Thenhemovedtotherightandsearched，peeringbehindstonesandbirch-bushes，tillpresentlyhehelduphishandandwhistled。Theypassedalongtheslopeandfoundhimstandingbyalittlestreamofwaterwhichwelledfrombeneathagreatrock。
　　“Hereistheplace。”themansaid。
　　“Iseenoplace。”answeredSwanhild。
　　“Still，itisthere，lady。”andheclimbedontotherock，drawingherafterhim。Atthebackofitwasahole，almostovergrownwithmoss。
　　“Hereisthepath。”hesaidagain。
　　“ThenitisonethatIhavenomindtofollow。”answeredSwanhild。
　　“Gizur，gothouwiththemanandseeifhistaleistrue。Iwillstayheretillyecomeback。”
　　ThenthethralllethimselfdownintotheholeandGizurwentafterhim。ButSwanhildsatthereintheshadowoftherock，herchinrestingonherhand，andwaited。Presently，asshesat，shesawtwomenrideroundthebaseofthefell，andstrikeofftotherighttowardsaturf-boothwhichstoodthehalfofanhour’srideaway。NowSwanhildwasthekeenest-sightedofallwomenofherdayinIceland，andwhenshelookedatthesetwomensheknewoneofthemforJon，Eric’sthrall，andsheknewthehorsealso——itwasawhitehorsewithblackpatches，thatJonhadriddenformanyyears。Shewatchedthemgotilltheycametothebooth，anditseemedtoherthattheylefttheirhorsesandentered。
　　Swanhildwaiteduponthesideofthefellfornearlytwohoursinall。
　　Then，hearinganoiseaboveher，shelookedup，andthere，blackwithdirtandwetwithwater，wasGizur，andwithhimwasthethrall。
　　“Whatluck，Gizur？“sheasked。
　　“This，Swanhild：EricmayholdMosfellnomore，forwehavefoundawaytoboltthefox。”
　　“Thatisgoodnews，then。”saidSwanhild。“Sayon。”
　　“Yonderhole，Swanhild，leadstothecleftabove，havingbeencutthroughthecliffbyfire，orperhapsbywater。Nowupthatcleftamanmayclimb，thoughhardly，asbyadifficultstair，tillhecomestotheflatcrestofthefell。Then，crossingthecrest，onthefurtherside，perhapssixfathomsbelowhim，heseesthatspaceofrockwhereisEric’scave；buthecannotseethecaveitself，becausethebrowofthecliffhangsover。Andsoitisthat，ifanycomefromthecaveontothespaceofrock，itwillbeaneasymattertorollstonesuponthemfromaboveandcrushthem。”
　　NowwhenSwanhildheardthisshelaughedaloud。
　　“Ericshallmockusnomore。”shesaid，“andhismightcanavailnothingagainstrocksrolledonhimfromabove。LetusgobacktoColdbackandsummonmentomakeanendofBrighteyes。”
　　Sotheywentondownthemountaintilltheycametotheplacewheretheyhadhiddentheirhorses。ThenSwanhildrememberedJonandtheothermanwhomshehadseenridingtothebooth，andshetoldGizurofthem。
　　“Now。”shesaid，“wewillsnarethesebirds，andperchancetheywilltwittertidingswhenwesqueezethem。”
　　Sotheyturnedandrodeforthebooth，anddrawingnear，theysawtwohorsesgrazingwithout。Nowtheygotofftheirhorses，andcreepinguptothebooth，lookedinthroughthedoorwhichwasajar。Andtheysawthis，thatonemansatonthegroundwithhisbacktothedoor，eatingstock-fish，whileJonmadebundlesoffishandmealreadytotieonthehorses。ForitwasherethatthoseofhisquarterwholovedEricbroughtfoodtobecarriedbyhismentothecaveonMosfell。
　　NowSwanhildtouchedGizuronthearm，pointingfirsttothemanwhosateatingthefishandthentothespearinGizur’shand。Gizurthoughtawhile，forheshrankfromthisdeed。
　　ThenSwanhildwhisperedinhisear，“Slaythemanandseizetheother；
　　Iwouldlearntidingsfromhim。”
　　SoGizurcastthespear，anditpassedthroughtheman’sheart，andhewasdeadatonce。ThenheandthethrallleaptintotheboothandthrewthemselvesonJon，hurlinghimtotheground，andholdingswordsoverhim。NowJonwasamanofsmallheart，andwhenhesawhisplightandhisfellowdeadhewasafraid，andprayedformercy。
　　“IfIsparethee，knave。”saidSwanhild，“thoushaltdothis：thoushaltleadmeupMosfelltospeakwithEric。”
　　“Imaynotdothat，lady。”groanedJon；“forEricisnotonMosfell。”
　　“Whereishe，then？“askedSwanhild。
　　NowJonsawthathehadsaidanunluckything，andanswered：
　　“Nay，Iknownot。LastnightherodefromMosfellwithSkallagrimLambstail。”
　　“Thouliest，knave。”saidSwanhild。“Speak，orthoushaltbeslain。”
　　“Slayon。”groanedJon，glancingattheswordsabovehim，andshuttinghiseyes。For，thoughhefearedmuchtodie，hehadnowilltomakeknownEric’splans。
　　“Looknotattheswords；thoushaltnotdiesoeasily。Hearken：speak，andspeaktruly，orthoushaltseekHela’slapafterthisfashion。”
　　and，bendingdown，shewhisperedinhisear，thenlaughedaloud。
　　NowJongrewfaintwithfear；hislipsturnedblue，andhisteethchatteredatthethoughtofhowheshouldbemadetodie。Still，hewouldsaynothing。
　　ThenSwanhildspoketoGizurandthethrall，andbadethembindhimwitharope，tearthegarmentsfromhim，andbringsnow。Theydidthis，andpushedthemattertothedrawingofknives。ButwhenhesawthesteelJoncriedaloudthathewouldtellall。
　　“Nowthoutakestgoodcounsel。”saidSwanhild。
　　TheninhisfearJontoldhowErichadgonedowntoMiddalhoftowedGudruda，andthencetoflywithhertoEngland。
　　NowSwanhildwasmadwithwrath，forshehadsoonerdiedthanthatthisshouldcomeabout。
　　“Letusaway。”shesaidtoGizur。“Butfirstkillthisman。”
　　“Nay，’saidGizur，“Iwillnotdothat。Hehastoldhistidings；lethimgofree。”
