TheEarltoldhim。
　　“Itwastobelookedforfromher。”saidEric，“thoughIneverthoughtofit。Nowhearken！“andhetoldhimall。
　　Atligroanedaloud。“Iknowthisnow，Eric。”hesaid：“thatthouspeakesttruth，andoncemoreIhavebeendeceived。Eric，Iforgivetheeall，fornomanmayfightagainstwoman’switchcraft，andwitch’swine。Swanhildiseviltotheheart。Yet，Eric，Ilaythisdoomuponthee——Idonotlayitofmyownwill，forIwouldnotharmthee，whomIlove，butbecauseofthewordsthattheNornsputinmymouth，fornowIamfeyinthisthehourofmydeath。Thouhastsinned，andthatthoudidstsinagainstthywillshallavailtheenothing，forofthysinfateshallfashionahandletothespearwhichpiercesthee。
　　Henceforththouartaccursed。ForItelltheethatthiswickedwomanSwanhildshalldragtheedowntodeath，andworsethandeath，andwiththeethosethoulovest。BywitchcraftshebroughttheetoStraumey，byliesshelaidmeherebeforethee。NowbyhateandmightandcrueldeedsshallshebringtheetoliemorelowthanIdo。For，Eric，thouartboundtoher，andthoushaltneverloosethebond！“
　　Atliceasedawhile，thenspokeagainmorefaintly：
　　“Hearken，comrades。”hecried；“mystrengthiswell-nighspent。Yeshallswearfourthingstome——thatyewillgiveEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailsafepassagefromStraumey。ThatyewilltellSwanhildtheFatherless，Groa’sdaughterandAtli’swife，that，atlast，Iknowherforwhatsheis——amurderess，aharlot，awitchandaliar；andthatIforgiveEricwhomshetricked，butthatherIhateandspitupon。ThatyewillslayKolltheHalf-witted，Groa’sthrall，whocamehitherabouttwodaysgone，sincebyhislieshehathsetanedgeuponthisswordoffalsehood。Thatyewillraisenoblood-feudagainstEricforthismyslaying，forIgoadedhimtothedeed。Doyeswear？“
　　“Weswear。”saidthemen。
　　“Thenfarewell！Andtotheefarewell，also，EricBrighteyes！NowtakemyhandandholditwhileIdie。Behold！Igivetheeanewname，andbythatnamethoushaltbecalledinstory。Inamethee/ErictheUnlucky/。Ofalltalesthataretold，thineshallbethegreatest。A
　　mightystrokethatwasofthine——amightystroke！Farewell！“
　　ThenhisheadfellbackupontherockandEarlAtlidied。Andashediedthelastraysoflightwentoutofthesky。
　　XXI
　　HOWHALLOFLITHDALETOOKTIDINGSTOICELAND
　　NowonthesamenightthatAtlidiedatthehandofEric，SwanhildspakewithHallofLithdale，whomshehadsummonedfromthemainland。
　　Shebadehimdothis：takepassageinacertainshipthatshouldsailforIcelandonthemorrowfromtheislandthatiscalledWestra，andtheretellallthesetidingsoftheill-doingsofEricandoftheslayingofAtlibyhishand。
　　“Thoushaltsaythis。”shewenton，“thatErichadbeenmyloveforlong，butthatatlengththemattercametotheearsofAtli，theEarl。Then，holdingthisthegreatestshame，hewentonholmgangwithEricandwasslainbyhim。Thisshaltthouaddtothytalealso，thatpresentlyEricandIwillwed，andthatEricshallruleasEarlinOrkneys。NowthesetidingsmustsooncometotheearsofGudrudatheFair，andshewillsendforthee，andquestiontheestraightlyconcerningthem，andthoushalttellherthetaleasthoutoldestitatfirst。ThenthoushaltgiveGudrudathispacket，whichIsendherasagift，saying，thatIbadeherrememberacertainoathwhichErictookastothecuttingofhishair。Andwhensheseesthatwhichiswithinthepacketissomewhatstained，tellherthatisbutthebloodofAtlithatisuponit，ashisbloodisuponEric’shands。Nowrememberthouthis，Hall，thatifthoufailintheerrandthylifeshallpayforfeit，forpresentlyIwillalsocometoIcelandandhearhowthouhastsped。”
　　ThenSwanhildgavehimfaring-moneyandgiftsofwadmalandgoldrings，promisingthatheshouldhavesomuchagainwhenshecametoIceland。
　　Hallsaidthathewoulddoallthesethings，andwentatonce；nordidhefailinhistasks。
　　Atlibeingdead，Ericloosedhishandandcalledtothementotakeuphisbodyandbearittothehall。Thistheydid。Ericstoodandwatchedthemtilltheywerelostinthedarkness。
　　“Whithernow，lord？“saidSkallagrim。
　　“Itmatterslittle。”saidEric。“Whatisthycounsel？“
　　“Thisismycounsel。ThatwetakeshipandsailbacktotheKinginLondon。Therewewilltellallthistale。ItisafarcryfromStraumeytoLondontown，andthereweshallsitinpeace，fortheKingwillthinklittleoftheslayingofanOrkneyEarlinabrawlaboutawoman。Mayhap，too，theLadyElfridawillnotsetgreatstorebyit。
　　Therefore，Isay，letusfarebacktoLondon。”
　　“InbutoneplaceamIathome，andthatisIceland。”saidEric。
　　“ThitherIwillgo，Skallagrim，thoughitbebuttomissfriendfromsteadandbridefrombed。AttheleastIshallfindOspakarthere。”
　　“Listen，lord！“saidSkallagrim。“WasitnotmyredethatweshouldbidethiswinterthroughinLondon？Thouwouldstnoneofit，andwhatcameabout？Ourshipissunk，goneareourcomrades，thinehonouristarnished，anddeadisthyhostatthineownhand。YetIsayallisnotlost。Letushencesouth，andseenomoreofSwanhild，ofGudruda，ofBj？rnandOspakar。Soshallwebreakthespell。ButifthougoesttoIceland，Iamsureofthis：thattheevilfatewhichAtliforetoldwillfallonthee，andthedaystocomeshallbeevenmoreunluckythanthedaysthathavebeen。”
　　“Itmaybeso。”saidEric。“Methinks，indeed，itwillbeso。
　　HenceforthIamErictheUnlucky。IwillgobacktoIcelandandthereplayoutthegame。IcarelittleifIliveoramslain——Ihavenomorejoyinmylife。Istandalone，likeafiruponamountain-top，andeverywindfromheavenandeverystormofhailandsnowbeatsuponmyhead。ButIsaytothee，Skallagrim：gothyroad，andleavealucklessmantohisillfate。Otherwiseitshallbethinealso。Goodfriendhastthoubeentome；nowletuspartandwendsouthandnorth。TheKingwillbegladtogreettheeyonderinLondon，Lambstail。”
　　“Butoneseveringshallweknow，lord。”saidSkallagrim，“andthatshallbesword’swork，norwillitbeforlong。Itisilltospeaksuchwordsastheseofthepartingoflordandthrall。BethinktheeoftheoathIsworeonMosfell。Letusgonorth，sinceitisthywill：infiftyyearsitwillcountforlittlewhichwaywewendedfromtheIsles。”
　　Sotheywenttogetherdowntotheshore，and，findingaboatandmenwhoasyetknewnothingofwhathadchancedtoAtli，theysailedacrossthefirthattherisingofthemoon。
　　TwodaysafterwardstheyfoundashipatWickthatwasboundforFareys，andsailedinher，EricbuyingapassagewiththehalfofagoldringthattheKinghadgivenhiminLondon。
　　HereatFareystheysatamonthormore；butnotintheEarl’shallaswhenEriccamewithhonourintheGudruda，butinafarmer’sstead。
　　ForthetaleofEric’sdealingswithAtliandAtli’swifehadreachedFareys，andtheEarltherehadbeenafriendofAtli’s。Moreover，Ericwasnowapoorman，havingneithershipnorgoods，norfriends。
　　Thereforealllookedcoldlyonhim，thoughtheywonderedathisbeautyandhismight。Still，theydarednottospeakillormakeamockofhim；for，twomenhavingdoneso，werenearlyslainofSkallagrim，whoseizedthetwainbythethroat，oneineitherhand，anddashedtheirheadstogether。Afterthatmensaidlittle。
