XXXI
HOWERICSENTAWAYHISMENFROMMOSFELL
NowEricandSkallagrimcametoMosfellinsafety，andduringallthatrideBrighteyesspokenoword。Herodeinsilence，andinsilenceSkallagrimrodeafterhim。TheheartofSkallagrimwasbrokenbecauseofthesorrowwhichhisdrunkennesshadbroughtabout，andtheheartofEricwasburiedinGudruda’sgrave。
OnMosfellEricfoundfourofhisownmen，twoofwhomhadbeenamongthosethatthepeopleofGizurandSwanhildhaddrivenfromGudruda’sshipbeforetheyfiredher。Fornofighthadbeenmadeontheship。
TherealsohefoundJon，whohadbeenloosedfromhisbandsintheboothbyonewhoheardhiscriesasherodepast。NowwhenJonsawBrighteyes，hetoldhimall，andfellatEric’sfeetandweptbecausehehadbetrayedhiminhisfear。
ButEricspokenoangrywordtohim。Stoopingdownheraisedhim，saying，“Thouwastneveroverstoutofheart，Jon，andthouartscarcelytobeblamedbecausethoudidstspeakratherthandieintorment，thoughperhapssomehadchosensotodieandnottospeak。
NowIamalucklessman，andallthingshappenastheyarefated，andthewordsofAtlicometrue，aswastobelookedfor。TheNorns，againstwhomnonemaystand，didbutworktheirwillthroughthymouth，Jon；sogrievenomoreforthatwhichcannotbeundone。”
Thenheturnedaway，butJonweptlongandloudly。
ThatnightEricsleptwellanddreamednodreams。Butonthemorrowhewokeatdawn，andclothedhimselfandate。Thenhecalledhismentogether，andwiththemSkallagrim。Theycameandstoodbeforehim，andEric，drawingWhitefire，leaneduponitandspoke：
“Hearken，mates。”hesaid：“Iknowthis，thatmyhoursareshortanddeathdrawson。Myyearshavebeenfewandevil，andIcannotreadthepurposeofmylife。ShewhomIlovedhasbeenslainbythewitchcraftofSwanhildandthecowardhandofGizurthemurderer，andIgotoseekherwhereshewaits。Iamverygladtogo，fornowIhavenomorejoyinlife，beingbutalucklessman；itisanillworld，friends，andallthewaysareredwithblood。Ihaveshedmuchblood，thoughbutonelifehauntsmenowatthelast，andthatisthelifeofAtlitheEarl，forhewasnomatchformymightandheisdeadbecauseofmysin。WithmyownbloodIwillwashawaythebloodofAtli，andthenIseekanotherplace，leavingnothingbutataletobetoldintheinglewhenfallthewintersnows。Fortothisendweallcomeatthelast，anditmatterslittleifitfindusatmiddayoratnightfall。
Weliveinsorrow，wedieinpainanddarkness：forthisisthecursethattheGodshavelaiduponmenandeachmusttasteitinhisseason。
ButIhaveswornthatnomoremenshalldieforme。Iwillfightthelastgreatfightalone；forIknowthis：Ishallnoteasilybeovercome，andwithmyfallenfoesIwilltreadonBifrostBridge。
Therefore，farewell！WhenthebonesofEricBrighteyeslieintheirbarrow，orarepickedbyravensonthemountainside，Gizurwillnottroubletohuntoutthosewhoclungtohim，ifindeedGizurshalllivetotellthetale。NorneedyefearthehateofSwanhild，forsheaimsherspearsatmealone。Go，therefore，andwhenIamdead，donotforgetme，anddonotseektoavengeme，forDeaththeavengerofallwillfindthemalso。”
NowEric’smenheardandgroanedaloud，sayingthattheywoulddiewithhim，fortheylovedEriconeandall。OnlySkallagrimsaidnothing。
ThenBrighteyesspokeagain：“Hearme，comrades。Ifyewillnotgo，mybloodwillbeonyourheads，forIwillrideoutalone，andmeetthemenofGizurintheplainandfalltherefighting。”
Thenonebyonetheycreptawaytoseektheirhorsesinthedell。AndeachmanashewentcametoEricandkissedhishand，thenpassedthenceweeping。Jonwasthelasttogo，exceptSkallagrimonly，andhewassomovedthathecouldnotspeakatall。
ItwasthisJonwho，inafteryears，whenhewasgrownveryold，wanderedfromsteadtosteadtellingthedeedsofEricBrighteyes，andalwaysfindingawelcomebecauseofhistale，tillatlength，ashejourneyed，hewasovertakenbyasnowstormandburiedinadrift。ForJon，wholackedmuch，hadthisgift：hehadaskald’stongue。MenhavealwaysheldthatitwastothehonourofJonthathetoldthetalethus，hidingnothing，seeingthatsomeofitisagainsthimself。
Nowwhenallhadgone，EriclookedatSkallagrim，whostillstoodnearhim，axeinhand。
“Whereforegoestthounot，drunkard？“hesaid。“Surelythouwiltfindaleandmeadinthevalesoroversea。Herethereisnone。Hasten！I
wouldbealone！“
NowthegreatbodyofSkallagrimshookwithgriefandshame，andtheredbloodpouredupbeneathhisdarksin。Thenhespokeinathickvoice：
“IdidnotthinktolivetohearsuchwordsfromthelipsofEricBrighteyes。Theyarewellearned，yetitisunmanlyofthee，lord，thustotauntonewholovesthee。IwouldsoonerdieasSwanhildsaidyonderthrallshoulddiethanlivetolistentosuchwords。Ihavesinnedagainstthee，indeed，andbecauseofmysinmyheartisbroken。
Hastthou，then，neversinnedthatthouwouldsttearitlivingfrommybreastaseaglestearafounderedhorse？Thinkonthineownsins，Eric，andpitymine！TauntmethusoncemoreorbidmegooncemoreandIwillgoindeed！Iwillgothus——ontheedgeofyondergulfthoudidstovercomemebythynakedmight，andthereIsworefealtytothee，EricBrighteyes。Manyayearhavewewanderedsidebyside，and，standingbacktoback，havestruckmanyablow。Iammindedtodothis：tostandbytheeinthelastgreatfightthatdrawsonandtodietherewiththee。Ihavelovednoothermansavethee，andIamtoooldtoseeknewlords。Yet，ifstillthoubiddestme，Iwillgothus。