　　“Thouartchicken-hearted。”saidSwanhild，who，afterthefashionofwitches，hadnomercyinher。“Attheleast，heshallnotgohencetowarnEricandGudrudaofourcoming。Ifthouwiltnotkillhim，thenbindhimandleavehim。”
　　SoJonwasbound，andthereintheboothhesattwodaysbeforeanyonecametoloosehim。
　　“Whitheraway？“saidGizurtoSwanhild。
　　“ToMiddalhoffirst。”Swanhildanswered。
　　XXIX
　　HOWWENTTHEBRIDALNIGHT
　　NowEricandGudrudasatsilentinthehighseatofthehallatMiddalhoftilltheyheardSkallagrimenterbythewomen’sdoor。Thentheycamedownfromthehighseat，andstoodhandinhandbythefireonthehearth。SkallagrimgreetedGudruda，lookingatheraskance，forSkallagrimstoodinfearofwomenalone。
　　“Whatcounselnow，lord？“saidtheBaresark。
　　“Tellusthyplans，Gudruda。”saidEric，forasyetnowordhadpassedbetweenthemofwhattheyshoulddo。
　　“Thisismyplan，Eric。”sheanswered。“First，thatweeat；thenthatthymentakehorseandridehencethroughthenighttowheretheshiplies，bearingwordthatwewillbethereatdawnwhenthetideserves，andbiddingthematemakeeverythingreadyforsailing。ButthouandI
　　andSkallagrimwillstayheretillto-morrowisthreehoursold，andthisbecauseIhavetidingsthatGizur’sfolkwillsearchtheshipto-night。Now，whentheysearchanddonotfindus，theywillgoaway。
　　Then，atthedawning，thouandIandSkallagrimwillrowonboardtheshipassheliesatanchor，and，slippingthecable，puttoseabeforetheyknowwearethere，andsobidfarewelltoSwanhildandourwoes。”
　　“Yetitisariskforustosleepherealone。”saidEric。
　　“Thereislittledanger。”saidGudruda。“NearlyallofGizur’smenwatchtheship；andIhavelearnedthisfromaspy，that，twodaysago，Gizur，Swanhild，andonethrallrodefromColdbacktowardsMosfell，andtheyhavenotcomebackyet。Moreover，theplaceisstrong，andthouandSkallagrimareheretoguardit。”
　　“Sobeit，then。”answeredEric，forindeedhehadlittlethoughtleftforanything，exceptGudruda。
　　Afterthisthewomencameinandsetmeatontheboard，andallate。
　　Now，whentheyhadeaten，EricbadeSkallagrimfillacup，andbringittohimashesatonthehighseatwithGudruda。Skallagrimdidso；
　　andthen，lookingdeepintoeachother’seyes，EricBrighteyesandGudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter，drankthebride’scup。
　　“Therearefewgueststograceourmarriage-feast，husband。”saidGudruda。
　　“Yetshallourvowsholdtrue，wife。”saidEric。
　　“Ay，Brighteyes。”sheanswered，“inlifeandindeath，nowandforever！“andtheykissed。
　　“Itistimeforustobegoing，methinks。”growledSkallagrimtothoseabouthim。“Wearenotwantedhere。”
　　Thenthemenwhoweretogoontotheshiprose，fetchedtheirhorses，androdeaway。AlsotheycaughtthehorsesofSkallagrim，Eric，andGudruda，saddledthemand，slippingtheirbridles，madethemfastinashedintheyard，givingthemhaytoeat。AfterwardsSkallagrimbarredthemen’sdoorandthewomen’sdoor，and，goingtoGudruda，askedwhereheshouldstaythenighttillitwastimetorideforthesea。
　　“Inthestore-chamber。”sheanswered，“forthereisashutterofwhichthelatchhasgone。Seethatthouwatchitwell，Skallagrim；thoughI
　　thinknonewillcometotroublethee。”
　　“Iknowtheplace。Itshallgobadlywiththeheadthatlooksthroughyonderhole。”saidSkallagrim，glancingathisaxe。
　　NowGudrudaforgotthis，thatinthestore-chamberwerecasksofstrongale。
　　ThenGudrudatoldhimtowakethemwhenthemorrowwastwohoursold，forErichadneithereyesnorwordsexceptforGudrudaalone，andSkallagrimwent。
　　Thewomenwentalsototheirshutbedattheendofthehall，leavingBrighteyesandGudrudaalone。Ericlookedather。
　　“WheredoIsleepto-night？“heasked。
　　“Thousleepestwithme，husband。”sheansweredsoft，“fornothing，exceptDeath，shallcomebetweenusanymore。”
　　NowSkallagrimwenttothestore-room，andsatdownwithhisbackagainstacask。Hisheartwasheavyinhim，forhebodednogoodofthismarriage。Moreover，hewasjealous。Skallagrimlovedbutonethingintheworldtruly，andthatwasEricBrighteyes，hislord。Nowheknewthathenceforthhemusttakeasecondplace，andthatforonethoughtwhichEricgavetohim，hewouldgivetentoGudruda。
　　ThereforeSkallagrimwasverysadatheart。
　　“Apestuponthewomen！“hesaidtohimself，“forfromthemcomesallevil。BrighteyesoweshisilllucktoSwanhildandthisfairwifeofhis，andthatisscarcelydonewithyet。Well，well，’tisnature；butwouldthatweweresafeatsea！HadImywill，wehadnotslepthereto-night。Buttheyarenewlywed，and——well，’tisnature！Betterthebridelovestolieabedthantoridethecoldwoldsandseekthecommondeck。”
　　Now，asSkallagrimgrumbled，feargatheredinhisheart，heknewnotofwhat。Hebegantothinkontrollsandgoblins。Itwasdarkinthestore-room，exceptforalittlelineoflightthatcreptthroughthecrackoftheshutter。Atlengthhecouldbearthedarknessandhisthoughtsnolonger，but，rising，threwtheshutterwideandletthebrightmoonlightpourintothechamber，whencehecouldseethehillsidebehind，andwatchtheshadowsofthecloudsastheyfloatedacrossit。AgainSkallagrimsatdownagainsthiscask，andashesatitmoved，andheheardthewashofaleinsideit。
