Swanhild。”hesaid。“Leadon——Icome。”
NowtheycreepintotheshutchamberofGudruda。Itissodarkthattheycanseenothing，andnothingcantheyhearexcepttheheavybreathingofthesleepers。
Thisistobetold，thatatthistimeSwanhildhaditinhermindtokill，notEricbutGudruda，forthusshewouldsmitetheheartofBrighteyes。Moreover，shelovedEric，andwhilehelivedshemightyetwinhim；butEricdeadmustbeEriclost。ButonGudrudashewouldbebitterlyavenged——Gudruda，who，forallherscheming，hadyetbeenawifetoEric！
Nowtheystandbythebed。Swanhildputsoutherhand，drawsdowntheclothes，andfeelsthebreastofGudrudabeneath，forGudrudasleptontheoutsideofthebed。
ThenshesearchesbytheheadofthebedandfindsWhitefirewhichhungthere，anddrawsthesword。
“HereliesEric，ontheoutside。”shesaystoGizur，“andhereisWhitefire。Strikeandstrikehome，leavingWhitefireinthewound。”
Gizurtakestheswordandliftsit。Heissoreatheartthathemustdosuchacowarddeed；butthespellofSwanhildisuponhim，andhemaynotflinchfromit。Thenathoughttakeshimandhealsoputsdownhishandtofeel。ItlightsuponGudruda’sgoldenhair，thathangsaboutherbreastandfallsfromthebedtotheground。
“Hereiswoman’shair。”hewhispers。
“No。”Swanhildanswers，“itisEric’shair。ThehairofEricislong，asthouhastseen。”
NowneitherofthemknowsthatGudrudacutEric’slockswhenhelaysickonMosfell，thoughSwanhildknowswellthatitisnotBrighteyeswhomshebidsGizurslay。
ThenGizur，Ospakar’sson，liftsthesword，andthefaintstarlightstrugglingintothechambergathersandgleamsupontheblade。Thriceheliftsit，andthriceitdrawsitback。Thenwithanoathhestrikes——anddrivesithomewithallhisstrength！
Fromthebedbeneaththerecomesonelongsighandasoundasoflimbstremblingagainstthebed-gear。Thenallisstill。
“Itisdone！“hesaysfaintly。
Swanhildputsdownherhandoncemore。Lo！itiswetandwarm。Thenshebendsherselfandlooks，andbehold！thedeadeyesofGudrudaglareupintohereyes。Shecanseethemplainly，butnoneknowwhatshereadthere。Attheleastitwassomethingthatshelovednot，forshereelsbackagainstthepanelling，thenfallsuponthefloor。
Presently，whileGizurstandsasoneinadream，sherises，saying：“I
amavengedofthedeathofAtli。Letushence！——ah！letushenceswiftly！Givemethyhand，Gizur，forIamfaint！“
SoGizurgivesherhishandandtheypassthence。Presentlytheystandinthestore-room，andthereliesSkallagrim，stillplungedinhisdrunkensleep。
“MustIdomoremurder？“asksGizurhoarsely。
“Nay。”Swanhildsays。“Iamsickwithblood。Leavetheknave。”
Theypassoutbythecasementintotheyardandsoontilltheyfindtheirhorses。
“Liftme，Gizur；Icannomore。”saysSwanhild。
Heliftshertothesaddle。
“Whitheraway？“heasks。
“ToColdback，Gizur，andthencetocoldDeath。”
ThusdidGudruda，Eric’sbrideandAsmund’sdaughter，thefairestwomanwhoeverlivedinIceland，dieonhermarriagenightbythehandofGizur，Ospakar’sson，andthroughthehateandwitchcraftofSwanhildtheFatherless，herhalf-sister。
XXX
HOWTHEDAWNCAME
ThedawnbrokeoverMiddalhof。Slowlythelightgatheredintheemptyhall，itcreptslowlyintothelittlechamberwhereEricslept，andGudrudasleptalsowithadeepersleep。
Nowthetwowomencamefromtheirchamberatthefarendofthehall，anddrewnearthehearth，shivering，fortheairwascold。Theykneltbythefire，blowingattheemberstillthestickstheycastuponthemcrackledtoablaze。
“ItseemsthatGudrudaisnotyetgone。”saidonetotheother。“I
thoughtsheshouldrideawaywithEricbeforethedawn。”