　　Theysatthereamonth，tillatlengthachapmanputinatFareys，boundforIceland，andtheytookpassagewithhim，Ericpayingtheotherhalfofhisgoldringforship-room。Thechapmanwasnotwillingtogivethemplaceatfirst，forhe，too，hadheardthetale；butSkallagrimofferedhimchoice，eithertodosoortogoonholmgangwithhim。Thenthechapmangavethempassage。
　　Nowitistoldthatwhenhisthrallsandhouse-carlesborethecorpseofAtlitheEarltohishallinStraumey，Swanhildmetitandweptoverit。AndwhenthespokesmanamongthemstoodforwardandtoldherthosewordsthatAtlihadbiddenthemtosaytoher，sparingnone，shespokethus：
　　“Mylordwasdistraughtandweakwithlossofbloodwhenhespokethus。ThetaleItoldhimwastrue，andnowErichasaddedtohissinbysheddingthebloodofhimwhomhewrongedsosorely。”
　　Andthereaftershespokesosweetlyandwithsomuchgentleness，craft，andwisdomthat，thoughtheystilldoubtedthem，allmenheldherwordsweighty。ForSwanhildhadthisart，thatshecouldmakethefalsesoundtrueintheearsofmenandthetruesoundfalse。
　　Still，beingmindfuloftheiroath，theyhuntedforKollandfoundhim。Andwhenthethrallknewthattheywouldslayhimheranthencescreaming。NordidSwanhildliftahandtosavehislife，forshedesiredthatKollshoulddie，lestheshouldbearwitnessagainsther。
　　Awayherantowardsthecliffs，andafterhimspedAtli’shouse-
　　carles，tillhecametothegreatcliffsthatedgeinthesea。Nowtheywerecloseuponhimandtheirswordswerealoft。Then，soonerthanknowthekissofsteel，theliarleaptfromthecliffsandwascrushed，dyingmiserablyontherocksbelow。ThiswastheendofKolltheHalf-witted，Groa’sthrall。
　　SwanhildsatinStraumeyforawhile，andtookallAtli’sheritageintoherkeeping，forhehadnomalekin；nordidanysayhernay。
　　Alsoshecalledinthemoneysthathehadoutatinterest，andthatwasagreatsum，forAtliwasacarefulandawealthyman。ThenSwanhildmadereadytogotoIceland。Atlihadagreatdragonofwar，andshemannedthatshipandfilleditwithstoresandallthingsneedful。Thisdone，shesetstewardsandgrievesovertheOrkneylandsandfarms，and，whentheEarlwassixweeksdead，shesailedforIceland，givingoutthatshewentthithertosetablood-suitonfootagainstEricforthedeathofAtli，herlord。ThereshecameinsafetyjustasfolkrodetotheThing。
　　NowHallofLithdalecametoIcelandandtoldhistaleofthedoingsofEricandthedeathofAtli。Oftandloudhetoldit，andsoonpeoplegossipedofitinfieldandfairandstead。Bj？rn，Asmund’sson，heardthistalkandsentforHall。TohimalsoHalltoldthetale。
　　“Now。”saidBj？rn，“wewillgotomysisterGudrudatheFair，andlearnhowshetakesthesetidings。”
　　SotheywentintowhereGudrudasatspinninginthehall，singingasshespan。
　　“Greeting，Gudruda。”saidBj？rn；“say，hastthoutidingsofEricBrighteyes，thybetrothed？“
　　“Ihavenotidings。”saidGudruda。
　　“Thenhereisonewhobringsthem。”
　　NowforthefirsttimeGudrudatheFairsawHallofLithdale。Upshesprang。“ThouhasttidingsofEric，Hall？Ah！thouartwelcome，fornotidingshavecomeofhimformanyamonth。Speakon。”andshepressedherhandagainstherheartandleanedtowardshim。
　　“Mytidingsareill，lady。”
　　“IsEricdead？Saynotthatmyloveisdead！“
　　“Heisworsethandead。”saidHall。“Heisshamed。”
　　“Therethouliest，Hall。”sheanswered。“ShameandEricarethingsapart。”
　　“Maystthouthinksowhenthouhastheardmytale，lady。”saidHall，“forIamsadathearttospeakitofonewhowasmymate。”
　　“Speakon，Isay。”answeredGudruda，insuchavoicethatHallshrankfromher。“Speakon；butofthisIwarnthee：thatifinonewordthouliest，thatshallbethydeathwhenEriccomes。”
　　NowHallwasafraid，thinkingoftheaxeofSkallagrim。Still，hemightnotgobackuponhisword。Sohebeganatthebeginning，tellingthestoryofhowhewaswoundedinthefightwithOspakar’sshipsandleftFareyisles，andhowhecamethencetoScotlandandsatinAtli’shallonOrkneys。ThenhetoldhowtheGudrudawaswreckedonStraumey，and，ofallaboard，EricandSkallagrimaloneweresavedbecauseofSwanhild’sdream。
　　“HereinIseewitch-work。”saidGudruda。
　　ThenHalltoldthatEricbecameSwanhild’slove，butoftheothertalewhichSwanhildhadwhisperedtoAtlihesaidnothing。ForheknewthatGudrudawouldnotbelievethis，and，moreover，ifitwereso，Swanhildhadnotsentthetokenwhichheshouldgive。
　　“Itmaywellbe。”saidGudruda，proudly；“Swanhildisfairandlightofmind。PerchancesheledBrighteyesintothissnare。”But，thoughshespokethus，bitterjealousyandangerburnedinherbreastandsherememberedthesightwhichshehadseenwhenEricandSwanhildmetonthemornofAtli’swedding。
　　ThenHalltoldoftheslayingofAtlitheGoodbyEric，buthesaidnothingoftheEarl’sdyingwords，norofhowhegoadedBrighteyeswithhisbitterwords。
　　“Itwasanilldeedinsooth。”saidGudruda，“forErictoslayanoldmanwhomhehadwronged。Still，itmaychancethathewasdriventoitforhisownlife’ssake。”
　　ThenHallsaidthathehadseenSwanhildafterAtli’sslaying，andthatshehadtoldhimthatsheandEricshouldwedshortly，andthatEricwouldruleinOrkneysbyherside。
　　Gudrudaaskedifthatwasallhistale。
　　“Yes，lady。”answeredHall，“thatisallmytale，forafterthatI
　　sailedandknownotwhathappened。ButIamchargedtogivesomethingtothee，andthatbytheLadySwanhild。Shebademesaythisalso：
　　that，whenthoulookestonthegift，thoushouldstthinkonacertainoathwhichErictookastothecuttingofhishair。”Andhedrewalinenpacketfromhisbreastandgaveittoher。
　　ThriceGudrudalookedonit，fearingtoopenit。Then，seeingthesmileofmockeryonBj？rn’scoldface，shetooktheshearsthathungathersideandcutthethreadwiththem。Andasshecut，alockofgoldenhairrosefromthepacket，untwistingitselflikealivingsnake。Thelockwaslong，anditsendwascakedwithgore。
　　“Whosehairisthis？“saidGudruda，thoughsheknewthehairwell。
　　“Eric’shair。”saidHall，“thatSwanhildcutfromhisheadwithEric’ssword。”
　　NowGudrudaputherhandtoherbosom。Shedrewoutasatchel，andfromthesatchelalockofyellowhair。Sidebysidesheplacedthelocks，lookingfirstatoneandthenattheother。
　　“ThisisEric’shairinsooth。”shesaid——“Eric’shairthathesworenonebutIshouldcut！Eric’shairthatSwanhildshorewithWhitefirefromEric’shead——Whitefirewhereonweplightedtroth！Saynow，whosebloodisthisthatstainsthehairofEric？“
　　“ItisAtli’sblood，whomEricfirstdishonouredandthenslewwithhisownhand。”answeredHall。
　　Nowthereburnedafireonthehearth，forthedaywascold。GudrudatheFairstoodoverthefireandwitheitherhandsheletthetwolocksofEric’shairfallupontheembers。Slowlytheytwistedupandburned。Shewatchedthemburn，thenshethrewupherhandsandwithagreatcryfledfromthehall。
　　Bj？rnandHallofLithdalelookedoneachother。