　　“Thatisagoodsound。”saidSkallagrim，andheturnedandsmeltatthecask；“aye，andagoodsmell，too！WetastedlittlealeyonderonMosfell，andweshallfindlessatsea。”Againhelookedatthecask。
　　Therewasaspigotinit，andlo！ontheshelfstoodhorncups。
　　“Itsurelyisondraught。”hesaid；“andnowitwillstandtillitgoessour。’Tisapity；butIwillnotdrink。Ifearale——aleisanotherman！No，Iwillnotdrink。”andallthewhilehishandwentuptothecupsupontheshelf。“EricisbetterlainyonderinGudruda’schamberthanIamherealonewithevilthoughtsandtrolls。”hesaid。
　　“Why，whatfishwasthatweateatsupper？Mythroatiscrackedwiththirst！IftherewerewaternowI’ddrinkit，butIseenone。Well，onecuptowishthemjoy！Thereisnoharminacupofale。”andhedrewthespigotfromthecaskandwatchedthebrowndrinkflowintothecup。Thenheliftedittohislipsanddrank，saying“Skoll！
　　skoll！“[*]nordidheceasetillthehornwasdrained。“Thisiswondrousgoodale。”saidSkallagrimashewipedhisgrizzledbeard。
　　“Onemorecup，andevilthoughtsshallceasetohauntme。”
　　[*]“Health！health！“
　　Againhefilled，drank，satdown，andforawhilewasmerry。Butpresentlytheblackthoughtscamebackintohismind。Herose，lookedthroughtheshutter-holetothehillside。Hecouldseenothingonitexcepttheshadowsoftheclouds。
　　“Trollswalkthewindsto-night。”hesaid。“Ifeelthempullingatmybeard。Onemorecuptofrightenthem。”
　　Hedrankanotherdraughtofaleandgrewmerry。Thenalecalledforale，andSkallagrimdrainedcuponcup，singingashedrained，tillatlastheavysleepovercamehim，andhesankdrunkenonthegroundtherebythebarrel，whilethebrownaletrickledroundhim。
　　NowEricBrighteyesandGudrudatheFairsleptsidebyside，lockedineachother’sarms。PresentlyGudrudawaswideawake。
　　“Rousethee，Eric。”shesaid，“Ihavedreamedanevildream。”
　　Heawokeandkissedher。
　　“What，then，wasthydream，sweet？“hesaid。“Thisisnohourforbaddreams。”
　　“Nohourforbaddreams，truly，husband；yetdreamsdonotweighthehouroftheircoming。Idreamedthis：thatIlaydeadbesidetheeandthouknewestitnot，whileSwanhildlookedattheeandmocked。”
　　“Anevildream，truly。”saidEric；“butsee，thouartnotdead。ThouhastthoughttoomuchonSwanhildoflate。”
　　Nowtheysleptoncemore，tillpresentlyEricwaswideawake。
　　“Rousethee，Gudruda。”hesaid，“Itoohavedreamedadream，anditisfullofevil。”
　　“What，then，wasthydream，husband？“sheasked。
　　“IdreamedthatAtlitheEarl，whomIslew，stoodbythebed。Hisfacewaswhite，andwhiteassnowwashisbeard，andbloodfromhisgreatwoundrandownhisbyrnie。’EricBrighteyes，’hesaid，’Iamhewhomthoudidstslay，andIcometotelltheethis：thatbeforethemoonisyoungagainthoushaltliestiff，withHell-shoesonthyfeet。ThouartErictheUnlucky！Takethyjoyandsaythysaytoherwholiesatthyside，forwetandcoldisthebedthatwaitstheeandsoonshallthywhitelipsbedumb。’Thenhewasgone，andlo！inhisplacestoodAsmund，thyfather，andhealsospoketome，saying，’Thouwhodostlieinmybedandatmydaughter’sside，knowthis：thewordsofAtliaretrue；butIaddthesetothem：yeshalldie，yetisdeathbutthegateoflifeandloveandrest，’andhewasgone。”
　　NowGudrudashiveredwithfear，andcreptclosertoEric’sside。
　　“Wearesurelyfey，fortheNornsspeakwiththevoicesofAtliandofAsmund。”shesaid。“Oh，Eric！Eric！whithergowewhenwedie？WillValhallatakethee，beingsomightyaman，andmustIawaytoHela’shalls，wherethouartnot？Oh！thatwouldbedeathindeed！Say，Eric，whitherdowego？“
　　“WhatsaidthevoiceofAsmund？“answeredBrighteyes。“Thatdeathisbutthegateoflifeandloveandrest。Hearken，Gudruda，myMay！Odindoesnotreignoveralltheworld，forwhenIsatoutyonderinEngland，acertainholymantaughtmeofanotherGod——aGodwholovesnotslaughter，aGodwhodiedthatmenmightliveforeverinpeacewiththosetheylove。”
　　“HowisthisGodnamed，Eric？“
　　“TheynameHimtheWhiteChrist，andtherearemanywhoclingtoHim。”
　　“WouldthatIknewthisChrist，Eric。Iamwearyofdeathandbloodandevildeeds，suchasarepleasingtoourGods。Oh，Eric，ifIamtakenfromthee，swearthistome：thatthouwiltslaynomore，saveforthylife’ssakeonly。”
　　“Iswearthat，sweet。”hemadeanswer。“ForItooamwearyofdeathandblood，anddesirepeacemostofallthings。Theworldissad，andsadhavebeenourdays。Yetitiswelltohavelived，forthroughmanyheavydayswehavewanderedtothishappynight。”
　　“Yea，Eric，itiswelltohavelived；thoughIthinkthatdeathdrawson。Nowthisismycounsel：thatwerise，andthatthoudostputonthyharnessandsummonSkallagrim，sothat，ifevilcomes，thoumaystmeetitarmed。SurelyIthoughtIheardasound——yonderinthehall！“
　　“Thereislittleuseinthat。”saidEric，“forthingswillbefallastheyarefated。Wemaydonothingofourownwill，Iamsureofthis，anditisnogoodtostrugglewiththeNorns。YetIwillrise。”
　　Sohekissedher，andmadereadytoleavethebed，whensuddenly，ashelingered，agreatheavinessseizedhim。
　　“Gudruda。”hesaid，“Iampresseddownwithsleep。”
　　“ThatIamalso，Eric。”shesaid。“MyeyesshutofthemselvesandI
　　canscarcelystirmylimbs。Ah，Eric，wearefeyindeed，andthisis——
　　deaththatcomes！“
　　“Perchance！“hesaid，speakingheavily。
　　“Eric！——wake，Eric！Thoucanstnotmove？Yethearkentome——ah！thisweightofsleep！Thoulovestme，Eric！——isitnotso？“