“Newlywedlielongabed！“laughedtheother。
“Iamgladtoseetheblessedlight。”saidthefirstwoman，“forlastnightIdreamedthatonceagainthishallranredwithblood，asatthemarriage-feastofOspakar。”
“Ah。”answeredtheother，“itwillbewellforthesouthwhenEricBrighteyesandGudrudaaregoneoversea，fortheirloveshavebroughtmuchbloodshedupontheland。”
“Well，indeed！“sighedthefirst。“HadAsmundthePriestneverfoundGroa，Ran’sgift，singingbythesea，Valhallahadnotbeensofullto-day。Mindestthouthedayhebroughtherhere？“
“Irememberitwell。”sheanswered，“thoughIwasbutagirlatthetime。Still，whenIsawthosedarkeyesofhers——justsucheyesasSwanhild’s！——Iknewherforawitch，asallFinnwomenare。Itisanevilworld：myhusbandisdeadbythesword；deadarebothmysons，fightingforEric；deadisUnna，Thorod’sdaughter；Asmund，mylord，isdead，anddeadisBj？rn；andnowGudrudatheFair，whomIhaverockedtosleep，leavesustogooversea。Imaynotgowithher，formydaughter’ssake；yetIalmostwishthatItooweredead。”
“Thatwillcomesoonenough。”saidtheother，whowasyoungandfair。
Nowthewitch-sleepbegantorollfromEric’sheart，thoughhiseyeswerenotyetopen。Butthetalkofthewomenechoedinhisears，andthewords“/dead！/““/dead！/““/dead！/“fellheavilyonhisslumberingsense。Atlengthheopenedhiseyes，onlytoshutthemagain，becauseofabrightgleamoflightthatranupanddownsomethingathisside。
Heavilyhewonderedwhatthismightbe，thatshonesokeenandbright——thatshonelikeanakedsword。
Nowhelookedagain。Yes，itwasaswordwhichstoodbyhimuponthebed，andthegoldenhiltwaslikethehiltofWhitefire。Helifteduphishandtotouchit，thinkingthathedreamed。Lo！hishandandarmwerered！
Thenheremembered，andthethoughtofGudrudaflashedthroughhisheart。Hesatup，gazingdownintotheshadowathisside。
Presentlythewomenatthefireheardasoundasofagreatmanfallingtoearth。
“Whatisthatnoise？“saidone。
“Ericleapingfromhisbed。”answeredtheother。“Hehasslepttoolong，aswehavealso。”
Astheyspokethecurtainoftheshutbedwaspushedaway，andthroughitstaggeredEricinhisnight-gear，andlo！theleftsideofitwasred。Hiseyeswerewidewithhorror，hismouthwasopen，andhisfacewaswhiteasice。
Hestopped，lookingatthem，madeasthoughtospeak，andcouldnot。
Then，whiletheyshrankfromhiminterror，heturned，and，walkinglikeadrunkenman，staggeredfromthehalldownthatpassagewhichledtothestore-chamber。Thedoorstoodwide，theshutterwaswide，andonthefloor，soakedinthedregsofale，Skallagrimyetlaysnoring，hisaxeinonehandandacupintheother。
Ericlookedandunderstood。
“Awake，drunkard！“hecried，insoterribleavoicethattheroomshook。“Awake，andlookuponthywork！“
Skallagrimsatup，yawning。
“Forsooth，myheadswims。”hesaid。“Givemeale，Iamthirsty。”
“Neverwiltthoulookonaleagain，Skallagrim，whenthouhastseenthatwhichIhavetoshow！“saidEric，inthesamedreadvoice。
ThenSkallagrimrosetohisfeetandgapeduponhim。
“Whatmeansthis，lord？Isittimetoride？andsay！whyisthyshirtredwithblood？“
“Followme，drunkard，andlookuponthywork！“Ericsaidagain。
ThenSkallagrimgrewaltogethersober，andgraspinghisaxe，followedafterBrighteyes，soreafraidofwhathemightsee。
Theywentdownthepassage，pastthehighseatofthehall，tilltheycametothecurtainoftheshutbed；andafterthemfollowedthewomen。Ericseizedthecurtaininhishand，rentitfromitsfastenings，andcastitontheground。Nowthelightflowedinandstruckuponthebed。Itfelluponthebed，itfelluponWhitefire’shiltandranalongtheblade，itgleamedonawoman’ssnowybreastandgoldenhair，andshoneinherstaringeyes——awomanwholaystiffandcolduponthebed，thegreatswordfixedwithinherheart！