WhereIsworemyoathtothee，thereIwillendit。ForIwilllaymedownonthebrinkofyondergulf，asonceIlaywhenthyhandwasatmythroat，andcalloutthatthouartnomoremylordandIamnomorethythrall。ThenIwillrollintothedepthsbeneath，andbythisdeathofshamethoushaltbefreedofme，EricBrighteyes。”
Ericlookedatthegreatman——helookedlongandsadly。Thenhespoke：
“SkallagrimLambstail，thouhastatrueheart。Itoohavesinned，andnowIputawaythysin，althoughGudrudaisdeadthroughtheeandI
mustdiebecauseofthee。Staybymeifthouwiltandletusfalltogether。”
ThenSkallagrimcametoEric，and，kneelingbeforehim，tookhishandsandkissedthem。
“NowIamoncemoreaman。”hesaid，“andIknowthis：wetwoshalldiesuchagreatdeaththatitwillbewelltohavelivedtodieit！“
andhearoseandshouted：
“A！hai！A！hai！Iseefoespassinpride！
A！hai！A！hai！Valkyriesridethewind！
Hearthesongofthesword！
Whitefireisaloft——aloft！
BareistheaxeoftheBaresark！
Croak，yenestingravens；
Flapyourwings，yeeagles，ForbrightisMosfell’scavewithblood！
Lap！lap！thouGreyWolf，Laughaloud，Odin！
“Laughtillshakethegoldendoors；
Heroes’feetaresetonBifrost，Open，yehundredgates！
A！hai！A！hai！redrunsthefray！
A！hai！A！hai！Valkyriesridethewind！“
ThenSkallagrimturnedandwenttocleanhisharnessandthegoldenhelmofEric。
NowatColdbackGizurspokewithSwanhild。
“Thouhastbroughtthegreatestshameuponme。”hesaid，“forthouhastcausedmetoslayasleepingwoman。Knowestthouthatmyownmenwillscarcelyspeakwithme？Ihavecometothisevilpass，throughloveofthee，thatIhaveslainasleepingwoman！“
“ItwasnotmyfaultthatthoudidstkillGudruda。”answeredSwanhild；
“surelyIthoughtitwasEricwhomthyswordpierced！Ihavenotsoughtthylove，Gizur，andIsaythistothee：go，ifthouwilt，andleavemealone！“
NowGizurlookedather，andwasmindedtogo；but，asSwanhildknewwell，sheheldhimtoofastinthenetofherwitcheries。
“Iwouldgo，ifImightgo！“answeredGizur；“butIamboundtotheeforgoodorevil，sinceitisfatedthatIshallwedthee。”
“ThouwiltneverwedmewhileEriclives。”saidSwanhild。
Nowshespokethustruthfully，andbychance，asitwere，notasdrivingGizurontoslayEric——for，nowthatGudrudawasdead，shewasintwomindsastothismatter，since，ifshemight，shestilldesiredtotakeErictoherself——butmeaningthatwhileEriclivedshewouldwednootherman。ButGizurtookitotherwise。
“EricshallcertainlydieifImaybringitabout。”heanswered，andwenttospeakwithhismen。
NowallweregatheredintheyardatColdback，andthatwasagreatcompany。ButtheirlookswereheavybecauseoftheshamethatGizur，Ospakar’sson，hadbroughtuponthembythemurderofGudrudainhersleep。
“Hearken，comrades！“saidGizur：“greatshameiscomeuponmebecauseofadeedthatIhavedoneunwittingly，forIaimedattheeagleEricandIhaveslaintheswanGudruda。”
Thenacertainoldvikinginthecompany，namedKetel，whomGizurhadhiredfortheslayingofEric，spoke：
“Manorwoman，itisanidderingdeedtokillfolkintheirsleep，Gizur！Itismurder，andnoless，andsmallluckcanbehopedforfromthestroke。”
NowGizurfeltthathispeoplelookedonhimaskanceandheavily，andknewthatitwouldbehardtoshowthemthathewasdriventothisdeedagainsthiswill，andbythewitchcraftofSwanhild。So，aswashisnature，heturnedtoguileforshelter，likeafoxtohishole，andspoketothemwiththetongueofalawman；forGizurhadgreatskillinspeech。
“ThattalewasnotalltruewhichEricBrighteyestoldyou。”hesaid。
“Hewasmadwithgrief，andmoreoveritseemsthatheslept，andonlywoketofindGudrudadead。Itcameaboutthus：IstoodwiththeladySwanhild，andwasabouttocallaloudonErictoarmhimselfandcomeforthandmeetmefacetoface——“
“Then，lord，methinksthouhadstnevermetanotherfoe。”quoththevikingKetelwhohadspokenfirst。
“Whenofasudden。”wentonGizur，takingnonoteofKetel’swords，“oneclothedinwhitesprangfromthebedandrushedonme。ThenI，thinkingthatitwasEric，liftedsword，nottosmite，buttowardhimaway；butthelinen-wearermettheswordandfelldowndead。ThenI
fled，fearinglestmenshouldwakeandtrapus，andthatisallthetale。ItwasnofaultofmineifGudrudadieduponthesword。”
Thushespoke，butstillmenlookeddoubtfullyuponhim，forhiseyewastheeyeofaliar——andEric，astheyknew，didnotlie。
“Itishardtofindthetruthbetweenlawman’sbrainandtongue。”saidtheoldvikingKetel。“Ericisnolawman，butatrueman，andhesanganothersong。IwouldslayEricindeed，forbetweenhimandmethereisablood-feud，sincemybrotherdiedathishandwhen，withWhitefireforacrook，BrighteyesdrovearmedmenlikesheepdownthehallofMiddalhof——ayandswordless，slewOspakar。YetIsaythatEricisatrueman，and，whetherornothouarttrue，GizurtheLawman，thatthouknowestbest——thouandSwanhildtheFatherless，Groa’sdaughter。IfthoudidstslayGudrudaasthoutellest，say，howcomeGudruda’sbloodonWhitefire’sblade？Howdiditchance，Gizur，thatthouheldestWhitefireinthyhandandnotthineownsword？NowItelltheethis：eitherthoushaltgoupagainstEricandclearthyselfbyblows，orIleavethee；andmethinksthereareothersamongthiscompanywhowilldothesame，forwehavenowishtobepartnerswithmurderersandtheirwickedness“
“Ay，agoodword！“saidmanywhostoodby。“LetGizurgoupwithustoMosfell，andtherestandfacetofacewithEricandclearhimselfbyblows。”
“Iasknomore。”saidGizur；“wewillrideto-night。”
“Butmuchmoreshaltthouget，liar。”quothKeteltohimself，“forthathourwhenthoulookestonceagainonWhitefireshallbethylast！“