　　“Yea。”heanswered。
　　“Nowandforeverthoulovestme——andwiltcleavetomealwayswhereverwego？“
　　“Surely，sweet。Oh，sweet，farewell！“hesaid，andhisvoicesoundedlikethevoiceofonewhospeaksacrossthewater。
　　“Farewell，EricBrighteyes！——mylove——mylove，farewell！“sheansweredveryslowly，andtogethertheysankintoasleepthatwasheavyasdeath。
　　NowGizur，Ospakar’sson，andSwanhild，Atli’swidow，rodefastandhardfromMosfell，givingnoresttotheirhorses，andwiththemrodethatthrallwhohadshowedthesecretpathtoGizur。TheystayedawhileonHorse-HeadHeightstillthemoonrose。NowonepathledhencetotheshorethatisagainsttheWestmans，whereGudruda’sshiplaybound。ThenSwanhildturnedtothethrall。Herbeautifulfacewasfierceandshehadsaidfewwordsallthiswhile，butinherheartragedafireofhateandjealousywhichshonethroughherblueeyes。
　　“Listen。”shesaidtothethrall。“ThoushaltridehencetothebaywheretheshipofGudrudatheFairliesatanchor。Thouknowestwhereourfolkareinhiding。Thoushaltspeakthustothem。BeforeitisdawntheymusttakeboatsandboardGudruda’sshipandsearchher。
　　And，iftheyfindEric，theoutlaw，aboard，theyshallslayhim，iftheymay。”
　　“Thatwillbenoeasytask。”saidthethrall。
　　“AndiftheyfindGudrudatheyshallkeepherprisoner。Butiftheyfindneithertheonenortheother，theyshalldothis：theyshalldrivethecrewashore，killingasfewasmaybe，andburntheship。”
　　“Itisanilldeedthustoburnanother’sship。”saidGizur。
　　“Goodorill，itshallbedone。”answeredSwanhildfiercely。“Thouartalawman，andwellcanstthoumeetthesuit；moreoverGudrudahasweddedanoutlawandshallsufferforhersin。Nowgo，andseethoutarrynot，orthybackshallpaytheprice。”
　　Themanrodeawayswiftly。ThenGizurturnedtoSwanhild，asking：
　　“Whither，then，gowe？“
　　“IhavesaidtoMiddalhof。”
　　“Thatisintothewolf’sden，ifEricandSkallagrimarethere。”heanswered：“Ihavelittlechanceagainstthetwoofthem。”
　　“Nay，noragainsttheone，Gizur。Why，ifEric’srighthandwerehewnfromhim，andhestoodunarmed，hewouldstillslaytheewithhisleft，as，swordless，heslewOspakarthyfather。YetIshallfindawaytocomeathim，ifheisthere。”
　　Thentheyrodeon，andGizur’sheartwasheavyforfearofEricandSkallagrimtheBaresark。Sofiercelydidtheyridethat，withinonehouraftermidnight，theywereatthesteadofMiddalhof。
　　“Wewillleavethehorseshereinthefield。”saidSwanhild。
　　Sotheyleapedtoearthand，tyingthereinsofthehorsestogether，leftthemtofeedonthegrowinggrass。Thentheycreptintotheyardandlistened。Presentlytherecameasoundofhorsesstampinginthefarcorneroftheyard。Theywentthither，andtheretheyfoundahorseandtwogeldingssaddled，butwiththebitsslipped，andonthehorsewassuchasaddleaswomenuse。
　　“EricBrighteyes，SkallagrimLambstail，andGudrudatheFair。”
　　whisperedSwanhild，namingthehorsesandlaughingevilly——“thebirdsarewithin！Nowtosnarethem。”
　　“Wereitnotbesttomeetthembytheship？“askedGizur。
　　“Nay，thoufool；ifonceEricandSkallagrimarebacktoback，andWhitefireisaloft，howmanyshallbedeadbeforetheyaredown，thinkestthou？Weshallnotfindthemsleepingtwice。”
　　“Itisshamefultoslaysleepingmen。”saidGizur。
　　“Theyareoutlaws。”sheanswered。“Hearken，Ospakar’sson。Thousayestthoudostlovemeandwouldstwedme：knowthis，thatifthoudostfailmenow，Iwillneverlookuponthyfaceagain，butwillnametheeNidderinginallmen’sears。”
　　NowGizurlovedSwanhildmuch，forshehadthrownherglamouronhimasonceshedidonAtli，andhethoughtofherdayandnight。FortherewasthisstrangethingaboutSwanhildthat，thoughshewasawitchandwicked，beingbothfairandgentleshecouldleadallmen，exceptEric，toloveher。
　　ButofmenshelovedEricalone。
　　ThenGizurheldhispeace；butSwanhildspokeagain：
　　“Itwillbeofnousetotrythedoors，fortheyarestrong。YetwhenIwasachildbeforenowIhavepassedinandoutthehouseatnightbythestore-roomcasement。Followme，Gizur。”Thenshecreptalongtheshadowofthewall，forsheknewiteverystone，tillshecametothestore-room，andlo！theshutterstoodopen，andthroughitthemoonlightpouredintothechamber。Swanhildliftedherheadabovethesillandlooked，thenstartedback。
　　“Hush！“shesaid，“Skallagrimliesasleepwithin。”
　　“PraytheGodshewakenot！“saidGizurbeneathhisbreath，andturnedtogo。ButSwanhildcaughthimbythearm；thengentlyraisedherheadandlookedagain，longandsteadily。Presentlysheturnedandlaughedsoftly。
　　“Thingsgowellforus。”shesaid；“thesotliesdrunk。Wehavenothingtofearfromhim。Heliesdrunkinapoolofale。”
　　ThenGizurlooked。Themoonlightpouredintothelittleroom，andbyithesawthegreatshapeofSkallagrim。Hisheadwasthrownback，hismouthwaswide。Hesnoredloudlyinhisdrunkensleep，andallabouthimranthebrownale，forthespigotofthecasklayuponthefloor。
　　Inhislefthandwasahorncup，butinhisrighthestillgraspedhisaxe。
　　“Nowwemustenter。”saidSwanhild。Gizurhungback，butshespranguponthesilllightlyasafox，andslidthenceintothestore-room。
　　ThenGizurmustfollow，andpresentlyhestoodbesideherintheroom，andattheirfeetlaydrunkenSkallagrim。Gizurlookedfirstathissword，thenontheBaresark，andlastlyatSwanhild。