“Lookuponthywork，drunkard！“Ericcriedagain，whilethewomenwhopeepedbehindsenttheirlongwailofwoeechoingdownthepanelledhall。
“Hearken！“saidEric：“whilethoudidstliewallowinginthyswine’ssleep，foescreptacrossthycarcase，andthisistheirhandiwork：——
yondershelieswhowasmybride！——nowisGudrudatheFairadeath-
wifewholastnightwasmybride！Thisisthywork，drunkard！andnowwhatmeedforthee？“
Skallagrimlooked。Thenhespokeinahoarseslowvoice：
“Whatmeed，lord？Butone——death！“
ThenwithonehandhecoveredhiseyesandwiththeotherheldouthisaxetoEricBrighteyes。
Erictooktheaxe，andwhilethewomenranthencescreaming，hewhirleditthriceabouthishead。ThenhesmotedowntowardstheskullofSkallagrim，butashesmoteitseemedtohimthatavoicewhisperedinhisear：“/Thyoath！/“——andherememberedthathehadsworntoslaynomore，saveforhisownlife’ssake。
Themightyblowwasfallingandhemightonlydothis——loosetheaxebeforeitcloveSkallagrimintwain。Heloosedandawaythegreataxeflew。ItpassedovertheheadofSkallagrim，andspedlikelightacrossthewidehall，tillitcrashedthroughthepanellingonthefurtherside，andburieditselftothehaftinthewallbeyond。
“Itisnotformetokillthee，drunkard！Go，dieinthydrink！“
“ThenIwillkillmyself！“criedtheBaresark，and，rushingacrossthehallhetorethegreataxefromitsbed。
“Hold！“saidEric；“perhapsthereisyetadeedfortheetodo。Thenthoumayestdie，ifitpleasesthee。”
“Ay。”saidSkallagrimcomingback，“perchancethereisstilladeedtodo！“
And，flingingdowntheaxe，SkallagrimLambstailtheBaresarkfelluponthefloorandwept。
ButEricdidnotweep。OnlyhedrewWhitefirefromtheheartofGudrudaandlookedatit。
“Thouartastrangesword，Whitefire。”hesaid，“whoslayestbothfriendandfoe！Shameonthee，Whitefire！Wesworeouroathonthee，Whitefire，andthouhastcutitschain！NowIammindedtoshatterthee。”AndasEriclookedonthegreatblade，lo！ithummedstrangelyinanswer。
“’Firstmustthoubethedeathofsome，’thousayest？Well，maybe，Whitefire！Butneveryetdidstthoudrinksosweetalifeasherswhonowliesdead，norevershaltagain。”
Thenhesheathedthesword，butneitherthennorafterwardsdidhewipethebloodofGudrudafromitsblade。
“Lastnighta-marrying——to-daya-burying。”saidEric，andhecalledtothewomentobringspades。Then，havingclothedhimself，hewenttothecentreofthehall，and，brushingawaythesand，brokethehardclay-flooring，dealinggreatblowsonitwithanaxe。NowSkallagrim，seeinghispurpose，cametohimandtookoneofthespades，andtogethertheylabouredinsilencetilltheyhaddugagraveafathomdeep。
“Here。”saidEric，“here，inthineownhallwherethouwastbornandlived，GudrudatheFair，thoushaltsleepatthelast。AndofMiddalhofIsaythis：thatnoneshalllivetherehenceforth。Itshallbehauntedandaccursedtilltheraftersrotandthewallsfallin，makingthybarrow，Gudruda。”
Nowthisindeedcametopass，fornonehavelivedinMiddalhofsincethedaysofGudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter。Ithasbeenruinedthesemanyyears，andnowitisbutapileofstones。
Whenthegravewasdug，Ericwashedhimselfandatesomefood。ThenhewentintowhereGudrudalaydead，andbadethewomenmakeherreadyforburial。Thistheydid。Whenshewaswashedandcladinacleanwhiterobe，Ericcametoher，andwithhisownhandboundtheHell-
shoesonherfeetandclosedhereyes。