SoGizurandSwanhildmadereadytogoupagainstEric。Thatdaytheyrodeawaywithagreatcompany，ahundredandoneinall，andthiswastheirplan。Theysentsixmenwiththatthrallwhohadshownthemthesecretpath，biddinghimguidethemtothemountain-top。Then，whentheywerecomethither，andheardtheshoutsofthosewhosoughttogaintheplatformfromthesouth，theyweretowatchtillEricandhisfolkcameoutfromthecave，andshootthemwitharrowsfromaboveorcrushthemwithstones。ButifperchanceEriclefttheplatformandcametomeethisfoesinthenarrowpass，thentheymustletthemselvesdownwithropesfromtheheightabove，and，creepingafterhimroundtherock，mustsmitehimintheback。Moreover，insecret，GizurpromisedagreatrewardoftenhundredsinsilvertohimwhoshouldkillEric，forhedidnotlongtostandfacetofacewithhimalone。SwanhildalsoinsecretmadepromiseofrewardtothosewhoshouldbringErictoher，bound，butliving；andshebadethemdothis——tobearhimdownwithshieldsandtiehimwithropes。
Sotheyrodeaway，thesevenwhoshouldclimbthemountainfrombehindgoingfirst，andonthemorrowmorningtheycrossedthesandandcametoMosfell。
XXXII
HOWERICANDSKALLAGRIMGREWFEY
NowthenightcamedownuponMosfell，andofallnightsthiswasthestrangest。Theairwasquietandheavy，yetnorainfell。Itwassosilent，moreover，that，didastoneslipuponthemountainsideorahorseneighfaroffontheplains，thesoundofitcreptupthefellandwasechoedfromthecrags。
EricandSkallagrimsattogetherontheopenspaceofrockthatisbeforethecave，andgreatheavinessandfearcameintotheirhearts，sothattheyhadnodesiretosleep。
“Methinksthenightisghost-ridden。”saidEric，“andIamfey，forI
growcold，anditseemstomethatonestrokesmyhair。”
“Itisghost-ridden，lord。”answeredSkallagrim。“Trollsareabroad，andtheGod-kindgathertoseeEricdie。”
Forawhiletheysatinsilence，thensuddenlythemountainheavedupgentlybeneaththem。Thriceitseemedtoheavelikeawoman’sbreast，andleftthemfrightened。
“Nowthedwarf-folkcomefromtheircaves。”quothSkallagrim，“andgreatdeedsmaybelookedfor，sincetheyarenotdrawntotheupperearthbyalittlething。”
Thenoncemoretheysatsilent；andthickdarknesscamedownuponthemountain，hidingthestars。
“Look。”saidEricofasudden，andhepointedtoHecla。
Skallagrimlooked，andlo！thesnowydomeofHeclawasaglowwitharosyflamelikethelightofdawn。
“Winterlights。”saidLambstail，shuddering。
“Deathlights！“answeredEric。“Lookagain！“
Theylooked，andbehold！intherosyglowtheresatthreegiantformsoffire，andtheirshapesweretheshapesofwomen。Beforethemwasaloomofblacknessthatstretchedfromearthtosky，andtheywoveatitwiththreadsofflame。Theyweresplendidandterribletosee。
Theirhairstreamedbehindthemlikemeteorflames，theireyesshonelikelightning，andtheirbreastsgleamedlikethepolishedbucklersofthegods。Theywovefiercelyattheloomofblackness，andastheywovetheysang。Thevoiceoftheonewasasthewindwhistlingthroughthepines；thevoiceoftheotherwasasthesoundofrainhissingondeepwaters；andthevoiceofthethirdwasasthemoanofthesea。
Theywovefearfullyandtheysangloudly，butwhattheysangmightnotbeknown。Nowthewebgrewandthewoofgrew，andapicturecameupontheloom——agreatpicturewritteninfire。
Behold！itwasthesemblanceofastorm-awakenedsea，andagiantshipfledbeforethegale——adragonofwar，andintheshipwerepiledthecorsesofmen，andontheselayanothercorse，asoneliesuponabed。
Theylooked，andthefaceofthecorsegrewbright。ItwasthefaceofEric，andhisheadresteduponthedeadheartofSkallagrim。
Clingingtoeachother，EricandSkallagrimsawthesightoffearthatwaswrittenontheloomoftheNorns。Theysawitforabreath。Then，withalaughlikethewailofwolves，theshapesoffiresprangupandrentthewebasunder。Thenthefirstpassedupwardtothesky，thesecondsouthwardtowardsMiddalhof，butthethirdsweptoverMosfell，sothatthebrightnessofherflamingformshoneontherockwheretheysatbythecave，andthelightningofhereyeswasmirroredinthebyrnieofSkallagrimandonEric’sgoldenhelm。Shesweptpast，pointingdownwardsasshewent，andlo！shewasgone，andoncemoredarknessandsilencelayupontheearth。
NowthissightwasseenofJonthethrallalso，andhetolditinhisstoryofthedeedsofEric。ForJonlayhidinasecretplaceonMosfell，waitingfortidingsofwhatcametopass。
ForawhileEricandSkallagrimclungtoeachother。ThenSkallagrimspoke。
“WehaveseentheValkyries。”hesaid。
“Nay。”answeredEric，“wehaveseentheNorns——whoarecometowarnusofourdoom！Weshalldieto-morrow。”
“Attheleast。”saidSkallagrim，“weshallnotdiealone：wehadagoodlybedonyondergoblinship，andallofourownslayingmethinks。
Itisnotsoilltodiethus，lord！“
“Notsoill！“saidEric；“andyetIamwearyofbloodandwar，ofgloryandofmystrength。NowIdesirerestalone。Lightfire——Icanbearthisdarknessnolonger；themarrowfreezesinmybones。”
“Firecanbeseenoffoes。”saidSkallagrim。
“Itmatterslittlenow。”saidEric，“wearefeyfolk。”
SoSkallagrimlightedthefire，pilingmuchbrushwoodanddryturfoverit，tillpresentlyitburntupbrightly，throwinglightonallthespaceofrock，andheavyshadowsagainstthecliffbehind。Theysatthusawhileinthelightoftheflames，lookingtowardsthedeepgulf，tillsuddenlytherecameasoundasofonewhoclimbedthegulf。