　　“Thouhadstbestgohence！“saidBj？rn；“andofthisIwarnthee，Hall，thoughIholdthytidingsgood，that，ifthouhastspokenonefalseword，thatwillbethydeath。ForthenitwouldbebetterfortheetofaceallthewolvesinIcelandthantostandbeforeEricinhisrage。”
　　AgainHallbethoughthimselfoftheaxeofSkallagrim，andhewentoutheavily。
　　ThatdayamessengercamefromGudrudatoBj？rn，sayingthatshewouldspeakwithhim。Hewenttowhereshesataloneuponherbed。Herfacewaswhiteasdeath，andherdarkeyesglowed。
　　“Erichasdealtbadlywiththee，sister，tobringtheetothissorrow。”saidBj？rn。
　　“SpeaknoevilofErictome。”Gudrudaanswered。“Theevilthathehasdonewillbepaidbacktohim；thereislittleneedfortheetoheapwordsuponhishead。Hearken，Bj？rnmybrother：isityetthywillthatIshouldwedOspakarBlacktooth？“
　　“Thatismywill，surely。ThereisnomatchinIcelandasthisOspakar，andIshouldwinmanyfriendsbyit。”
　　“Dothisthen，Bj？rn。SendmessengerstoSwinefellandsaytoOspakarthatifhewouldstillwedGudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter，lethimcometoMiddalhofwhenfolkridefromtheThingandheshallnotgohencealone。Nay，Ihavedone。Now，IpraytheespeaknomoretomeofEricorofOspakar。OftheoneIhaveseenandheardenough，andoftheotherIshallhearandseeenoughintheyearsthataretocome。”
　　XXII
　　HOWERICCAMEHOMEAGAIN
　　SwanhildmadeagoodpassagefromtheOrkneys，andwasinIcelandthirty-fivedaysbeforeEricandSkallagrimsetfootthere。ButshedidnotlandbyWestmanIsles，forshehadnowishtofaceGudrudaatthattime，butbyReyjaness。NowsherodethencewithhercompanytoThingvalla，forhereallmenweregatheredfortheThing。Atfirstpeoplehungalooffromher，notwithstandingherwealthandbeauty；butSwanhildknewwellhowtowintheheartsofmen。FornowshetoldthesamestoryofEricthatshehadtoldtoAtli，andtherewerenonetosayhernay。Soitcametopassthatshewasbelieved，andEricBrighteyesheldtobeshamedindeed。Now，too，shesetasuitonfootagainstEricforthedeathofAtliathishand，claimingthatsentenceofthegreateroutlawryshouldbepassedagainsthim，andthathislandsatColdbackintheMarshonRanRivershouldbegiven，halftoherinatonementfortheEarl’sdeath，andhalftothemenofEric’squarter。
　　OnthedayoftheopeningoftheThingOspakarBlacktoothcamefromthenorth，andwithhimhissonGizurandagreatcompanyofmen。
　　Ospakarwasblithe，forfromtheThingheshouldridetoMiddalhof，theretowedGudrudatheFair。ThenSwanhildcladherselfinbeautifulattire，and，takingmenwithher，wenttotheboothofOspakar。
　　BlacktoothsatinhisboothandbyhimsatGizurhissontheLawman。
　　Whenhesawabeauteouslady，veryrichlyclad，entertheboothhedidnotknowwhoitmightbe。ButGizurknewherwell，forhecouldneverputSwanhildfromhismind。
　　“Lo！herecomesSwanhildtheFatherless，Atli’swidow。”saidGizur，flushingredwithjoyatthesightofher。
　　ThenOspakargreetedherheartily，andmadeplaceforherbyhimatthetopofthebooth。
　　“OspakarBlacktooth。”shesaid，“Iamcometoaskthisofthee：thatthoushaltbefriendmeinthesuitwhichIhaveagainstEricBrighteyesfortheslayingofEarlAtli，myhusband。”
　　“Thoucouldsthavecometonomanwhoismorewilling。”saidOspakar，“for，ifthouhastsomethingagainstEric，Ihaveyetmore。”
　　“Iwouldaskthis，too，Ospakar：thatthysonGizurshouldtakeupmysuitandpleadit；forIknowwellthatheisthemostskilfulofalllawmen。”
　　“Iwilldothat。”saidGizur，hiseyesyetfixeduponherface。
　　“Ilookedfornolessfromthee。”saidSwanhild，“andbesureofthis，thatthoushaltnotpleadfornothing。”andsheglancedathimmeaningly。Thenshesetouthercasewithalyingtongue，andafterwardswentbacktoherbooth，gladatheart。FornowshelearnedthatHallhadnotfailedinhiserrand，seeingthatGudrudawasabouttowedOspakar。
　　Gizurgavewarningoftheblood-suit，andtheendofitwasthat，thoughhehadnonoticeandwasnottheretoanswertothecharge，againstallrightandcustomEricwasdeclaredoutlawandhislandsweregiven，halftoSwanhildandhalftothemenofhisquarter。FornowallheldthatSwanhild’swasatruetale，andEricthemostshamefulofmen，andthereforetheywerewillingtostretchthelawagainsthim。Also，beingabsent，hehadfewfriends，andthosemenofsmallaccount；whereasOspakar，whobackedSwanhild’ssuit，wasthemostpowerfulofthenorthernchiefs，asGizurwasthemostskilledlawmaninIceland。Moreover，Bj？rnthePriest，Asmund’sson，wasamongthejudges，and，thoughSwanhild’staleseemedstrangetohimafterthatwhichhehadheardfromHallofLithdale，helovedEriclittle。
　　HefearedalsothatifEriccameafreemantoIcelandbeforeGudrudawaswedtoOspakar，herlovewouldconquerheranger，forhecouldseewellthatshestilllovedBrighteyes。ThereforehestrovewithmightandmainthatEricshouldbebroughtinguilty，nordidhefailinthis。
　　SotheendofitwasthatEricBrighteyeswasoutlawed，hislandsdeclaredforfeit，andhisheadawolf’shead，tobetakenbyhimwhomight，shouldhesetfootinIceland。
　　Thereafter，theAlthingbeingended，Bj？rn，Gizur，andOspakar，withalltheircompany，rodeawaytoMiddalhoftositatthemarriage-
　　feast。ButSwanhildandherfolkwentbyseainthelongwar-shiptoWestmans。Forthiswasherplan：toseizeonColdbackandtositthereforawhile，tillshesawifEriccameouttoIceland。AlsoshedesiredtoseetheweddingofOspakarandGudruda，forshehadbeenbiddentoitbyBj？rn，herhalf-brother。
　　NowOspakarcametoMiddalhof，andfoundGudrudawaitinghiscoming。
　　Shestoodinthegreathall，paleandcoldasAprilsnow，andgreetedhimcourteously。Butwhenhewouldhavekissedher，sheshrankfromhim，fornowhewasmorehideousinhersightthanhehadeverbeen，andsheloathedhiminherheart。
　　Thatnighttherewasfeastinginthehall，andatthefeastGudrudaheardthatErichadbeenmadeoutlaw。Thenshespoke：
　　“Thisisanilldeed，thustojudgeanabsentman。”
　　“Say，Gudruda。”saidBj？rninherear，“hastthounotalsojudgedEricwhoisabsent？“
　　SheturnedherheadandspokenomoreofEric；butBj？rn’swordsfixedthemselvesinherheartlikearrows。Thetalewasstrangetoher，foritseemedthatErichadbeenmadeoutlawatSwanhild’ssuit，andyetEricwasSwanhild’slove：forSwanhild’sselfhadsentthelockofBrighteyes’hairbyHall，sayingthathewasherloveandsoonwouldwedher。How，then，didSwanhildbringasuitagainsthimwhoshouldbeherhusband？Moreover，sheheardthatSwanhildsaileddowntoColdback，andwasbiddentothemarriage-feast，thatshouldbeonthethirddayfromnow。Coulditbe，then，whenallwassaidanddone，thatEricwaslessfaithlessthanshedeemed？Gudruda’sheartstoodstillandthebloodrushedtoherbrowwhenshethoughtonit。Also，evenifitwereso，itwasnowtoolate。Andsurelyitwasnotso，forhadnotEricbeenmadeoutlaw？Menwerenotmadeoutlawforalittlething。Nay，shewouldmeetherfate，andasknomoreofEricandhisdoings。
　　Onthemorrow，asGudrudasatinherchamber，itwastoldherthatSaevuna，Thorgrimur’swidowandEric’smother，hadcomefromColdbacktospeakwithher。For，afterthedeathofAsmundandofUnna，SaevunahadmovedbacktoColdbackontheMarsh。