ItwasjustthenthatamancamewhosaidthatthepeopleofGizurandofSwanhildhadburnedGudruda’sship，drivingthecrewashore。
“Itiswell。”saidEric。“Weneedtheshipnomore；nowhathshewhomitshouldbearwingswithwhichtofly。”ThenhewentinandsatdownonthebedbythebodyofGudruda，whileSkallagrimcrouchedonthegroundwithout，tearingathisbeardandmuttering。ForthefierceheartofSkallagrimwasbrokenbecauseofthatevilwhichhisdrunkennesshadbroughtabout。
AlldayEricsatthus，lookingonhisdeadlove’sface，tillthehourcameroundwhenheandGudrudahaddrunkthebride-cup。ThenheroseandkisseddeadGudrudaonthelips，saying：
“Ididnotlooktopartwiththeethus，sweet！Itissadthatthoushouldsthavegoneandleftmehere。Natheless，Ishallsoonfollowonthypath。”
Thenhecalledaloud：
“Artsober，drunkard？“
Skallagrimcameandstoodbeforehim，sayingnothing。
“Takethouthefeetofherwhomthoudidstbringtodeath，andIwilltakeherhead。”
SotheyliftedupGudrudaandborehertothegrave。ThenEricstoodnearthegrave，and，takingdeadGudrudainhisarms，lookeduponherfacebythelightofthefireandofthecandlesthatweresetabout。
Helookedthrice，thensangaloud：
“Longago，whensweptthesnow-blast，Closeweclungandplightedtroth。
Manyayear，throughstormandsword-song，SoreIstrovetowinthee，sweet！
ButlastnightIheldthee，Fairest，Lock’d，awife，inlover’sarms。
Now，Gudruda，inthydeath-rest，SleepthousofttillEriccome！
“HenceIgotowreakthymurder。
Hissingfireofflamingstead，Groanofspear-carles，wailofwomen，Soonshallstartlethroughthenight。
ThenonMosfell，Kirtle-Wearer，EricwaitsthefaceofDeath。
Freedfromwearylifeandsorrow，Soonwe’llkissinHela’shalls！“
Thenhelaidherinthegrave，and，havingshroudedasheetoverher，theyfilleditintogether，hidingGudrudatheFairfromthesightofmenforever。
AfterwardsEricarmedhimself，andthisSkallagrimdidalso。Thenhestrodefromthehall，andSkallagrimfollowedhim。Intheyardthosehorseswerestilltiedthatshouldhavecarriedthemtotheship，andononewasthesaddleofGudruda。Shehadriddenonthishorseformanyyears，andloveditmuch，foritwouldfollowherlikeadog。
Ericlookedathim，thensaidaloud：
“Gudrudamayneedtheewheresheis，Blackmane。”forsothehorsewasnamed。“Attheleast，noneshallridetheemore！“AndhesnatchedtheaxefromthehandofSkallagrimandslewthehorseatablow。
Thentheyrodeaway，headingforColdback。Thenightwaswildandwindy，andtheskydarkwithscuddingclouds，throughwhichthemoonpeepedoutattimes。Ericlookedup，thenspoketoSkallagrim：
“Agoodnightforburning，drunkard！“
“Ay，lord；theflameswillflybriskly。”answeredSkallagrim。
“Howmany，thinkestthou，walkedoverthee，drunkard，whenthoudidstlieyonderintheale？“
“Iknownot。”groanedSkallagrim；“butIfoundthisinthesoftearthwithout：theprintofaman’sandawoman’sfeet；andthisonthehillside：thetrackoftwohorsesriddenhard。”
“GizurandSwanhild，drunkard。”saidEric。“Swanhildcastusintodeepsleepbywitchcraft，andGizurdealttheblow。Betterforhimthathehadneverbeenbornthanthathehaslivedtodealthatcoward’sblow！“
Thentheyrodeon，andwhenmidnightwasalittlewhilegonetheycametothesteadatColdback。Nowthishousewasroofedwithturves，andthewindowswerebarredsothatnonecouldpassthroughthem。Alsointheyardwerefaggotsofbirchandastackofhay。