　　“Nay。”shewhispered，“touchhimnot。Perchancehewouldcryout——andweseekhighergame。Hehasthatwithinhimwhichwillholdhimfastforawhile。FollowwhereIshalllead。”
　　Shetookhishandand，glidingthroughthedoorway，passedalongthepassagetillshecametothegreathall。Swanhildcouldseewellinthedark，andmoreoversheknewtheroad。Presentlytheystoodintheemptyhall。Thefirehadburntdown，buttwoembersyetgloweduponthehearth，likeredandangryeyes。
　　ForawhileSwanhildstoodstilllistening，buttherewasnothingtohear。ThenshedrewneartotheshutbedwhereGudrudaslept，and，withhereartothecurtain，listenedoncemore。Gizurcamewithher，andashecamehisfootstruckagainstabenchandstirredit。NowSwanhildheardmurmuredwordsandthesoundofkisses。Shestartedback，andfuryfilledherheart。GizuralsoheardthevoiceofEric，saying：“Iwillrise。”Thenhewouldhavefled，butSwanhildcaughthimbythearm。
　　“Fearnot。”shewhispered，“theyshallsoonsleepsound。”
　　Hefeltherstretchoutherarmsandpresentlyhesawthiswonderfulthing：theeyesofSwanhildglowinginthedarknessastheembersgloweduponthehearth。Nowtheyglowedbrightly，sobrightlythathecouldseetheoutstretchedarmsandthehardwhitefacebeneaththem，andnowtheygrewdim，ofasuddentoshinebrightagain。Andallthewhileshehissedwordsthroughherclenchedteeth。
　　Thusshehissed，fierceandlow：
　　“Gudruda，Sistermine，hearkenandsleep！
　　BythebondofbloodIbidtheesleep！——
　　BythestrengththatisinmeIbidtheesleep！——
　　Sleep！sleepsound！
　　“EricBrighteyes，hearkenandsleep！
　　BythebondofsinIchargetheesleep！——
　　BythebloodofAtliIchargethee，sleep！——
　　Sleep！sleepsound！“
　　Thenthriceshetossedherhandsaloft，saying：
　　“Fromlovetosleep！
　　Fromsleeptodeath！
　　FromdeathtoHela！
　　Say，lovers，whereshallyekissagain？“
　　Thenthelightwentoutofhereyesandshelaughedlow。Andeverasshewhispered，thespokenwordsofthetwointheshutbedgrewfainterandmorefaint，tillatlengththeydiedaway，andasilencefellupontheplace。
　　“ThouhastnocausetofeartheswordofEric，Gizur。”shesaid。
　　“Nothingwillwakehimnowtilldaylightcomes。”
　　“Thouartawesome！“answeredGizur，forheshookwithfear。“Looknotonmewiththoseflamingeyes，Ipraythee！“
　　“Fearnot。”shesaid，“thefireisout。Nowtothework。”
　　“Whatmustwedo，then？“
　　“/Thou/mustdothis。ThoumustenterandslayEric。”
　　“ThatIcannot——thatIwillnot！“saidGizur。
　　Sheturnedandlookedathim，andlo！hereyesbegantoflameagain——
　　uponhiseyestheyseemedtoburn。
　　“ThouwiltdoasIbidthee。”shesaid。“WithEric’sswordthoushaltslayEric，elseIwillcursetheewherethouart，andbringsuchevilontheeasthouknowestnotof。”
　　“Looknotso，Swanhild。”hesaid。“Leadon——Icome。”
　　NowtheycreepintotheshutchamberofGudruda。Itissodarkthattheycanseenothing，andnothingcantheyhearexcepttheheavybreathingofthesleepers。
　　Thisistobetold，thatatthistimeSwanhildhaditinhermindtokill，notEricbutGudruda，forthusshewouldsmitetheheartofBrighteyes。Moreover，shelovedEric，andwhilehelivedshemightyetwinhim；butEricdeadmustbeEriclost。ButonGudrudashewouldbebitterlyavenged——Gudruda，who，forallherscheming，hadyetbeenawifetoEric！
　　Nowtheystandbythebed。Swanhildputsoutherhand，drawsdowntheclothes，andfeelsthebreastofGudrudabeneath，forGudrudasleptontheoutsideofthebed。
　　ThenshesearchesbytheheadofthebedandfindsWhitefirewhichhungthere，anddrawsthesword。
　　“HereliesEric，ontheoutside。”shesaystoGizur，“andhereisWhitefire。Strikeandstrikehome，leavingWhitefireinthewound。”
　　Gizurtakestheswordandliftsit。Heissoreatheartthathemustdosuchacowarddeed；butthespellofSwanhildisuponhim，andhemaynotflinchfromit。Thenathoughttakeshimandhealsoputsdownhishandtofeel。ItlightsuponGudruda’sgoldenhair，thathangsaboutherbreastandfallsfromthebedtotheground。
　　“Hereiswoman’shair。”hewhispers。
　　“No。”Swanhildanswers，“itisEric’shair。ThehairofEricislong，asthouhastseen。”
　　NowneitherofthemknowsthatGudrudacutEric’slockswhenhelaysickonMosfell，thoughSwanhildknowswellthatitisnotBrighteyeswhomshebidsGizurslay。
　　ThenGizur，Ospakar’sson，liftsthesword，andthefaintstarlightstrugglingintothechambergathersandgleamsupontheblade。Thriceheliftsit，andthriceitdrawsitback。Thenwithanoathhestrikes——anddrivesithomewithallhisstrength！
　　Fromthebedbeneaththerecomesonelongsighandasoundasoflimbstremblingagainstthebed-gear。Thenallisstill。
　　“Itisdone！“hesaysfaintly。
　　Swanhildputsdownherhandoncemore。Lo！itiswetandwarm。Thenshebendsherselfandlooks，andbehold！thedeadeyesofGudrudaglareupintohereyes。Shecanseethemplainly，butnoneknowwhatshereadthere。Attheleastitwassomethingthatshelovednot，forshereelsbackagainstthepanelling，thenfallsuponthefloor。
　　Presently，whileGizurstandsasoneinadream，sherises，saying：“I
　　amavengedofthedeathofAtli。Letushence！——ah！letushenceswiftly！Givemethyhand，Gizur，forIamfaint！“