“Whocomesnow，climbingwherenomanmaypass？“criedEric，seizingWhitefireandspringingtohisfeet。Presentlyhesankdownagainwithwhitefaceandstaringeyes，andpointedattheedgeofthecliff。Andashepointed，theneckofamanroseintheshadowabovethebrink，andthehandsofamangraspedtherock。Buttherewasnoheadontheneck。Theshapeoftheheadlessmandrewitselfslowlyoverthebrink，itwalkedslowlyintothelighttowardsthefire，thensatitselfdownintheglareoftheflames，whichshrankawayfromitasfromadraughtofwind。Palewithterror，EricandSkallagrimlookedontheheadlessthingandknewit。ItwasthewraithoftheBaresarkthatBrighteyeshadslain——thefirstofallthemenheslew。
“Itismymate，Eric，whomthoudidstkillyearsagoandwhoseseveredheadspokewiththee！“gaspedSkallagrim。
“Itishe，sureenough！“saidEric；“butwheremayhisheadbe？“
“Perchancetheheadwillcome。”answeredSkallagrim。“Heisanevilsighttosee，surely。Say，lord，shallIfalluponhim，thoughIlovenotthetask？“
“Nay，Skallagrim，lethimbide；hedoesbutcometowarnusofourfate。Moreover，ghostscanonlybelaidinoneway——bythehewingoffoftheheadandthelayingofitatthethigh。Butthisonehasnoheadtohew。”
Nowashespoketheheadlessmanturnedhisneckasthoughtolook。
Oncemoretherecamethesoundoffeetandlo！menmarchedinfromthedarknessoneitherside。EricandSkallagrimlookedupandknewthem。
TheywerethoseofOspakar’sfolkwhomtheyhadslainonHorse-HeadHeights；alltheirwoundswereonthemandinfrontofthemmarchedMord，Ospakar’sson。TheghostsgazeduponEricandSkallagrimwithcolddeadeyes，thentheytoosatdownbythefire。Nowoncemoretherecamethesoundoffeet，andfromeverysidemenpouredinwhohaddiedatthehandsofEricandSkallagrim。FirstcamethosewhofellonthatshipofOspakar’swhichEricsankbyWestmans；thenthecrewoftheRavenwhohadperisheduponthesea-path。Evenasthemandied，sodideachghostcome。Somehadbeendrownedandtheirharnessdrippedwater！Somehaddiedofspear-thrustsandthespearswereyetfixedintheirbreasts！SomehadfallenbeneaththeflashofWhitefireandtheweightoftheaxeofSkallagrim，andtheretheysat，lookingontheirwidewounds！
Thencamemoreandmore。TherewerethosewhomEricandSkallagrimhadslainupontheseas，thosewhohadfallenbeforethemintheEnglishwars，andallthatcompanywhohadbeendrownedinthewatersofthePentlandFirthwhenthewitchcraftofSwanhildhadbroughttheGudrudatoherwreck。
“Nowherewehaveagoodlycrew。”saidEricatlength。“Isitdone，thinkestthou，orwillMosfellsendforthmoredead？“
Ashespokethewraithofagrey-headedmandrewnear。Hehadbutonearm，fortheotherwashewnfromhim，andthebyrnieonhisleftsidewasredwithblood。
“Welcome，EarlAtli！“criedEric。“Sitthouoveragainstme，whoto-morrowshallbewiththee。”
TheghostoftheEarlseateditselfandlookedonEricwithsadeyes，butitspakeneveraword。
Thencameanothercompany，andattheirheadstalkedblackOspakar。
“ThesebetheywhodiedatMiddalhof。”criedEric。“Welcome，Ospakar！
thatmarriage-feastofthinewentill！“
“Nowmethinksweareoverdonewithtrolls。”saidSkallagrim；“butsee！
herecomemore。”
Ashespoke，HallofLithdalecame，andwithhimKolltheHalf-witted，andothers。AndsoitwentontillallthemenwhomEricandSkallagrimhadslain，orwhohaddiedbecauseofthem，orattheirside，weregatheredindeepranksbeforethem。
“Nowitissurelydone。”saidEric。
“Thereisyetaspace。”saidSkallagrim，pointingtotheothersideofthefire，“andHellholdsmanydead。”
Evenasthewordslefthislipstherecameanoiseofthegallopingofhorse’shoofs，andonecladinwhiterodeup。Itwasawoman，forhergoldenhairfloweddownaboutherwhitearms。Thensheslidfromthehorseandstoodinthelightofthefire，andbehold！herwhiterobewasredwithblood，agreatswordwassetinherheart，andthefaceandeyeswerethefaceandeyesofGudrudatheFair，andthehorsesherodewasBlackmane，thatErichadslain。
NowwhenBrighteyessawherhegaveagreatcry。
“Greeting，sweet！“hesaid。“Iamnolongerafraid，sincethoucomesttobearmecompany。Thouartdeartomysight——ayeveninyondeath-
sheet。Greeting，sweet，myMay！IlaidtheestiffandcoldintheearthatMiddalhof，but，likealovingwife，thouhastburstthybonds，andartcometosavemefromthegripoftrolls。Thouartwelcome，Gudruda，Asmund’sdaughter！Come，wife，sitthouatmyside。”
TheghostofGudrudaspakenoword。Shewalkedthroughthefiretowardshim，andtheflameswentoutbeneathherfeet，toburnupagainwhenshehadpassed。ThenshesatdownoveragainstEricandlookedonhimwithwideandtendereyes。Thricehestretchedouthisarmstoclaspher，butthricetheirstrengthleftthemandtheyfellbacktohisside。Itwasasthoughtheystruckawalloficeandwerenumbedbythebittercold。
“Look，herearemore。”groanedSkallagrim。
ThenEriclooked，andlo！theemptyspacetotheleftofthefirewasfilledwithshadowyshapeslikeshapesofmist。AmongstthemwasGizur，Ospakar’sson，andmanyamanofhiscompany。There，too，wasSwanhild，Groa’sdaughter，andatoadnestledinherbreast。ShelookedwithwideeyesupontheeyesofdeadGudruda’sghost，thatseemednottoseeher，andastareoffearwassetonherlovelyface。
Norwasthisall；forthere，beforethatshadowythrong，stoodtwogreatshapescladintheirharness，andonewastheshapeofEricandonetheshapeofSkallagrim。
Thus，beingyetalive，didthesetwolookupontheirownwraiths！
ThenEricandSkallagrimcriedoutaloudandtheirbrainsswamandtheirsensesleftthem，sothattheyswooned。