EricandSkallagrimtiedtheirhorsesinadellthatistothenorthofthesteadandcreptuptothehouse。Allwasstill；butafireburntinthehall，and，lookingthroughacrack，Ericcouldseemanymensleepingaboutit。ThenhemadesignstoSkallagrimandtogether，verysilently，theyfetchedhayandfaggots，pilingthemagainstthenorthdoorofthehouse，forthewindblewfromthenorth。NowEricspoketoSkallagrim，biddinghimstand，axeinhand，bythesouthdoor，andslaythosewhocameoutwhenthereekbegantosmartthem：
buthewenthimselftofirethepile。
WhenBrighteyeshadmadeallthingsreadyfortheburning，itcameintohismindthat，perhaps，GizurandSwanhildwerenotinthehouse。
Buthewouldnotholdhishandforthis，forhewasmadwithgriefandrage。Sooncemorehepreparedforthedeed，whenagainheheardavoiceinhisear——thevoiceofGudruda，anditseemedtosay：
“/Thineoath，Eric！rememberthineoath！/“
Thenheturnedandtheragewentoutofhisheart。
“LetthemseekmeonMosfell。”hesaid，“Iwillnotslaythemsecretlyandbyreek，theinnocentandtheguiltytogether。”AndhestroderoundthehousetowhereSkallagrimstoodatthesouthdoor，axealoftandwatching。
“Doesthefireburn，lord？Iseenosmoke。”whisperedSkallagrim。
“Nay，Ihavemadenone。Iwillshednomoreblood，excepttosavemylife。IleavevengeancetotheNorns。”
NowSkallagrimthoughtthatBrighteyeswasmad，buthedaredsaynothing。Sotheywenttotheirhorses，andwhentheyfoundthem，Ericrodebacktothehouse。Presentlytheydrewnear，andErictoldSkallagrimtostaywherehewas，andridingontothehouse，smoteheavyblowsuponthedoor，justasSkallagrimoncehadsmitten，beforeEricwentuptoMosfell。
NowSwanhildlayinhershutbed；butshecouldnotsleep，becauseofwhatshesawintheeyesofGudruda。Littlemaysheeversleepagain，forwhensheshutshereyesoncemoresheseesthatwhichwaswritteninthedeadeyesofGudruda。So，asshelay，sheheardtheblowsuponthedoor，andsprangfrightenedfromherbed。Nowtherewastumultinthehall，foreverymanrosetohisfeetinfear，searchingforhisweapons。Againtheloudknockscame。
“ItistheghostofEric！“criedone，forGizurhadgivenoutthatEricwasdeadathishandinfairfight。
“Open！“saidGizur，andtheyopened，andthere，alittlewayfromthedoor，satBrighteyesonahorse，greatandshadowytosee，andbehindhimwasSkallagrimtheBaresark。
“ItistheghostofEric！“theycriedagain。
“Iamnoghost。”saidBrighteyes。“Iamnoghost，yemenofSwanhild。
Tellme：isGizur，thesonofOspakar，amongyou？“
“Gizurishere。”saidavoice；“buthesworeheslewtheelastnight。”
“Thenhelied。”quothEric。“Gizurdidnotslayme——hemurderedGudrudatheFairasshelayasleepatmyside。See！“andhedrewWhitefirefromitsscabbardandhelditintheraysofthemoonthatnowshoneoutbetweenthecloudrifts。“WhitefireisredwithGudruda’sblood——GudrudaslaughteredinhersleepbyGizur’scowardhand！“
Nowmenmurmured，forthisseemedtothemthemostshamefulofalldeeds。ButGizur，hearing，shrankbackaghast。
“Listenagain！“saidEric。“Iwasmindedbutnowtoburnyouallasyeslept——ay，thefiringispiledagainstthedoor。Still，Iheldmyhand，forIhavesworntoslaynomore，excepttosavemylife。NowI
ridehencetoMosfell。ThitherletGizurcome，Gizurthemurderer，andSwanhildthewitch，andwiththemallwhowill。ThereIwillgivethemgreeting，andwipeawaythebloodofGudrudafromWhitefire’sblade。”
“Fearnot，Eric。”criedSwanhild，“Iwillcome，andtherethoumaystkillme，ifthoucanst。”
“Againstthee，Swanhild。”saidEric，“Iliftnohand。Dothyworst，I
leavetheetothyfateandthevengeanceoftheNorns。Iamnowoman-
slayer。ButtoGizurthemurdererIsay，come。”
Thenheturnedandwent，andSkallagrimwentwithhim。
“Up，men，andcutEricdown！“criedGizur，seekingtocoverhisshame。
Butnomanstirred。