 12 How Eric was outlawed and sailed a Viking Now the marriage feast went on, and Swanhild, draped in white and girt about with gold, sat by Atlae's side upon the high seat. He was feign of her, and drew her to him, but she looked at him with cold, calm eyes in which hate lurked. The feast was done, and all the company rode to the sea-strand, where the Earl's ship lay at anchor. They came there, and Swanhild kissed Asmond, and talked awhile with Groa, her mother, and bade farewell to all men, but she bade no farewell to Eric and to Gadruda. Why sayest thou no word to these two? asked Atlae, her husband. For this reason, Earl, she answered, because ere long we three shall meet again, but I shall see Asmond my father, and Groa my mother no more. That is an ill-saying wife, said Atlae. Meet things thou dost foretell their doom. May hap, and now I will add to my reeds, for I foretell thy doom also. It is not yet, but it draws on. Then Atlae bethought him of many wise souls, but spoke no more, for it seemed to him this was a strange bride that he had wed. They hauled the anchor home, shook out the great sail, and passed away into the evening night. But while land could still be seen, Swanhild stood near the helm, gazing with her blue eyes upon the lessening coast. Then she passed to the hold, and shut herself in alone, and there she stayed, saying that she was sick till at length, after a fair voyage of twenty days, they made the Orkney islands. But all this pleased Atlae wondrous ill, yet he dared not cross her mood. Now, in Iceland, the time drew on when men must ride to the all-thing, and notice was given to Eric Brideyes of many suits that were laid against him, in that he had brought Mord, Osbacker's son, to his death, dealing him a brain or a body or a marrow wound, and others of that company. But no suits were laid against Scaligram, for he was already outlaw. Therefore he must go in hiding, for men were out to slay him, and this he did unwillingly at Eric's bidding. Asmund took up Eric's case, for he was the most famous of all lawmen in that day, and when thirteen full weeks of summer were done, they too rode to the all-thing, and with them a great company of men of their quarter. Now, men go up to the Loegberg, and there came Osbacker, though he was not yet healed of his wound, and all his company, and lay their suits against Eric by the mouth of Ghizur the lawman, Osbacker's son. The pleadings were long and cunning on either side, but the end of it was that Osbacker brought it about, by the help of his friends, and of these he had many, that Eric must go into outlawry for three years. But no weirgild was to be paid to Osbacker and his men, for those who had been killed, and no atonement for the great wound that Scaligram Lamestale gave him, or for the death of Mord his son, in as much as Eric fought for his own hand to save his life. The party of Osbacker were ill-pleased at this finding, and Eric was not over-glad, for it was little to his mind that he should sail a warring across the seas, while Ghidruda set it home in Iceland. Still, there was no help for the matter. Now Osbacker spoke with his company, and the end of it was that he called on them to take their weapons and avenge themselves by their own might. Asmund and Eric, seeing this, mustered their army of freemen and thralls. There were one hundred and five of them, all stout men, but Osbacker Blacktooth's band numbered one hundred and thirty-three, and they stood with their backs to the raven's rift. Now I would that Scaligram was here to guard my back, said Eric, for before this fight is done few will be left standing to tell its tale. It is a sad thing, said Asmund, that so many men must die because some men are now dead. A very sad thing, said Eric, and took this council. He stalked alone towards the ranks of Osbacker, and called in a loud voice, saying, It would be grievous that so many warriors should fall in such a matter. Now harken, you company of Osbacker Blacktooth! If there be any two among you who will dare match their might against my single sword in Holmgang, here I, Eric Brideyes, stand and wait them. It is better that one man, or perchance three men, should fall, than that a none so many should roll in the dust. What say ye? Now all those who watched called out that this was a good offer and a manly one, though it might turn out ill for Eric. But Osbacker answered, Were I but well of my wound, I alone would cut that golden comb of thine, thou braggart. As it is, be sure that two shall be found. Who is the braggart? answered Eric. He who twice has learned the weight of this arm, and yet boasts his strength? Or I who stand craving that two should come against me? Get thee hence, Osbacker, get thee home and bid Theruna, thy layman, whom thou didst beguile from that anooned, who is now named Scalagrim Lamstail the Bazaarke. Nurse thee whole of the wound her husband gave thee. Be sure we shall yet stand face to face, and that comb shall be cut thine, comb's black or golden. Nurse thee, nurse thee, cease thy prating. Get thee home and bid Theruna nurse thee, but first name thou the two who shall stand against me in Holmgang in Aksara's stream. Folk laughed aloud while Eric mocked, but Osbacker gnashed his teeth with rage. Still he named the two mightiest men in his company, bidding them take up their swords against bright eyes. This indeed they were loath to do. Still, because of the shame that they must get if they hung back, and for fear of the wrath of Osbacker, they made ready to obey his bidding. Then all men passed down to the bank of Aksara, and, on the other side, people came from their booths and sat upon the slope of all men's raft, for it was a new thing that