Whentheyopenedtheireyesandlifecamebacktothemthefirewasdead，anditwasday。Norwasthereanysignofthatcompanywhichhadbeengatheredontherockbeforethem。
“Skallagrim。”quothEric，“itseemsthatIhavedreamedastrangedream——amoststrangedreamofNornsandtrolls！“
“Tellmethydream，lord。”saidSkallagrim。
SoErictoldallthevision，andtheBaresarklistenedinsilence。
“Itwasnodream，lord。”saidSkallagrim，“forImyselfhaveseenthesamethings。Nowthisisinmymind，thatyondersunisthelastthatweshallsee，forwehavebeheldthedeath-shadows。AllthosewhoweregatheredherelastnightwaittowelcomeusonBifrostBridge。Andthemist-shapeswhosatthere，amongstwhomourwraithswerenumbered，aretheshapesofthosewhoshalldieinthegreatfightto-day。Fordaysarefledandwearesped！“
“Iwouldnothaveitotherwise。”saidEric。“WehavebeengreatlyhonouredoftheGods，andoftheghost-kindthatarearoundusandaboveus。Nowletusmakereadytodieasbecomesmenwhohaveneverturnedbacktoblow，fortheendofthestoryshouldfitthebeginning，andofusthereisataletotell。”
“Agoodword，lord。”answeredSkallagrim：“Ihavestruckfewstrokestobeshamedof，andIdonotfeartotreadBifrostBridgeinthycompany。Nowwewillwashourselvesandeat，sothatourstrengthmaybewholeinus。”
Sotheywashedthemselveswithwater，andatemerrily，andforthefirsttimeformanymonthsEricwasmerry。Fornowthattheendwasathandhisheartgrewlightwithinhim。Andwhentheyhadputthedesireoffoodfromthem，andbuckledontheirharness，theylookedoutfromtheirmountainheight，andsawacloudofdustriseinthedesertplainofblacksandbeneath，andthroughitthesheenofspears。
“Herecomethoseofwhom，ifthereistruthinvisions，somefewshallnevergobackagain。”saidEric。“Now，whatcounselhastthou，Skallagrim？Whereshallwemeetthem？Hereonthespaceofrock，oryonderinthedeepwayofthecliff？“
“Mycounselisthatwemeetthemhere。”saidSkallagrim，“andcutthemdownonebyoneastheytrytoturntherock。Theycanscarcelycomeatustoslayusheresolongasourarmshavestrengthtosmite。”
“Yettheywillcome，thoughIknownothow。”answeredEric，“forIamsureofthis，thatourdeathliesbeforeus。Here，then，wewillmeetthem。”
Nowthecloudofdustdrewnearer，andtheysawthatthiswasagreatcompanywhichcameupagainstthem。Atthefootofthefellthemenstayedandrestedawhile，anditwasnottillafternoonthattheybegantoclimbthemountain。
“Nightwillbeathandbeforethegameisplayed。”saidSkallagrim。
“See，theyclimbslowly，savingtheirstrength，andyonderamongthemisSwanhildinapurplecloak。”
“Ay，nightwillbeathand，Skallagrim——alastlongnight！Ahundredtotwo——theoddsareheavy；yetsomeshallwishthemheavier。Nowletusbindonourhelms。”
MeanwhileGizurandhisfolkcreptupthepathsfrombelow。Nowthatthrallwhoknewthesecretwayhadgoneonwithsixchosenmen，andalreadytheyclimbedthewatercourseanddrewneartotheflatcrestofthefell。ButEricandSkallagrimknewnothingofthis。Sotheysatdownbytheturningplacethatisoverthegulfandwaited，singingofthetakingoftheRavenandoftheslayinginthesteadatMiddalhof，andtellingtalesofdeedsthattheyhaddone。Andthethrallandhissixmenclimbedontillatlengththeygainedthecrestofthefell，and，lookingover，sawEricandSkallagrimbeneaththem。
“Thebirdsareinthesnare，andhark！theysing。”saidthethrall；
“nowbringrocksandbesilent。”
ButGizurandhispeople，havinglearnedthatEricandSkallagrimwerealoneuponthemountain，pushedon。
“Wehavenotmuchtofearfromtwomen。”saidGizur。
“Thatweshalllearnpresently。”answeredSwanhild。“Itelltheethis，thatIsawstrangesightslastnight，thoughIdidnotsleep。ImaysleeplittlenowthatGudrudaisdead，forthatwhichIsawinhereyeshauntsme。”
Thentheywenton，andthefaceofGizurgrewwhitewithfear。
XXXIII
HOWERICANDSKALLAGRIMFOUGHTTHEIRLASTGREATFIGHT
NowthethrallandthosewithhimonthecrestofthefellheardthemurmurofthecompanyofGizurandSwanhildastheywonthemountainside，thoughtheycouldnotseethembecauseoftherocks。
“Nowitistimetobeginandknockthesebirdsfromtheirperch。”saidthethrall，“forthatisanawkwardcornerforourfolktoturnwithWhitefireandtheaxeofSkallagrimwaitingonthefartherside。”
Sohebalancedagreatstone，asheavyasthreemencouldlift，onthebrowoftherock，andaimedit。Thenhepushedandletitgo。Itsmotetheplatformbeneathwithacrash，twofathomsbehindthespotwhereEricandSkallagrimsat。Thenitflewintotheair，and，justasBrighteyesturnedatthesound，itstruckthewingsofhishelm，and，burstingthestraps，torethegoldenhelm-piecefromhisheadandcarrieditawayintothegulfbeneath。
Skallagrimlookedupandsawwhathadcomeabout。
“Theyhavegainedthecrestofthefell。”hecried。“Nowwemustflyintothecaveordownthenarrowwayandholdit。”
“Downthenarrowway，then。”saidEric，andwhilerocks，spearsandarrowsrushedbetweenandaroundthem，theysteppedontothestoneandwonthepathbeyond。Itwasclear，forGizur’sfolkhadnotyetcome，andtheyrannearlytothemouthofit，wheretherewasabendintheway，andstoodtheresidebyside。
“Thouwastatdeath’sdoorthen，lord！“saidSkallagrim。
“Head-pieceisnothead。”answeredEric；“butIwonderhowtheywonthecrestofthefell。Ihaveneverheardtellofanypathbywhichitmightbegained。”