　　SoGizurgivesherhishandandtheypassthence。Presentlytheystandinthestore-room，andthereliesSkallagrim，stillplungedinhisdrunkensleep。
　　“MustIdomoremurder？“asksGizurhoarsely。
　　“Nay。”Swanhildsays。“Iamsickwithblood。Leavetheknave。”
　　Theypassoutbythecasementintotheyardandsoontilltheyfindtheirhorses。
　　“Liftme，Gizur；Icannomore。”saysSwanhild。
　　Heliftshertothesaddle。
　　“Whitheraway？“heasks。
　　“ToColdback，Gizur，andthencetocoldDeath。”
　　ThusdidGudruda，Eric’sbrideandAsmund’sdaughter，thefairestwomanwhoeverlivedinIceland，dieonhermarriagenightbythehandofGizur，Ospakar’sson，andthroughthehateandwitchcraftofSwanhildtheFatherless，herhalf-sister。
　　XXX
　　HOWTHEDAWNCAME
　　ThedawnbrokeoverMiddalhof。Slowlythelightgatheredintheemptyhall，itcreptslowlyintothelittlechamberwhereEricslept，andGudrudasleptalsowithadeepersleep。
　　Nowthetwowomencamefromtheirchamberatthefarendofthehall，anddrewnearthehearth，shivering，fortheairwascold。Theykneltbythefire，blowingattheemberstillthestickstheycastuponthemcrackledtoablaze。
　　“ItseemsthatGudrudaisnotyetgone。”saidonetotheother。“I
　　thoughtsheshouldrideawaywithEricbeforethedawn。”
　　“Newlywedlielongabed！“laughedtheother。
　　“Iamgladtoseetheblessedlight。”saidthefirstwoman，“forlastnightIdreamedthatonceagainthishallranredwithblood，asatthemarriage-feastofOspakar。”
　　“Ah。”answeredtheother，“itwillbewellforthesouthwhenEricBrighteyesandGudrudaaregoneoversea，fortheirloveshavebroughtmuchbloodshedupontheland。”
　　“Well，indeed！“sighedthefirst。“HadAsmundthePriestneverfoundGroa，Ran’sgift，singingbythesea，Valhallahadnotbeensofullto-day。Mindestthouthedayhebroughtherhere？“
　　“Irememberitwell。”sheanswered，“thoughIwasbutagirlatthetime。Still，whenIsawthosedarkeyesofhers——justsucheyesasSwanhild’s！——Iknewherforawitch，asallFinnwomenare。Itisanevilworld：myhusbandisdeadbythesword；deadarebothmysons，fightingforEric；deadisUnna，Thorod’sdaughter；Asmund，mylord，isdead，anddeadisBj？rn；andnowGudrudatheFair，whomIhaverockedtosleep，leavesustogooversea。Imaynotgowithher，formydaughter’ssake；yetIalmostwishthatItooweredead。”
　　“Thatwillcomesoonenough。”saidtheother，whowasyoungandfair。
　　Nowthewitch-sleepbegantorollfromEric’sheart，thoughhiseyeswerenotyetopen。Butthetalkofthewomenechoedinhisears，andthewords“/dead！/““/dead！/““/dead！/“fellheavilyonhisslumberingsense。Atlengthheopenedhiseyes，onlytoshutthemagain，becauseofabrightgleamoflightthatranupanddownsomethingathisside。
　　Heavilyhewonderedwhatthismightbe，thatshonesokeenandbright——thatshonelikeanakedsword。
　　Nowhelookedagain。Yes，itwasaswordwhichstoodbyhimuponthebed，andthegoldenhiltwaslikethehiltofWhitefire。Helifteduphishandtotouchit，thinkingthathedreamed。Lo！hishandandarmwerered！
　　Thenheremembered，andthethoughtofGudrudaflashedthroughhisheart。Hesatup，gazingdownintotheshadowathisside。
　　Presentlythewomenatthefireheardasoundasofagreatmanfallingtoearth。
　　“Whatisthatnoise？“saidone。
　　“Ericleapingfromhisbed。”answeredtheother。“Hehasslepttoolong，aswehavealso。”
　　Astheyspokethecurtainoftheshutbedwaspushedaway，andthroughitstaggeredEricinhisnight-gear，andlo！theleftsideofitwasred。Hiseyeswerewidewithhorror，hismouthwasopen，andhisfacewaswhiteasice。
　　Hestopped，lookingatthem，madeasthoughtospeak，andcouldnot。
　　Then，whiletheyshrankfromhiminterror，heturned，and，walkinglikeadrunkenman，staggeredfromthehalldownthatpassagewhichledtothestore-chamber。Thedoorstoodwide，theshutterwaswide，andonthefloor，soakedinthedregsofale，Skallagrimyetlaysnoring，hisaxeinonehandandacupintheother。
　　Ericlookedandunderstood。
　　“Awake，drunkard！“hecried，insoterribleavoicethattheroomshook。“Awake，andlookuponthywork！“
　　Skallagrimsatup，yawning。
　　“Forsooth，myheadswims。”hesaid。“Givemeale，Iamthirsty。”
　　“Neverwiltthoulookonaleagain，Skallagrim，whenthouhastseenthatwhichIhavetoshow！“saidEric，inthesamedreadvoice。
　　ThenSkallagrimrosetohisfeetandgapeduponhim。
　　“Whatmeansthis，lord？Isittimetoride？andsay！whyisthyshirtredwithblood？“
　　“Followme，drunkard，andlookuponthywork！“Ericsaidagain。
　　ThenSkallagrimgrewaltogethersober，andgraspinghisaxe，followedafterBrighteyes，soreafraidofwhathemightsee。
　　Theywentdownthepassage，pastthehighseatofthehall，tilltheycametothecurtainoftheshutbed；andafterthemfollowedthewomen。Ericseizedthecurtaininhishand，rentitfromitsfastenings，andcastitontheground。Nowthelightflowedinandstruckuponthebed。Itfelluponthebed，itfelluponWhitefire’shiltandranalongtheblade，itgleamedonawoman’ssnowybreastandgoldenhair，andshoneinherstaringeyes——awomanwholaystiffandcolduponthebed，thegreatswordfixedwithinherheart！
　　“Lookuponthywork，drunkard！“Ericcriedagain，whilethewomenwhopeepedbehindsenttheirlongwailofwoeechoingdownthepanelledhall。
　　“Hearken！“saidEric：“whilethoudidstliewallowinginthyswine’ssleep，foescreptacrossthycarcase，andthisistheirhandiwork：——