　　“Nay，howcanthisbe？“saidGudrudaastonished，forsheknewwellthatSaevunawasnowbothblindandbed-ridden。
　　“Shehasbeenbornehereinachair。”saidthewomanwhotoldher，“andthatisastrangesighttosee。”
　　AtfirstGudrudawasmindedtosayhernay；butherheartsoftened，andshebadethembringSaevunain。Presentlyshecame，beingsetinachairupontheshouldersoffourmen。Shewaswhitetosee，forsicknesshadagedhermuch，andshestaredaboutherwithsightlesseyes。Butshewasstilltallandstraight，andherfacewassterntolookon。ToGudrudaitseemedlikethatofEricwhenhewasangered。
　　“AmInightoGudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter？“askedSaevuna。
　　“MethinksIhearherbreathe。”
　　“Iamhere，mother。”saidGudruda。“Whatisthywillwithme？“
　　“Setdown，carles，andbegone！“quothSaevuna；“thatwhichIhavetosayIwouldsayalone。WhenIsummonyou，come。”
　　Thecarlessetdownthechairuponthefloorandwent。
　　“Gudruda。”saidthedame，“Iamrisenfrommydeathbed，andIhavecausedmyselftobeborneonmylastjourneyhereacrossthemeads，thatImayspeakwiththeeandwarnthee。Ihearthatthouhastputawaymyson，EricBrighteyes，towhomthouartsworninmarriage，andartabouttogivethyselftoOspakarBlacktooth。Ihearalsothatthouhastdonethisdeedbecauseacertainman，HallofLithdale——whomfromhisyouthupIhaveknownforaliarandaknave，andwhomthouthyselfdidstmistrustinyearsgoneby——hascomehithertoIcelandfromOrkneys，bearingataleofEric’sdealingswiththyhalf-sisterSwanhild。ThisIhear，further：thatSwanhild，Atli’swidow，hathcomeouttoIcelandandlaidasuitagainstEricfortheslayingofAtlitheEarl，herhusband，andthatErichasbeenoutlawedandhislandsatColdbackareforfeit。Tellmenow，Gudruda，Asmund’sdaughter，ifthesetalesbetrue？“
　　“Thetalesaretrue，mother。”saidGudruda。
　　“Thenhearkentome，girl。Ericsprangfrommywomb，whoofalllivingmenisthebestandfirst，asheisthebravestandmoststrong。I
　　haverearedthisEricfromababeandIknowhisheartwell。NowI
　　telltheethis，that，whateverErichasdoneorleftundone，naughtofdishonourisonhishands。MayhapSwanhildhasdeceivedhim——thouartawoman，andthouknowestwelltheartswhichwomenhave，andthestrengththatFreyagivesthem。Wellthouknowest，also，ofwhatbreedthisSwanhildcame；andperchancethoucanstrememberhowshedealtwiththee，andwithwhatmindshelookedonEric。PerchancethoucanstrememberhowsheplottedagainsttheeandEric——ay，howshethrusttheefromGoldfossbrink。Say，then，wiltthoutakeherword？Wiltthoutakethewordofthiswitch-daughterofawitch？WiltthounotthinkonGroa，hermother，andofGroa’sdealingswiththyfather，andwithUnnamykinswoman？Asthemotheris，soshallthedaughterbe。
　　WiltthoucastEricaside，andthatunheard？“
　　“Thereisnomoreroomfordoubt，mother。”saidGudruda。“Ihaveproofofthis：thatErichasforsakenme。”
　　“Sothouthinkest，child；butItelltheethatthouartwrong！Ericlovestheenowashelovedtheeaforetime，andwilllovetheealways。”
　　“WouldthatIcouldbelieveit！“saidGudruda。“IfIcouldbelievethatEricstilllovedme——ay，eventhoughhehadbeenfaithlesstome——IwoulddieereIwedOspakar！“
　　“Thouartfoolish，Gudruda，andthoushaltruethyfollybitterly。I
　　amoutworn，anddeathdrawsneartome——farfrommenowarehatesandloves，hopesandfears；butIknowthis：thatwomanismadwho，lovingaman，wedswhereshelovesnot。Shameshallbeherportionandbitternessherbread。Unhappyshallshelive，andwhenshecomestodie，butasawilderness——butasthedesolatewintersnow，shallbetherecordofherdays！“
　　NowGudrudaweptaloud。“Whatisdoneisdone。”shecried；“thebridegroomsitswithinthehall——thebrideawaitshiminthebower。
　　Whatisdoneisdone——ImayhopenomoretobesavedfromOspakar。”
　　“Whatisdoneisdone，yetitcanbebroughttonothing；butsoonthatshallbedonewhichmayneverbeundone！Gudruda，faretheewell！
　　NevershallIlistentothyvoiceagain。Iholdtheeshameless，thouunfaithfulwoman，whointhyfoolishjealousyartreadytosellthyselftothearmsofonethouhatest！Ho！carles；comehither。Bearmehence！“
　　NowthemencameinandtookupSaevuna’schair。Gudrudawatchedthembearherforth。Thensuddenlyshesprangfromherseatandranafterherintothehall，weepingbitterly。
　　NowasSaevuna，Eric’smother，wascarriedoutshewasmetbyOspakarandBj？rn。
　　“Stay。”saidBj？rn。“Whatdoesthiscarlinehere？——andwhyweepsGudruda，mysister？“
　　Themenhalted。“Whocallsme’carline’？“saidSaevuna。“IsthevoiceIhearthevoiceofBj？rn，Asmund’sson？“
　　“Itismyvoice，truly。”saidBj？rn，“andIwouldknowthis——andthiswouldOspakar，whostandsatmyside，knowalso——whythoucomesthere，carline？andwhyGudrudaweeps？“
　　“Gudrudaweepsbecauseshehasgoodcausetoweep，Bj？rn。Sheweepsbecauseshehasbetrayedherlove，EricBrighteyes，myson，andisabouttobesoldinmarriage——tobesoldtothee，OspakarBlacktooth，likeaheiferatafair。”
　　ThenBj？rngrewangryandcursedSaevuna，nordidOspakarsparetoaddhisillwords。Buttheolddamesatinherchair，listeningsilentlytillalltheircurseswerespent。
　　“Yeareevil，thetwainofyou。”shesaid，“andyehavetoldliesofEric，myson；andyehavetakenhisbrideforlustandgreed，playingonthejealousfollyofamaidlikeharpersonaharp。NowItellyouthis，Bj？rnandOspakar！MyblindeyesareopenedandIseethishallofMiddalhof，andlo！itisbutagoreofblood！Bloodflowsupontheboard——bloodstreamsalongthefloor，andye——yetwain！——liedeadthereon，andaboutyourshapesareshrouds，andonherfeetareHell-
　　shoon！EriccomesandWhitefireisaloft，andnomoreshallyestandbeforehimwhomyehaveslanderedthanstandsthebirchbeforethelightningstroke！Ericcomes！Iseehisangryeyes——Iseehishelmflashinthedoor-place！Redwasthatmarriage-feastatwhichsatUnna，mykinswoman，andAsmund，thyfather——reddershallbethefeastwheresitGudruda，thysister，andOspakar！Thewolfhowlsatthydoor，Bj？rn！thegrave-wormopenshismouth！trollsruntoandfrouponthythreshold，andtheghostsofmenspeedHellwards！IllwerethedeedsofGroa——worseshallbethedeedsofGroa’sdaughter！Redisthyhallwithblood，Bj？rn！——forWhitefireisaloftand——/ItelltheeEriccomes！/“——andwithonegreatcryshefellback——dead。
　　Nowtheystoodamazed，andtremblingintheirfear。
　　“Saevunahathspokenstrangewords。”saidBj？rn。
　　“Shallwebefrightenedbyadeadhag？“quothOspakar，drawinghisbreathagain。“Fellows，bearthiscarrionforth，orweflingittothedogs。”
　　ThenthementiedthebodyofSaevuna，Thorgrimur’swidow，Eric’smother，fastinthechair，andboreitthence。ButwhenatlengththeycametoColdback，theyfoundthatSwanhildwastherewithallherfollowing，andhaddrivenEric’sgrieveandhisfolktothefells。Butoneoldcarline，whohadbeennursetoEric，wasleftthere，andshesatwailinginanouthouse，beingtooweaktomove。
