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