　　yondershelieswhowasmybride！——nowisGudrudatheFairadeath-
　　wifewholastnightwasmybride！Thisisthywork，drunkard！andnowwhatmeedforthee？“
　　Skallagrimlooked。Thenhespokeinahoarseslowvoice：
　　“Whatmeed，lord？Butone——death！“
　　ThenwithonehandhecoveredhiseyesandwiththeotherheldouthisaxetoEricBrighteyes。
　　Erictooktheaxe，andwhilethewomenranthencescreaming，hewhirleditthriceabouthishead。ThenhesmotedowntowardstheskullofSkallagrim，butashesmoteitseemedtohimthatavoicewhisperedinhisear：“/Thyoath！/“——andherememberedthathehadsworntoslaynomore，saveforhisownlife’ssake。
　　Themightyblowwasfallingandhemightonlydothis——loosetheaxebeforeitcloveSkallagrimintwain。Heloosedandawaythegreataxeflew。ItpassedovertheheadofSkallagrim，andspedlikelightacrossthewidehall，tillitcrashedthroughthepanellingonthefurtherside，andburieditselftothehaftinthewallbeyond。
　　“Itisnotformetokillthee，drunkard！Go，dieinthydrink！“
　　“ThenIwillkillmyself！“criedtheBaresark，and，rushingacrossthehallhetorethegreataxefromitsbed。
　　“Hold！“saidEric；“perhapsthereisyetadeedfortheetodo。Thenthoumayestdie，ifitpleasesthee。”
　　“Ay。”saidSkallagrimcomingback，“perchancethereisstilladeedtodo！“
　　And，flingingdowntheaxe，SkallagrimLambstailtheBaresarkfelluponthefloorandwept。
　　ButEricdidnotweep。OnlyhedrewWhitefirefromtheheartofGudrudaandlookedatit。
　　“Thouartastrangesword，Whitefire。”hesaid，“whoslayestbothfriendandfoe！Shameonthee，Whitefire！Wesworeouroathonthee，Whitefire，andthouhastcutitschain！NowIammindedtoshatterthee。”AndasEriclookedonthegreatblade，lo！ithummedstrangelyinanswer。
　　“’Firstmustthoubethedeathofsome，’thousayest？Well，maybe，Whitefire！Butneveryetdidstthoudrinksosweetalifeasherswhonowliesdead，norevershaltagain。”
　　Thenhesheathedthesword，butneitherthennorafterwardsdidhewipethebloodofGudrudafromitsblade。
　　“Lastnighta-marrying——to-daya-burying。”saidEric，andhecalledtothewomentobringspades。Then，havingclothedhimself，hewenttothecentreofthehall，and，brushingawaythesand，brokethehardclay-flooring，dealinggreatblowsonitwithanaxe。NowSkallagrim，seeinghispurpose，cametohimandtookoneofthespades，andtogethertheylabouredinsilencetilltheyhaddugagraveafathomdeep。
　　“Here。”saidEric，“here，inthineownhallwherethouwastbornandlived，GudrudatheFair，thoushaltsleepatthelast。AndofMiddalhofIsaythis：thatnoneshalllivetherehenceforth。Itshallbehauntedandaccursedtilltheraftersrotandthewallsfallin，makingthybarrow，Gudruda。”
　　Nowthisindeedcametopass，fornonehavelivedinMiddalhofsincethedaysofGudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter。Ithasbeenruinedthesemanyyears，andnowitisbutapileofstones。
　　Whenthegravewasdug，Ericwashedhimselfandatesomefood。ThenhewentintowhereGudrudalaydead，andbadethewomenmakeherreadyforburial。Thistheydid。Whenshewaswashedandcladinacleanwhiterobe，Ericcametoher，andwithhisownhandboundtheHell-
　　shoesonherfeetandclosedhereyes。
　　ItwasjustthenthatamancamewhosaidthatthepeopleofGizurandofSwanhildhadburnedGudruda’sship，drivingthecrewashore。
　　“Itiswell。”saidEric。“Weneedtheshipnomore；nowhathshewhomitshouldbearwingswithwhichtofly。”ThenhewentinandsatdownonthebedbythebodyofGudruda，whileSkallagrimcrouchedonthegroundwithout，tearingathisbeardandmuttering。ForthefierceheartofSkallagrimwasbrokenbecauseofthatevilwhichhisdrunkennesshadbroughtabout。
　　AlldayEricsatthus，lookingonhisdeadlove’sface，tillthehourcameroundwhenheandGudrudahaddrunkthebride-cup。ThenheroseandkisseddeadGudrudaonthelips，saying：
　　“Ididnotlooktopartwiththeethus，sweet！Itissadthatthoushouldsthavegoneandleftmehere。Natheless，Ishallsoonfollowonthypath。”
　　Thenhecalledaloud：
　　“Artsober，drunkard？“
　　Skallagrimcameandstoodbeforehim，sayingnothing。
　　“Takethouthefeetofherwhomthoudidstbringtodeath，andIwilltakeherhead。”
　　SotheyliftedupGudrudaandborehertothegrave。ThenEricstoodnearthegrave，and，takingdeadGudrudainhisarms，lookeduponherfacebythelightofthefireandofthecandlesthatweresetabout。
　　Helookedthrice，thensangaloud：
　　“Longago，whensweptthesnow-blast，Closeweclungandplightedtroth。
　　Manyayear，throughstormandsword-song，SoreIstrovetowinthee，sweet！
　　ButlastnightIheldthee，Fairest，Lock’d，awife，inlover’sarms。
　　Now，Gudruda，inthydeath-rest，SleepthousofttillEriccome！
　　“HenceIgotowreakthymurder。
　　Hissingfireofflamingstead，Groanofspear-carles，wailofwomen，Soonshallstartlethroughthenight。
　　ThenonMosfell，Kirtle-Wearer，EricwaitsthefaceofDeath。
　　Freedfromwearylifeandsorrow，Soonwe’llkissinHela’shalls！“
　　Thenhelaidherinthegrave，and，havingshroudedasheetoverher，theyfilleditintogether，hidingGudrudatheFairfromthesightofmenforever。