　　ThenthemensetdownthecorpseofSaevunaintheouthouse，and，havingtoldalltheirtaletothecarline，theyfledalso。
　　Thatnightpassed，andpassedthemorrow；butonthenextdayatdawnEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstaillandednearWestmanIsles。
　　TheyhadmadeabadpassagefromFareys，havingbeenbeataboutbycontrarywinds；butatlengththeycamesafeandwelltoland。
　　Nowthiswasthedayofthemarriage-feastofGudrudatheFairandOspakar；butEricknewnothingofthesetidings。
　　“Wheretonow，lord？“saidSkallagrim。
　　“ToColdbackfirst，toseemymother，ifsheyetlives，andtolearntidingsofGudruda。Thenasitmaychance。”
　　Neartothebeachwasayeoman’shouse。Thithertheywenttohirehorses；butnonewereinthehouse，forallhadgonetoGudruda’smarriage-feast。Inthehomemeadowrantwogoodhorses，andintheouthousesweresaddlesandbridles。Theycaughtthehorses，saddledthemandrodeforColdback。WhentheyhadriddenforsomethingoveranhourtheycametothecrestofaheightwhencetheycouldseeColdbackintheMarsh。
　　Ericdrewreinandlooked，andhisheartswelledwithinhimatthesightoftheplacewherehewasborn。ButashelookedhesawagreattrainofpeoplerideawayfromColdbacktowardsMiddalhof——andinthecompanyawomanwearingapurplecloak。
　　“Nowwhatmaythismean？“saidEric。
　　“Rideonandweshalllearn。”answeredSkallagrim。
　　Sotheyrodeon，andastheyrodeEric’sbreastgrewheavywithfear。
　　Nowtheypassedupthebankedwaythroughthehomemeadowsofthehouse，buttheycouldseenoone；andnowtheywereatthedoor。DownsprangEricandwalkedintothehall。Butnoneweretheretogreethim，thoughafireyetburnedupontheearth。Onlyagaunthoundwanderedaboutthehall，and，seeinghim，sprangtowardshim，growling。Ericknewhimforhisoldwolf-hound，andcalledhimbyhisname。Thedoglistened，thenranupandsmelthishands，andstraightwayhowledwithjoyandleaptuponhim。Forawhileheleaptthus，whileEricstaredaroundhimwonderingandsadatheart。Thenthedograntothedoorandstopped，whining。Ericfollowedafterhim。
　　Thehoundpassedthroughtheentrance，andacrosstheyardtillhecametoanouthouse。Herethedogstoppedandscratchedatthedoor，stillwhining。Ericthrustitopen。Lo！therebeforehimsatSaevuna，hismother，deadinachair，andatherfeetcrouchedthecarline——shewhohadbeenEric’snurse。
　　Nowhegraspedthedoor-poststosteadyhimself，andhisshadowfelluponthewhitefaceofhismotherandtheoldcarlineatherfeet。
　　XXIII
　　HOWERICWASAGUESTATTHEWEDDING-FEASTOFGUDRUDATHEFAIR
　　Ericlooked，butsaidnothing。
　　“Whoartthou？“whinedthecarline，gazingupathimwithtear-blindedeyes。ButEric’sfacewasintheshadow，andsheonlysawtheglintofhisgoldenhairandtheflashofthegoldenhelm。ForEriccouldnotspeakyetawhile。
　　“ArtthouoneoftheSwanhild’sfolk，cometodrivemehencewiththerest？Goodsir，Icannotgotothefells，mylimbsaretooweak。Slayme，ifthouwilt，butdrivemenotfromthis。”andshepointedtothecorpse。“Saynow，willthounothelpmetogiveitburial？Itisunmeetthatshewhoinhertimehadhusband，andgoods，andson，shouldlieunburiedlikeadeadcowonthefells。Ihavestillahundredinsilver，ifImightbutcomeatit。Itishidden，sir，andI
　　willpaytheeifthouwilthelpmetoburyher。Theseoldhandsaretoofeebletodigagrave，norcouldIbearhertherealoneifitweredug。Thouwiltnothelpme？——thenmaythineownmother’sboneslieuncovered，andbepickedofgullsandravens。Oh，thatEricBrighteyeswouldcomehomeagain！Oh，thatEricwashere！thereisworktodoandneveramantodoit。”
　　NowEricgaveagreatsobandcried，“Nurse，nurse！knowestthoumenot！/I/amEricBrighteyes。”
　　Sheutteredaloudcry，and，claspinghimbytheknees，lookedupintohisface。
　　“ThanksbetoOdin！ThouartEric——Ericcomehomeagain！Butalas，thouhastcometoolate！“
　　“Whathashappened，then？“saidEric。
　　“Whathashappened？Allevilthings。Thouartoutlawed，Eric，atthesuitofSwanhildfortheslayingofAtlitheEarl。SwanhildsitshereinColdback，forshehathseizedthylands。Saevuna，thymother，diedtwodaysagointhehallofMiddalhof，whithershewenttospeakwithGudruda。”
　　“Gudruda！whatofGudruda？“criedEric。
　　“This，Brighteyes：to-dayshewedsOspakarBlacktooth。”
　　Ericcoveredhisfacewithhishand。Presentlyheliftedit。
　　“Thouartrichineviltidings，nurse，though，itwouldseem，poorinallbesides。Tellmeatwhathouristhewedding-feast？“
　　“Anhourafternoon，Eric；butnowSwanhildhasriddenthitherwithhercompany。”
　　“ThenroommustbefoundatMiddalhofforonemoreguest。”saidEric，andlaughedaloud。“Goon！——pouroutthyevilnewsandsparemenot！——
　　fornothinghasanymorepowertoharmmenow！Comehither，Skallagrim，andseeandhearken。”
　　SkallagrimcameandlookedonthefaceofdeadSaevuna。
　　“IamoutlawedatSwanhild’ssuit，Lambstail。Mylifeliesinthyhand，ifsobethouwouldsttakeit！Hewoffmyhead，ifthouwilt，andbearittoGudrudatheFair——shewillthanktheeforthegift。Layon，Lambstail；layonwiththataxeofthine。”
　　“Child’stalk！“saidSkallagrim。
　　“Child’stalk，butman’swork！Thouhastnotheardthetaleout。
　　SwanhildhathseizedmylandsandsitshereatColdback！And——whatthinkestthou，Skallagrim？——butnowshehasriddena-guestingtothemarriage-feastofOspakarBlacktoothwithGudrudatheFair！SwanhildatGudruda’swedding！——theeagleinthewildswan’snest！Buttherewillbeanotherguest。”andagainhelaughedaloud。
　　“/Two/otherguests。”saidSkallagrim。
　　“Moreofthytale，oldnurse！——moreofthytale！“quothEric。“Nobetterdidstthouevertellmewhen，asalad，Isatbythee，intheingleo’winternights——andthecompanyisfittingtothetale！“andhepointedtodeadSaevuna。
　　Thenthecarlinetoldon。ShetoldhowHallofLithdalehadcomeouttoIceland，andofthestorythatheboretoGudruda，andofthegivingofthelockofhair。
　　“WhatdidIsay，lord？“brokeinSkallagrim——“thatinHallthouhadstletaweaselgowhowouldlivetonipthee？“
　　“HimIwillsurelylivetoshortenbyahead。”quothEric。
　　“Nay，lord，thisoneforme——Ospakarforthee，Hallforme！“
　　“Asthouwilt，Baresark。Amongsomanythereisroomtopickandchoose。Tellon，nurse！“
　　ThenshetoldhowSwanhildcameouttoIceland，and，havingwonOspakarBlacktoothandGizurtoherside，hadlaidasuitagainstEricattheThing，andthereborefalsewitnessagainsthim，sothatBrighteyeswasdeclaredoutlaw，beingabsent。Shetold，too，howGudrudahadbetrothedherselftoOspakar，andhowSwanhildhadmoveddowntoColdbackandseizedthelands。LastlyshetoldoftherisingofSaevunafromherdeathbed，ofhergoingtoMiddalhof，ofthewordsshespoketoBj？rnandOspakar，andofherdeathinthehallatMiddalhof。
　　Whenallwastold，Ericstoopedandkissedthecoldbrowofhismother。
　　“Thereislittletimetoburytheenow，mymother。”hesaid，“andperchancebeforesixhoursarespedtherewillbeonetoburyatthyside。Nevertheless，thoushaltsitinabetterplacethanthis。”
