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