“Theretheyareattheleast。”saidSkallagrim。“Nowthisismywill，thatthoushouldsttakemyhelm。IamBaresarkandputlittletrustinharness，butratherinmyaxeandstrengthalone。”
“Iwillnotdothat。”saidEric。“Listen：Ihearthemcome。”
Presentlythetumultofvoicesandthetrampoffeetgrewclearer，andafterawhileGizur，Swanhild，andthemenoftheirfollowingturnedthecornerofthenarrowway，andlo！therebeforethem——aywithinthreepacesofthem——stoodEricandSkallagrimshouldertoshoulder，andthelightpoureddownuponthemfromabove。
Theywereterribletosee，andthelightshonebrightlyonEric’sgoldenhairandWhitefire’sflashingblade，andtheshadowslaydarkontheblackhelmofSkallagrimandinthefierceblackeyesbeneath。
BacksurgedGizurandthosewithhim。Skallagrimwouldhavesprunguponthem，butEriccaughthimbythearm，saying：“AtrucetothyBaresarkways。Rushnotandmovenot！Letusstandheretilltheyoverwhelmus。”
NowthosebehindGizurcriedouttoknowwhatailedthemthattheypushedback。
“Onlythis。”saidGizur，“thatEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailstandliketwogreywolvesandholdthenarrowway。”
“Nowweshallhavefightingworththetellingof。”quothKeteltheviking。“On，Gizur，Ospakar’sson，andcutthemdown！“
“Hold！“saidSwanhild；“IwillspeakwithEricfirst。”and，togetherwithGizurandKetel，shepassedroundthecornerofthepathandcamefacetofacewiththosewhostoodatbaythere。
“Nowyield，Eric。”shecried。“Foesarebehindandbeforethee。Thouarttrapped，andhastlittlechanceoflife。Yieldthee，Isay，withthyblackwolf-hound，soperchancethoumayestfindmercyevenatthehandsofherwhosehusbandthoudidstwrongandslay。”
“Itisnotmywaytoyield，lady。”answeredEric，“andstilllessperchanceisitthewayofSkallagrim。Leastofallwillweyieldtotheewho，afterworkingmanyills，didstthrowmeinawitch-sleep，andtohimwhoslewthewifesleepingatmyside。Hearken，Swanhild：
herewestand，awaitingdeath，norwillwetakemercyfromthyhand。
Forknowthis，weshallnotdiealone。LastnightaswesatonMosfellwesawtheNornsweaveourweboffateupontheirloomofdarkness。
TheysatonHelca’sdomeandwovetheirpicturesinlivingflame，thenrentthewebandflewupwardandsouthwardandwestward，cryingourdoomtoskyandearthandsea。LastnightaswesatbythefireonMosfellallthecompanyofthedeadweregatheredroundus——ay！andallthecompanyofthosewhoshalldieto-day。Thouwastthere，Gizurthemurderer，Ospakar’sson！thouwastthere，Swanhildthewitch，Groa’sdaughter！thouwastthere，KetelViking！withmanyanotherman；
andtherewerewetwoalso。Valkyrieshavekissedusanddeathdrawsnear。Therefore，talknomore，butcomeandmakeanend。Greeting，Gizur，thouwoman-murderer！Drawnigh！drawnigh！Outsword！upshield！andon，thousonofOspakar！“
Swanhildspokenomore，andGizurhadnoword。
“On，Gizur！Ericcallsthee。”quothKetelViking；butGizurslunkback，notforward。
ThenKetelgrewmadwithrageandshame。Hecalledtothemen，andtheydrewnear，asmanyasmight，andlookeddoubtfullyatthepairwhostoodbeforethemlikerocksuponaplain。EriclaughedaloudandSkallagrimgnawedtheedgeofhisshield。Ericlaughedaloudandthesoundofhislaughterranuptherocks。
“Wearebuttwo。”hecried，“andyearemany！IsthereneverapairamongyouwillstandfacetofacewithaBaresarkandahelmlessman？“
andhetossedWhitefirehighintotheairandcaughtitbythehilt。
ThenKetelandanothermanofhisfollowingsprangforwardwithanoath，andtheiraxesthunderedloudontheshieldsofEricandofSkallagrim。ButWhitefireflickeredupandtheaxeofSkallagrimcrashed，andatoncetheirkneeswereloosened，sothattheysankdowndead。
“Moremen！moremen！“criedEric。“Thesewerebrave，buttheirmightwaslittle。MoremenfortheGreyWolf’smaw！“
ThenSwanhildlashedthefolkwithbitterwords，andtwoofthemsprangon。Theysprangonlikehoundsuponadeeratbay，andtheyrolledbackasgoredhoundsrollfromthedeer’shorns。
“Moremen！moremen！“criedEric。“Hereliebutfourandahundredpressbehind。NowheshallwingreathonourwholaysBrighteyeslowandbringsdownthehelmofSkallagrim。”
Againtwocameon，buttheyfoundnoluck，forpresentlytheyalsoweredownuponthebodiesofthosewhowentbefore。Nownonecouldbefoundtocomeupagainstthepair，fortheyfoughtlikeBaldurandThor，andnonecouldtouchthem，andnoharnessmightwithstandtheweightoftheirblowsthatshorethroughshieldandhelmandbyrnie，deeptothebonebeneath。ThenEricandSkallagrimleanedupontheirweaponsandmockedtheirfoes，whilethesecursedandtoretheirbeardswithrageandshame。
NowitistobetoldthatwhenthethrallandthosewithhimsawEricandSkallagrimhadescapedtheirrocksandspears，theytookcounsel，andtheendofitwasthattheysliddownaropetotheplatformthatisunderthecrestofthefell。Thence，thoughtheycouldseenothing，theycouldheartheclangofblowsandtheshoutsofthosewhofoughtandfell——ay！andthemockingofEricandofSkallagrim。
“Nowitgoesthus。”saidthethrall，whowasacunningman：“EricandSkallagrimholdthenarrowwayandnonecanstandagainstthem。This，then，ismyrede：thatweturntherockandtakethemintheback。”
Hisfellowsthoughtthisagoodsaying，andonebyonetheystooduponthelittlerockandwonthenarrowway。TheycreptalongthistilltheywereneartoEricandSkallagrim。NowSwanhild，lookingup，sawthemandstarted。Skallagrimnotedthisandglancedoverhisshoulder，andthatnottoosoon，for，ashelooked，thethrallliftedswordtosmitetheheadofEric。