　　ThenhecutloosethecordsthatboundthebodyofSaevunatothechair，and，liftingitinhisarms，boreittothehall。Therehesetthecorpseinthehighseatofthehall。
　　“Weneednotstartyetawhile，Skallagrim。”saidEric，“ifindeedthouwouldstgoa-guestingwithmetoMiddalhof。Thereforeletuseatanddrink，fortherearedeedstodothisday。”
　　Sotheyfoundmeatandmeadandateanddrank。ThenEricwashedhimself，combedouthisgoldenlocks，andlookedwelltohisharnessandtoWhitefire’sedge。Skallagrimalsogroundhisgreataxeuponthewhetstoneintheyard，singingasheground。Whenallwasready，thehorseswerecaught，andEricspoketothecarline：
　　“Hearken，nurse。Ifitmaybethatthoucanstfindanyofourfolk——
　　andperchancenowthattheyseethatSwanhildhasriddentoMiddalhofsomeoneofthemwillcomedowntospy——thoushaltsaythistothem。
　　Thoushaltsaythat，ifEricBrighteyesyetlives，hewillbeatthefootofMosfellto-morrowbeforemidday，andif，forthesakeofolddaysandfellowship，theyaremindedtobefriendafriendlessman，letthemcomethitherwithfood，forbythenfoodwillbeneeded，andI
　　willspeakwiththem。Andnowfarewell。”andErickissedherandwent，leavingherweeping。
　　Asitchanced，beforeanotherhourwassped，Jon，Eric’sthrall，whohadstayedathomeinIceland，seeingColdbackempty，creptdownfromthefellsandlookedin。Thecarlinesawhim，andtoldhimthesetidings。Thenhewentthencetofindtheothermen。HavingfoundthemhetoldthemEric’swords，andagreatgladnesscameuponthemwhentheylearnedthatBrighteyesstilllived，andwasinIceland。Thentheygatheredfoodandgear，androdeawaytothefootofMosfellthatisnowcalledEricsfell。
　　OspakarsatinthehallatMiddalhof，neartothehighseat。Hewasfullyarmed，andablackhelmwitharaven’screstwasonhishead。
　　For，thoughhesaidnothingofit，notalittledidhefearthatSaevunaspokesooth——thatherwordswouldcometrue，and，beforethisdaywasdone，heandEricshouldoncemorestandfacetoface。AthissidesatGudrudatheFair，robedinwhite，aworkedhead-dressonherhead，goldenclaspsuponherbreastandgoldenringsaboutherarms。
　　Neverhadshebeenmorebeautifultosee；butherfacewaswhiterthanherrobes。ShelookedwithloathingonBlacktoothatherside，roughlikeabear，andhideousasatroll。Buthelookedonherwithlonging，andlaughedfromsidetosideofhisgreatmouthwhenhethoughtthatatlasthehadgotherforhisown。
　　“Ah，ifEricwouldbutcome，faithlessthoughhebe！——ifEricwouldbutcome！“thoughtGudruda；butnoEriccametosaveher。Theguestsgatheredfast，andpresentlySwanhildsweptinwithallhercompany，wrappedaboutinherpurplecloak。ShecameuptothehighseatwhereGudrudasat，andbentthekneebeforeher，lookingonherwithlovelymockingfaceandhateinherblueeyes。
　　“Greeting，Gudruda，mysister！“shesaid。“WhenlastwemetIsat，Atli’sbride，whereto-daythousittestthebrideofOspakar。ThenEricBrighteyesheldthyhand，andlittlethoudidstthinkofweddingOspakar。NowEricisafar——sostrangelydothingscomeabout——andBlacktooth，Brighteyes’foe，holdsthatfairhandofthine。”
　　Gudrudalookedonherandturnedwhiteryetinherpain，butsheansweredneveraword。
　　“What！nowordforme，sister？“saidSwanhild。“Andyetitisthroughmethatthoucomesttothisgladhour。ItisthroughmethatthouartridofEric，anditisIwhohavegiventheetothearmsofmightyOspakar。Nowordofthanksforsogreataservice！——fieonthee，Gudruda！fie！“
　　ThenGudrudaspoke：“StrangetalesaretoldoftheeandEric，Groa’sdaughter！IhavedonewithEric，butIhavedonewiththeealso。Thouhastthrustthyselfhereagainstmywilland，ifImay，Iwouldseethyfacenomore。”
　　“WouldstthouseeEric’sface，Gudruda？——say，wouldstseeEric’sface？
　　Itelltheeitisfair！“
　　ButGudrudaanswerednothing，andSwanhildfellback，laughing。
　　Nowthefeastbegan，andmenwaxedmerry。ButeverGudruda’sheartgrewheavier，forinitechoedthosewordsthatSaevunahadspoken。
　　Hereyesweredim，andsheseemedtoseenaughtbutthefaceofEricasithadlookedwhenhecamebacktoherthatdayonthebrinkofGoldfossFallsandshehadthoughthimdead。Oh！whatifhestilllovedherandwereyettrueatheart？Swanhildmockedher！——whatifthiswasaplotofSwanhild’s？HadnotSwanhildplottedaforetime，andcouldawolfceasefromraveningorawitchfromwitch-work？Nay，shehadseenEric’shair——thathehadswornnonesavesheshouldtouch！
　　Perchancehehadbeendrugged，andthehairshornfromhiminhissleep？Toolatetothink！Ofwhatusewasthought？——besidehersatOspakar，inoneshorthourshewouldbehis。Ah！thatshecouldseehimdead——thetrollwhohadtraffickedhertoshame，thefoeshehadsummonedinherwrathandjealousy！Shehaddoneill——shehadfallenintoSwanhild’ssnare，andnowSwanhildcametomockher！
　　Thefeastwenton——cupfollowedcup。Nowtheypouredthebride-cup！
　　BeforeherheartbeattwohundredtimesshewouldbethewifeofOspakar！
　　Blacktoothtookthecup——pledgedherinit，anddrankdeep。Thenheturnedandstrovetokissher。ButGudrudashrankfromhimwithhorrorinhereyes，andallmenwondered。Stillshemustdrinkthebridalcup。Shetookit。Dimlyshesawtheupturnedfaces，faintlysheheardthemurmurofahundredvoices。
　　Whatwasthatvoiceshecaughtabovethemall——there——withoutthehall？
　　Holdingthecupinherhand，Gudrudabentforward，staringdowntheskali。Thenshecriedaloud，pointingtothedoor，andthecupfellclatteringfromherhandandrolledalongtheground。
　　Menturnedandlooked。Theysawthis：thereonthethresholdstoodaman，glorioustolookat，andfromhiswingedhelmofgoldtheraysoflightflashedthroughtheduskyhall。Themanwasgreatandbeautifultosee。Hehadlongyellowhairboundinabouthisgirdle，andinhislefthandheheldapointedshield，inhisrightaspear，andathisthightherehungamightysword。Norwashealone，forbyhisside，abroadaxeonhisshoulderandshieldinhand，stoodanotherman，cladinblack-huedmail——amanwell-nighasbroadandbig，withhawk’seyes，eaglebeak，andblackhairstreakedwithgrey。
　　Foramomenttherewassilence。Thenavoicespoke：
　　“Lo！herebetheGodsBaldurandThor！——comefromValhallatogracethemarriage-feast！“
　　Thenthemanwithgoldenhaircriedaloudinavoicethatmadetheraftersring：
　　“HereareEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstail，histhrall，comefromoverseatogracethefeast，indeed！“
　　“Icouldhavelookedfornoworseguests。”saidBj？rn，beneathhisbreath，androsetobidmenthrustthemout。Butbeforehecouldspeak，lo！gold-helmedEricandblack-helmedSkallagrimwerestalkingupthelengthofthatgreathall。Sidebysidetheystalked，withfacesfierceandcold；norstayedtheytilltheystoodbeforethehighseat。Ericlookedupandround，andthelightofhiseyeswasasthelightofasword。Menmarvelledathisgreatnessandhiswonderfulbeauty，andtoGudrudaheseemedlikeaGod。
　　“HereIseefacesthatareknowntome。”saidEric。“Greetings，comrades！“
