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