　　AfterwardsEricarmedhimself，andthisSkallagrimdidalso。Thenhestrodefromthehall，andSkallagrimfollowedhim。Intheyardthosehorseswerestilltiedthatshouldhavecarriedthemtotheship，andononewasthesaddleofGudruda。Shehadriddenonthishorseformanyyears，andloveditmuch，foritwouldfollowherlikeadog。
　　Ericlookedathim，thensaidaloud：
　　“Gudrudamayneedtheewheresheis，Blackmane。”forsothehorsewasnamed。“Attheleast，noneshallridetheemore！“AndhesnatchedtheaxefromthehandofSkallagrimandslewthehorseatablow。
　　Thentheyrodeaway，headingforColdback。Thenightwaswildandwindy，andtheskydarkwithscuddingclouds，throughwhichthemoonpeepedoutattimes。Ericlookedup，thenspoketoSkallagrim：
　　“Agoodnightforburning，drunkard！“
　　“Ay，lord；theflameswillflybriskly。”answeredSkallagrim。
　　“Howmany，thinkestthou，walkedoverthee，drunkard，whenthoudidstlieyonderintheale？“
　　“Iknownot。”groanedSkallagrim；“butIfoundthisinthesoftearthwithout：theprintofaman’sandawoman’sfeet；andthisonthehillside：thetrackoftwohorsesriddenhard。”
　　“GizurandSwanhild，drunkard。”saidEric。“Swanhildcastusintodeepsleepbywitchcraft，andGizurdealttheblow。Betterforhimthathehadneverbeenbornthanthathehaslivedtodealthatcoward’sblow！“
　　Thentheyrodeon，andwhenmidnightwasalittlewhilegonetheycametothesteadatColdback。Nowthishousewasroofedwithturves，andthewindowswerebarredsothatnonecouldpassthroughthem。Alsointheyardwerefaggotsofbirchandastackofhay。
　　EricandSkallagrimtiedtheirhorsesinadellthatistothenorthofthesteadandcreptuptothehouse。Allwasstill；butafireburntinthehall，and，lookingthroughacrack，Ericcouldseemanymensleepingaboutit。ThenhemadesignstoSkallagrimandtogether，verysilently，theyfetchedhayandfaggots，pilingthemagainstthenorthdoorofthehouse，forthewindblewfromthenorth。NowEricspoketoSkallagrim，biddinghimstand，axeinhand，bythesouthdoor，andslaythosewhocameoutwhenthereekbegantosmartthem：
　　buthewenthimselftofirethepile。
　　WhenBrighteyeshadmadeallthingsreadyfortheburning，itcameintohismindthat，perhaps，GizurandSwanhildwerenotinthehouse。
　　Buthewouldnotholdhishandforthis，forhewasmadwithgriefandrage。Sooncemorehepreparedforthedeed，whenagainheheardavoiceinhisear——thevoiceofGudruda，anditseemedtosay：
　　“/Thineoath，Eric！rememberthineoath！/“
　　Thenheturnedandtheragewentoutofhisheart。
　　“LetthemseekmeonMosfell。”hesaid，“Iwillnotslaythemsecretlyandbyreek，theinnocentandtheguiltytogether。”AndhestroderoundthehousetowhereSkallagrimstoodatthesouthdoor，axealoftandwatching。
　　“Doesthefireburn，lord？Iseenosmoke。”whisperedSkallagrim。
　　“Nay，Ihavemadenone。Iwillshednomoreblood，excepttosavemylife。IleavevengeancetotheNorns。”
　　NowSkallagrimthoughtthatBrighteyeswasmad，buthedaredsaynothing。Sotheywenttotheirhorses，andwhentheyfoundthem，Ericrodebacktothehouse。Presentlytheydrewnear，andErictoldSkallagrimtostaywherehewas，andridingontothehouse，smoteheavyblowsuponthedoor，justasSkallagrimoncehadsmitten，beforeEricwentuptoMosfell。
　　NowSwanhildlayinhershutbed；butshecouldnotsleep，becauseofwhatshesawintheeyesofGudruda。Littlemaysheeversleepagain，forwhensheshutshereyesoncemoresheseesthatwhichwaswritteninthedeadeyesofGudruda。So，asshelay，sheheardtheblowsuponthedoor，andsprangfrightenedfromherbed。Nowtherewastumultinthehall，foreverymanrosetohisfeetinfear，searchingforhisweapons。Againtheloudknockscame。
　　“ItistheghostofEric！“criedone，forGizurhadgivenoutthatEricwasdeadathishandinfairfight。
　　“Open！“saidGizur，andtheyopened，andthere，alittlewayfromthedoor，satBrighteyesonahorse，greatandshadowytosee，andbehindhimwasSkallagrimtheBaresark。
　　“ItistheghostofEric！“theycriedagain。
　　“Iamnoghost。”saidBrighteyes。“Iamnoghost，yemenofSwanhild。
　　Tellme：isGizur，thesonofOspakar，amongyou？“
　　“Gizurishere。”saidavoice；“buthesworeheslewtheelastnight。”
　　“Thenhelied。”quothEric。“Gizurdidnotslayme——hemurderedGudrudatheFairasshelayasleepatmyside。See！“andhedrewWhitefirefromitsscabbardandhelditintheraysofthemoonthatnowshoneoutbetweenthecloudrifts。“WhitefireisredwithGudruda’sblood——GudrudaslaughteredinhersleepbyGizur’scowardhand！“
　　Nowmenmurmured，forthisseemedtothemthemostshamefulofalldeeds。ButGizur，hearing，shrankbackaghast。
　　“Listenagain！“saidEric。“Iwasmindedbutnowtoburnyouallasyeslept——ay，thefiringispiledagainstthedoor。Still，Iheldmyhand，forIhavesworntoslaynomore，excepttosavemylife。NowI
　　ridehencetoMosfell。ThitherletGizurcome，Gizurthemurderer，andSwanhildthewitch，andwiththemallwhowill。ThereIwillgivethemgreeting，andwipeawaythebloodofGudrudafromWhitefire’sblade。”
　　“Fearnot，Eric。”criedSwanhild，“Iwillcome，andtherethoumaystkillme，ifthoucanst。”
　　“Againstthee，Swanhild。”saidEric，“Iliftnohand。Dothyworst，I
　　leavetheetothyfateandthevengeanceoftheNorns。Iamnowoman-
　　slayer。ButtoGizurthemurdererIsay，come。”
　　Thenheturnedandwent，andSkallagrimwentwithhim。
　　“Up，men，andcutEricdown！“criedGizur，seekingtocoverhisshame。
　　Butnomanstirred。