　　“Greetings，Brighteyes！“shoutedtheMiddalhoffolkandthecompanyofSwanhild；butthecarlesofOspakarlaidhandonsword——theytooknewEric。ForstillallmenlovedEric，andthepeopleofhisquarterwereproudofthedeedshehaddoneoversea。
　　“Greeting，Bj？rn，Asmund’sson！“quothEric。“Greeting，OspakarBlacktooth！Greeting，SwanhildtheFatherless，Atli’switch-wife——
　　Groa’switch-bairn！Greeting，HallofLithdale，Halltheliar——Hallwhocutthegrapnel-chain！Andtothee，sweetBride，totheeGudrudatheFair，greeting！“
　　NowBj？rnspoke：“Iwilltakenogreetingfromashamedandoutlawedman。Gettheegone，EricBrighteyes，andtakethywolf-houndwiththee，lestthoubidestherestiffandcold。”
　　“Speaknotsoloud，rat，lesthound’sfangworrythee！“growledSkallagrim。
　　ButEriclaughedaloudandcried——
　　“Wordsmustbesaid，andperchancemenshalldie，ereeverIleavethishall，Bj？rn！“
　　XXIV
　　HOWTHEFEASTWENT
　　“Hearkenallmen！“saidEric。
　　“Thrusthimout！“quothBj？rn。
　　“Nay，cuthimdown！“saidOspakar，“heisanoutlawedman。”
　　“Wordsfirst，thendeeds。”answeredSkallagrim。“Thoushalthavethyfillofboth，Blacktooth，beforedayisdone。”
　　“LetEricsayhissay。”saidGudruda，liftingherhead。“Hehasbeendoomedunheard，anditismywillthatheshallsayhissay。”
　　“WhathastthoutodowithEric？“snarledOspakar。
　　“Thebride-cupisnotyetdrunk，lord。”sheanswered。
　　“Tothee，then，Iwillspeak，lady。”quothEric。“Howcomesitthat，beingbetrothedtome，thoudostsittherethebrideofOspakar？“
　　“AskofSwanhild。”saidGudrudainalowvoice。“AskalsoofHallofLithdaleyonder，whobroughtmeSwanhild’sgiftfromStraumey。”
　　“ImustaskmuchofHallandhemustanswermuch。”saidEric。“Whattale，then，didhebringtheefromStraumey？“
　　“Hesaidthis，Eric。”Gudrudaanswered：“thatthouwastSwanhild’slove；thatforSwanhild’ssakethouhadstbaselykilledAtlitheGood，andthatthouwastabouttowedSwanhild’sselfandtaketheEarl’sseatinOrkneys。”
　　“AndforwhatcausewasImadeoutlawattheAlthing？“
　　“Forthiscause，Eric。”saidBj？rn，“thatthouhadstdealtevillywithSwanhild，bringinghertoshameagainstherwill，andthereafterthatthouhadstslaintheEarl，herhusband。”
　　“Which，then，ofthesetalesistrue？forbothcannotbetrue。”saidBrighteyes。“Speak，Swanhild。”
　　“Thouknowestwellthatthelastistrue。”saidSwanhildboldly。
　　“HowthencomesitthatthoudidstchargeHallwiththatmessagetoGudruda？Howthencomesitthatthoudidstsendherthelockofhairwhichthoudidstcozenmetogivethee？“
　　“IchargedHallwithnomessage，andIsentnolockofhair。”Swanhildanswered。
　　“Standthouforward，Hall！“saidEric，“andliarandcowardthoughthouart，darenottospeakotherthanthetruth！Nay，looknotatthedoor：for，ifthoustirrest，thisspearshallfindtheebeforethouhastgoneapace！“
　　NowHallstoodforward，tremblingwithfear，forhesawtheeyeofSkallagrimwatchinghimclose，andwhileLambstailwatched，hisfingerstoyedwiththehandleofhisaxe。
　　“Itistrue，lord，thatSwanhildchargedmewiththatmessagewhichI
　　gavetotheLadyGudruda。Alsoshebademegivethelockofhair。”
　　“Andforthisservicethoudidsttakemoney，Hall？“
　　“Ay，lord，shegavememoneyformyfaring。”
　　“Andallthewhilethouknewestthetidingsfalse？“
　　Hallmadenoreply。
　　“Answer！“thunderedEric——“answerthetruth，knave，orbyeveryGodthatpassesthehundredgatesIwillnotsparetheetwice！“
　　“Itisso，lord。”saidHall。
　　“Thouliest，fox！“criedSwanhild，whitewithwrathandcastingafiercelookuponHall。ButmentooknoheedofSwanhild’swords，foralleyeswerebentonEric。
　　“Isitnowyourpleasure，comrades，thatIshouldtellyouthetruth？“
　　saidBrighteyes。
　　Themostpartofthecompanyshouted“Yea！“butthemenofOspakarstoodsilent。
　　“Speakon，Eric。”quothGudruda。
　　“Thisisthetruth，then：SwanhildtheFatherless，Atli’swife，hasalwayssoughtmylove，andshehaseverhatedGudrudawhomIloved。
　　Fromachildshehasstriventoworkmischiefbetweenus。Ay，andshedidthis，thoughtillnowithasbeenhidden：shestrovetomurderGudruda；itwasonthedaythatSkallagrimandIovercameOspakarandhisbandonHorse-HeadHeights。ShethrustGudrudafromthebrinkofGoldenFallswhileshesatlookingonthewaters，andasshehungthereIdraggedherback。Isitnotso，Gudruda？“
　　“Itisso。”saidGudruda。
　　NowmenmurmuredandlookedatSwanhild。Butsheshrankback，pluckingatherpurplecloak。
　　“Itwasforthiscause。”saidEric，“thatAsmund，Swanhild’sfather，gaveherchoicetowedAtlitheEarlandpassoverseaortotakehertrialintheDoom-Ring。SheweddedAtliandwentaway。Afterwards，bywitchcraft，shebroughtmyshiptowreckonStraumey’sIsle——ay，shewalkedthewaterslikeashapeoflightandluredusontoruin，sothatallweredrownedexceptSkallagrimandmyself。Isitnotso，Skallagrim？“
　　“Itisso，lord。Isawherwithmyeyes。”
　　Againfolkmurmured。
　　“ThenwemustsitinAtli’shall。”saidEric，“andtherewedweltlastwinter。ForawhileSwanhilddidnoharm，tillIfearedhernomore。
　　Butsomethreemonthsago，Iwasleftwithher：andamancalledKoll，Groa’sthrall，ofwhomyeknow，cameoutfromIceland，bringingnewsofthedeathofAsmundthepriest，ofUnnamycousin，andofGroathewitch。Totheseill-tidingsSwanhildbribedhimtoaddsomething。Shebribedhimtoaddthis：thatthou，Gudruda，wastbetrothedtoOspakar，andwouldstwedhimonlastYuleDay。Moreover，hegavemeacertainmessagefromthee，Gudruda，and，intokenofitstruth，thehalfofthatcoinwhichIbrokewiththeelongyearsago。Saynow，lady，didstthousendthecoin？“
　　“Nay，never！“criedGudruda；“manyyearsagoIlostthehalfthougavestme，thoughIfearedtotellthee。”
　　“Perchanceonestandstherewhofoundit。”saidEric，pointingwithhisspearatSwanhild。“AttheleastIwasdeceivedbyit。Nowthetaleisshort。Swanhildmournedwithme，andinmysorrowImournedbitterly。Thenitwassheaskedaboon，thatlockofmine，Gudruda，and，thinkingtheefaithless，Igaveit，holdingalloathsbroken。
　　Thentoo，whenIwouldhavelefther，shedruggedmewithawitch-
　　draught——ay，shedruggedme，andIwoketofindmyselffalsetomyoath，falsetoAtli，andfalsetothee，Gudruda。IcursedherandI
　　lefther，waitingfortheEarl，totellhimall。ButSwanhildoutwittedme。Shetoldhimthatothertaleofshamethatyehaveheard，andbroughtKolltohimaswitnessofthetale。Atliwasdeceivedbyher，andnotuntilIhadcuthimdowninangeratthebitterwordshespoke，callingmecowardandniddering，didheknowthetruth。Butbeforehediedheknewit；andhedied，holdingmyhandandbiddingthoseabouthimfindKollandslayhim。Isitnotso，yewhowereAtli’smen？“
　　“Itisso，Eric！“theycried；“wehearditwithourownears，andweslewKoll。ButafterwardsSwanhildbroughtistobelievethatEarlAtliwasdistraughtwhenhespokethus，andthatthingswereindeedasshehadsaid。”
　　Againmenmurmured，andastrangelightshoneinGudruda’seyes。
　　“Now，Gudruda，thouhastheardallmystory。”saidEric。“Say，dostthoubelieveme？“