Withashoutof“Backtoback！“theBaresarkswungroundandereevertheswordmightfallhisaxewasburieddeepinthethrall’sbreast。
“Nowwemustcutourpaththroughthem。”saidSkallagrim，“and，ifitmaybe，winthespacethatisbeforethecave。Keepthemoffinfront，andIwillmindthesemannikins。”
NowGizur’sfolk，seeingwhathadcomeabout，tookheartandfelluponEricwitharush，andthosewhowerewiththedeadthrallrushedatSkallagrim，andtherebegansuchafightashasnotbeenknowninIceland。Butthewaywassonarrowthatscarcemorethanonemancouldcometoeachofthematatime。AndsofierceandtrueweretheblowsofEricandSkallagrimthatofthosewhocameonfewwentback。Downtheyfell，andwheretheyfelltheydied，andforeverymanwhodiedEricandSkallagrimwonapacetowardsthepointofrock。WhitefireflamedsoswiftandsweptsowidethatitseemedtoSwanhild，watching，asthoughthreeswordswerealoftatonce，andtheaxeofSkallagrimthundereddownliketheaxeofawoodmanagainstatree，andthosegroanedonwhomitfellasgroansafallingtree。Nowtheshieldsofthesetwainwerehewnthroughandthrough，andcastaway，andtheirbloodranfrommanywounds。Still，theirlifewaswholeinthemandtheypliedaxeandswordwithbothhands。Andevermenfell，andever，fightinghard，theydrewnearertothepointofrock。
Nowitwaswon，andnowallthecompanythatcamewiththethrallfromoverthemountainbrowweredeadorsorelywoundedatthehandsofblackSkallagrim。Lo！onespringsonEric，andGizurcreepsbehindhim。Whitefireleapstomeetthemananddoesnotleapinvain；butGizursmitesacowardblowatEric’suncoveredhead，andwoundshimsorely，sothathefallstohisknee。
“NowIamsmittentothedeath，Skallagrim。”criesEric。“Wintherockandleaveme。”Yetherisesfromhisknee。
ThenSkallagrimturns，redwithbloodandterribletosee。
“’Tisbutascratch。Climbthoutherock——Ifollow。”hesays，and，screaminglikeahorse，withweaponaloftheleapsaloneuponthefoe。
TheybreakbeforetheBaresarkrush；theybreak，theyfall——theyareclovenbyBaresarkaxeandtroddenofBaresarkfeet！Theyrollback，leavingthewayclear——saveforthedead。ThenSkallagrimfollowsBrighteyestotherock。
NowEricwipesthegorefromhiseyesandsees。Then，slowly，andwithareelingbrain，hestepsdownuponthegiddypoint。Hegoesneartofalling，yetdoesnotfall，fornowheliesupontheopenspace，andcreepsonhandsandkneestotherock-wallthatisbythecave，andsitsrestinghisbackagainstit，Whitefireonhisknee。
Beforeheisthere，Skallagrimstaggerstohissidewitharush。
“Nowwehavetimetobreathe，lord。”hegasps。“See，hereiswater。”
andhetakesapitcherthatstandsby，andgivesErictodrinkfromthepool，thendrinkshimselfandpourstherestofthewateronEric’swound。Thennewlifecomestothem，andtheybothstandontheirfeetandwinbacktheirbreath。
“Wehavenotdonesobadly！“saysSkallagrim，“andwearestillamatchforoneortwo。See，theycome！Say，whereshallwemeetthem，lord？“
“Here。”quothEric；“Icannotstandwelluponmylegswithoutthehelpoftherock。NowIamallunmeetforfight。”
“Yetshallthislaststandofthinebesungof！“saysSkallagrim。
Nowfindingnonetostaythem，themenofGizurclimbonebyoneupontherockandwinthespacethatisbeyond。Swanhildgoesfirstofall，becausesheknowswellthatEricwillnotharmher，andafterhercomeGizurandtheothers。Butmanydonotcome，fortheywillliftswordnomore。
NowSwanhilddrawsnearandlooksonEricandmockshiminthefiercenessofherheartandtherageofherwolf-love。
“Now。”shesays，“nowareBrighteyesdimeyes！What！weepestthou，Eric？“
“Ay，Swanhild。”heanswered，“Iweeptearsofbloodforthosewhomthouhastbroughttodoom。”
Shedrawsnearerandspeakslowtohim：“Hearken，Eric。Yieldthee！
Thouhastdoneenoughforhonour，andthouartnotsmittentothedeathofyondercowardlyhound。YieldandIwillnursetheebacktohealthandbeartheehence，andtogetherwewillforgetourhatesandwoes。”
“Nottwicemayamanlieinawitch’sbed。”saidEric，“andmytrothisplightedtootherthanthee，Swanhild。”
“Sheisdead。”saysSwanhild。
“Yes，sheisdead，Swanhild；andIgotoseekheramongstthedead——I
gotoseekherandtofindher！“
ButthefaceofSwanhildgrewfierceasthewintersea。
“Thouhastputmeawayforthelasttime，Eric！Nowthoushaltdie，asIhavepromisedtheeandasIpromisedGudrudatheFair！“
“SoshallIthemorequicklyfindGudrudaandlosesightofthyevilface，Swanhildtheharlot！Swanhildthemurderess！Swanhildthewitch！
ForIknowthis：thoushaltnotescape！——thydoomdrawsonalso！——andhauntedandaccursedshaltthoubeforever！Faretheewell，Swanhild；
weshallmeetnomore，andthehourcomeswhenthoushaltgrievethatthouwasteverborn！“
NowSwanhildturnedandcalledtothefolk：“Come，cutdowntheseoutlawroguesandmakeanend。Come，cutthemdown，fornightdrawson。”
ThenoncemorethemenofGizurclosedinuponthem。Ericsmotethriceandthricetheblowwenthome，thenhecouldsmitenomore，forhisstrengthwasspentwithtoilandwounds，andhesankupontheground。
ForawhileSkallagrimstoodoverhimlikeashe-bearo’erheryoungandheldthemobatbay。ThenGizur，watching，castaspearatEric。
Itenteredhissidethroughacleftinhisbyrnieandpiercedhimdeep。
“Iamsped，SkallagrimLambstail。”criedEricinaloudvoice，andallmendrewbacktoseegiantBrighteyesdie。Nowhisheadfellagainsttherockandhiseyesclosed。
ThenSkallagrim，stooping，drewoutthespearandkissedEricontheforehead。
“Farewell，EricBrighteyes！“hesaid。“Icelandshallneverseesuchanotherman，andfewhavediedsogreatadeath。Tarryawhile，lord；
tarryawhile——Icome——Icome！“
Thencrying“/Eric！Eric！/“theBaresarkfittookhim，andoncemoreandforthelasttimeSkallagrimrushedscreaminguponthefoe，andoncemoretheyrolledtoearthbeforehim。Toandfroherushed，dealinggreatblows，andeverashewenttheystabbedandcutandthrustathissideandback，fortheydarednotstandbeforehim，tillhebledfromahundredwounds。Now，havingslainthreemoremen，andwoundedtwoothers，Skallagrimmightnomore。Hestoodamomentswayingtoandfro，thenlethisaxedrop，threwhisarmshighabovehim，andwithoneloudcryof“/Eric！/“fellasarockfalls——deaduponthedead。
ButEricwasnotyetgone。HeopenedhiseyesandsawthedeathofSkallagrimandsmiled。
“Wellended，Lambstail！“hesaidinafaintvoice。
“Lo！“criedGizur，“yonoutlawedhoundstilllives！NowIwilldoaneedfultaskandmakeanendofhim，andsoshallOspakar’sswordcomebacktoOspakar’sson。”
“Thouartwondrousbravenowthatthebearliesdying！“saidSwanhild。
NowitseemedthatEricheardthewords，forsuddenlyhismightcamebacktohim，andhestaggeredtohiskneesandthencetohisfeet。
Then，asfolkfallfromhim，withallhisstrengthhewhirlsWhitefireroundhisheadtillitshineslikeawheeloffire。“ThyserviceisdoneandthouartcleanofGudruda’sblood——gobacktothosewhoforgedthee！“Brighteyescries，andcastsWhitefirefromhimtowardsthegulf。
Awayspeedsthegreatblade，flashinglikelightningthroughtheraysofthesettingsun，andbehold！asmenwatchitisgone——goneinmid-
air！
SincethatdaynosuchswordasWhitefirehasbeenknowninIceland。
“Nowslaythoume，Gizur。”saysthedyingEric。
Gizurcomesonwithlittleeagerness，andEriccriesaloud：
“SwordlessIslewthyfather！——swordless，shieldless，andwoundedtothedeathIwillyetslay/thee/，GizurtheMurderer！“andwithaloudcryhestaggeredtowardshim。
Gizursmiteshimwithhissword，butEricdoesnotstay，andwhilemenwaitandwonder，Brighteyessweepshimintohisgreatarms——ay，sweepshimup，liftshimfromthegroundandreelson。
Ericreelsontothebrinkofthegulf。Gizurseeshispurpose，strugglesandshrieksaloud。ButthestrengthofthedyingEricismorethanthestrengthofGizur。NowBrighteyesstandsonthedizzyedgeandthelightofthepassingsunflamesabouthishead。Andnow，bearingGizurwithhim，hehurlshimselfoutintothegulf，andlo！
thesunsinks！
Menstandwondering，butSwanhildcriesaloud：
“Noblydone，Eric！noblydone！SoIwouldhaveseentheediewhoofallmenwastthefirst！“
ThisthenwastheendofEricBrighteyestheUnlucky，whoofallwarriorsthathavelivedinIcelandwasthemightiest，thegoodliest，andthebestbelovedofwomenandofthosewhoclungtohim。
Now，onthemorrow，SwanhildcausedthebodyofErictobesearchedforinthecleft，andtheretheyfoundit，floatinginwaterandwiththedeadGizuryetclaspedinitsbear-grip。Thenshecleanseditandclotheditagaininitsrentarmour，andboundontheHell-shoes，anditwascarriedonhorsestothesea-side，andwithitwerebornethebodiesofSkallagrimLambstailtheBaresark，Eric’sthrall，andofallthosemenwhomtheyhadslaininthelastgreatfightonMosfell，thatisnownamedEricsfell。
ThenSwanhilddrewherlongdragonofwar，inwhichshehadcomefromOrkneys，fromitsshedoveragainstWestmanIsles，andinthecentreoftheship，shepiledthebodiesoftheslainintheshapeofabed，andlashedthemfast。AndonthisbedshelaidthecorpseofEricBrighteyes，andthebreastofblackSkallagrimtheBaresarkwashispillow，andthebreastofGizur，Ospakar’sson，washisfoot-rest。
Thenshecausedthesailstobehoisted，andwentaloneaboardthelongship，therailsofwhichwerehungwiththeshieldsofthedeadmen。
Andwhenateveningthebreezefreshenedtoagalethatblewfromtheland，shecutthecablewithherownhand，andtheshipleaptforwardlikeathingalive，andrushedoutintheredlightofthesunsettowardstheopensea。
Noweverthegalefreshenedandfolk，standingonWestmanHeights，sawthelongshipplungepast，dippingherprowbeneaththewavesandsendingthewaterinarainofsprayoverthelivingSwanhild，overthedeadEricandthosehelayupon。
AndbytheheadofEricBrighteyes，herhairstreamingonthewind，stoodSwanhildtheWitch，cladinherpurplecloak，andwithringsofgoldaboutherthroatandarms。ShestoodbyEric’shead，swayingwiththerushoftheship，andsingingsosweetandwildasongthatmengrewweakwhoheardit。
Now，asthepeoplewatched，twowhiteswanscamedownfromthecloudsandspedonwidewingssidebysideoverthevessel’smast。
Theshiprushedonthroughtheglowofsunsetintothegatheringnight。Onspedtheship，butstillSwanhildsung，andstilltheswansflewoverher。
Thegalegrewfierce，andfierceryet。Thedarknessgathereddeepupontheragingsea。
Nowthatshipwasseennomore，andthedeath-songofSwanhildasshepassedtodoomwasneverheardagain。
Forswansandship，andSwanhild，anddeadEricandhisdeadfoes，werelostinthewindandthenight。
Butfaroutontheseaagreatflameoffireleaptuptowardsthesky。
NowthisisthetaleofEricBrighteyes，Thorgrimur’sson；ofGudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter；ofSwanhildtheFatherless，Atli’swife，andofOunound，namedSkallagrimLambstail，theBaresark，Eric’sthrall，allofwhomlivedanddiedbeforeThangbrand，Wilibald’sson，preachedtheWhiteChristinIceland。
End