　　“Ibelievethee，Eric。”
　　“Saythen，wiltthoustillwedyonOspakar？“
　　GudrudalookedonBlacktooth，thenshelookedatgoldenEricandopenedherlipstospeak。ButbeforeawordcouldpassthemOspakarroseinwrath，layinghishanduponhissword。
　　“Thinkestthouthustolureawaymydove，outlaw？FirstIwillseetheefoodforcrows。”
　　“Wellspoken，Blacktooth。”laughedEric。“Iwaitedforsuchwordsfromthee。Thricehavewestriventogether——onceoutyonderinthesnow，onceonHorse-HeadHeights，andoncebyWestmanIsles——andstillwelivetotellthetale。Comedown，Ospakar：comedownfromthatsoftseatofthineandhereandnowletusputittotheproofwhoisthebetterman。Whenwemetbefore，thestakewasWhitefiresetagainstmyeye。NowthestakeisourlivesandfairGudruda’shand。Talknomore，Ospakar，butfalltoit。”
　　“Gudrudashallneverwedthee，whileIlive！“saidBj？rn；“thouartalandlessloon，abrawler，andanoutlaw。Gettheegone，Eric，withthywolf-hound！“
　　“Squeaknotsoloud，rat——squeaknotsoloud，lesthound’sfangworrythee！“saidSkallagrim。
　　“WhetherIwedGudrudaorwhetherIwedhernotisamatterthatshallbeknowninitsseason。”saidEric。“Forthywords，Isaythis：thatitisriskytohurlnamesatsuchasIam，Bj？rn，lestperchanceI
　　answerthemwithspear-thrusts。Thyanswer，Ospakar！Whatneedtowait？Thyanswer！“
　　NowOspakarlookedatBrighteyesandgrewafraid。Hewasamightyman，butheknewtheweightofEric’sarm。
　　“Iwillnotfightwiththee，carle。”hesaid，“whohastnaughttolose。”
　　“Thenthouartcowardandniddering！“saidEric。“Ospakar/Niddering/
　　Inametheeherebeforeallmen！What！thoucouldstplotagainstme——
　　thoucouldstwaylayme，tentooneandtwoshipstoone，butfacetofacewithmealonethoudostnotdaretostand？Comrades，lookonyourlord！——lookatOspakarthe/Niddering！/“
　　NowtheswarthybrowofBlacktoothgrewredwithrage，andhisbreathcameingreatgasps。“Ho，men！“hecried，“drivethisknaveaway。
　　Striphisharnessoffhimandwhiphimhencewithrods。”
　　“Letbutamanstirtowardsmeandthisspearfliesthroughthyheart，Niddering。”criedEric。“Gudruda，whatthinkestthouofthylord？“
　　“Iknowthis。”saidGudruda，“thatIwillnotwedamanwhoisnamed’Niddering’inthefaceofallandliftsnosword。”
　　Gudrudaspokethus，becauseshewasmadwithloveandfearandshame，andshedesiredthatEricshouldstandfacetofacewithOspakarBlacktooth，forthus，alone，shemightperhapsberidofOspakar。
　　“Suchwordsdonotcomewellfromgentlelips。”saidBj？rn。
　　“Isittobeborne，brother。”answeredGudruda，“thatthemanwhowouldcallmewifeshouldbenamedOspakartheNiddering？Whenthatshameiswashedaway，andthenonly，canIthinkonmarriage。IwillneverbeNiddering’sbride！“
　　“Thouhearest，OspakarNiddering？“saidEric。ThenhegavethespearinhishandtoSkallagrim，and，grippingWhitefire’shilt，heburstthepeace-strings，andtoreitfromthescabbard。
　　Nowthegreatswordshoneonhighlikelightningleapingfromacloud，andasitshonemenshouted，“/Ospakar！OspakarNiddering！/Come，winbackWhitefirefromEric’shand，orbeforevershamed！“
　　Blacktoothcouldendurethisnomore。Hesnatchedswordandshield，and，likeabearfromacave，likeawolffromhislair，rushedroaringfromhisseat。Onhecame，andthegroundshookbeneathhisbulk。
　　“Atlast，Niddering！“criedEric，andsprangtomeethim。
　　“Back！allmen，back！“shoutedSkallagrim，“nowweshallseeblows。”
　　Ashespokethegreatswordsflashedaloftandclangedupontheironshields。Soheavyweretheblowsthatfireleaptoutfromthem。
　　Ospakarreeledbackbeneaththeshock，andEricwasbeatentohisknee。Nowhewasup，butasherushed，OspakarstruckagainandsweptawayhalfofBrighteyen’spointedshieldsothatitfelluponthefloor。Ericsmotealso，butOspakardroppedhiskneetoearthandtheswordhissedoverhim。BlacktoothcutatEric’slegs；butBrighteyessprangfromthegroundandtooknoharm。
　　Nowsomecried，“/Eric！Eric！/“andsomecried“/Ospakar！Ospakar！/“
　　fornooneknewhowthefightwouldgo。
　　Gudrudasatwatchinginthehighseat，andasblowsfellhercolourcameandwent。
　　Swanhilddrewnear，watchingalso，andshedesiredinherfiercehearttoseeEricbroughttoshameanddeath，for，shouldhewin，thenGudrudawouldberidofOspakar。NowbyhersidestoodGizur，Ospakar’sson，andneartoherwasBj？rn。Thesetwoheldtheirbreath，for，ifEricconquered，alltheirplanswerebroughttonothing。
　　Evenashesprangintotheair，Ericsmotedownwithallhisstrength。
　　TheblowfellonOspakar’sshield。Itshorethroughtheshieldandstruckontheshoulderbeneath。ButBlacktooth’sbyrniewasgood，nordidtheswordbiteintoit。StillthestrokewassoheavythatOspakarstaggeredbackfourpacesbeneathit，thenfellupontheground。
　　Nowfolkraisedashoutof“/Eric！Eric！/“foritseemedthatOspakarwassped。Brighteyes，too，criedaloud，thenrushedforward。Now，ashecame，SwanhildwhisperedaneagerwordintotheearofBj？rn。ByBj？rn’sfootlaythathalfofEric’sshieldwhichhadbeenshornawaybytheswordofOspakar。Gudruda，watching，sawBj？rnpushitwithhisshoesothatitslidbeforethefeetofBrighteyes。Hisrightfootcaughtonit，hestumbledheavily——stumbledagain，thenfellproneonhisface，and，ashefell，stretchedouthisswordhandtosavehimself，sothatWhitefireflewfromhisgrasp。Thebladestruckitshiltagainsttheground，thencircledintheairandfixeditself，pointdownwards，intheclayoftheflooring。ThehandofOspakarrisingfromthegroundsmoteagainstthehiltofWhitefire。Hesawit，withashouthecasthisownswordawayandclaspedWhitefire。
　　AwaycircledtheswordofOspakar；andofthatcastthisstrangethingistold，falseortrue。FarinthecornerofthehalllurkedThorunna，shewhohadbetrayedSkallagrimwhenhewasnamedOunound。ShehadcomewithaheavyhearttoMiddalhofinthecompanyofOspakar；butwhenshesawSkallagrim，herhusband——whomshehadbetrayed，andwhohadturnedBaresarkbecauseofherwickedness——shamesmoteher，andshecreptawayandhidherselfbehindthehangingsofthehall。Theswordspedalongpointfirst，itrushedlikeaspearthroughtheair。
　　Itfellonthehangings，piercingthem，piercingtheheartofThorunna，whocoweredbehindthem，sothatwithonecryshesankdeadtoearth，slainbyherlover’shand。
　　NowwhenmensawthatOspakaroncemoreheldWhitefireinhishand——
　　WhitefirethatBrighteyeshadwonfromhim——theycalledaloudthatitwasanomen。TheswordofBlacktoothhadcomebacktoBlacktoothandnowEricwouldsurelybeslainofit！
　　Ericsprangfromtheground。HeheardtheshoutsandsawWhitefireblazinginOspakar’shand。
　　“Nowthouartweaponless，fly！Brighteyes；fly！“criedsome。
　　Gudruda’scheekgrewwhitewithfear，andforamomentEric’sheartfailedhim。
　　“Flynot！“roaredSkallagrim。“Bj？rntrippedthee。Yethastthouhalfashield！“
　　Ospakarrushedon，andWhitefireflickeredoverEric’shelm。Downitcameandshoreonewingfromthehelm。Againitshoneandfell，butBrighteyescaughttheblowonhisbrokenshield。