one man should fight too in Holmgang. Now Eric crossed to the island where Holmgangs are fought to this day, and after him came the two chosen, flourishing their swords bravely, and taking counsel how one should rush at his face, while the other passed behind his back and spit at him, as woodfolk spit a lamb. Eric drew white fire and leaned on it, waiting for the word, and all the women held him to be wondrous fair, as, clad in his bernie and his golden helm, he leaned thus on white fire. Presently the word was given, and Eric, standing not to defend himself as they deemed he surely would, whirled white fire round his helm, and rushed headlong on his foes, shield aloft. The great Carls saw the light that played on white fire's edge, and the other light that burned in Eric's eyes, and terror got hold of them. Now he was almost calm, and white fire sprang aloft like a tongue of flame. Then they stayed no more, but, running one this way and one that, cast themselves into the flood and swam for the river edge. Now from either bank rose up a roar of laughter that grew and grew, till it echoed against the lava rifts and scared the ravens from their nests. Eric too stopped his charge and laughed aloud, then walked back to where Asmund stood, unarmed, to second him in the home gang. I can get little honor from such champions as these, he said. Nay, answered Asmund, thou hast got the greatest honor, and Nay, and Aspecker, such shame as may not be wiped out. Now when Blacktooth saw what had come to pass, he well nigh choked and fell from his horse in fury. Still he could find no stomach for fighting, but, mustering his company, rode straight away from the all-thing, home again to Swinefell. But he caused those two whom he had put to do battle with Eric to be set upon with staves and driven from his following, and the end of it was that they might stay no more in Iceland, but took ship and sailed south, and now they are out of the story. On the next day, Asmund, and with him Eric and all their men, rode back to Middelhoff. Gdrude greeted Eric well, and for the first time since Swanhild went away she kissed him. Moreover she wept bitterly when she learned that he must go into outlawry, while she must bide at home. How shall the days pass by, Eric? she said, when thou art far, and I know not where thou art. Nor how it goes with thee, nor if thou livest or art already dead. In sooth I cannot say, sweet, he answered, but of this I am sure that, wheresoever I am, yet more weary shall be my hours. Three years, she went on, three long cold years, and no sight of thee, and perchance no tidings from thee, till may have I learned that thou art in that land whence tidings cannot come. Oh, it would be better to die than to part thus. Well I want that it is better to die than to live, and better never to have been born than to live and die, answered Eric sadly. Here it would seem is nothing but hate and strife, weariness and bitter envy to fret away our strength. And at last, if we come so far, sorrowful age and death, and thereafter we know not what. Little of good do we find to our hands, and much of evil. Nor know I for what ill-doings these burdens are laid upon us. Yet, must we needs breathe such an air as is blown about us, Gadruda, clasping at this happiness which is given, though we may not hold it. At the worst, the game will soon be played, and others will stand where we have stood, and strive as we have striven, and fail as we have failed, and so on, till man has worked out his doom, and the gods cease from their wrath, or ragnarok come upon them, and they, too, are lost in the jaws of Grey Wolf Fenrir. Men may win one good thing, and that is fame, Eric. Nay, Gadruda, what is it to win fame? Is it not to raise up foes, as it were, from the very soil? Who, made with secret hate, seek to stab us in the back? Is it not to lose peace, and toil on from height to height, only to be hurled down at last? Happy, then, is the man whom fame flies from, for hers is a deadly gift. Yet there is one thing left that thou hast not numbered, Eric, and it is love. For love is to our life what the sun is to the world, and though it seems to set in death, yet it may rise again. We are happy, then, in our love, for there are many who live their lives, and do not find it. So these two, Eric Brideyes and Gadruda the Fair, talk sadly, for their hearts were heavy, and on them lay the shadow of sorrows that were to come. Say, sweet, said Eric at length, wilt thou that I go not into banishment? Then I must fall into outlawry, and my life will be in the hands of him who may take it. Yet I think that my foes will find it hard to come by, while my strength remains, and, at the worst, I do but turn to meet the fate that dogs me. Nay, that I will not suffer, Brideyes. Now we will go to my father, and he shall give thee his dragon of war. She is a good vessel, and thou shalt man her with the briskest men of our quarter, for there are many who will be glad to fare abroad with thee, Eric. Soon she shall be bound, and thou shalt sail at once, Eric, for sooner thou art gone the sooner the three years will be sped, and thou shalt come back to me, but, oh, that I might go with thee. Now Gadruda and Eric went to Asmond and spoke of this matter. I desired, he answered, that thou, Eric, should spide here in Iceland till after harvest, for it is then that I would take Una, Thord's daughter, to wife, and it was me that thou should sit at the wedding-feast and give her to me. Nay, father, let Eric go, said Gadruda, for well begun is surely half done. He must remain three years in outlawry, and thou no day to them, for if he stays here for long I know this, that I shall find no heart to let him go, and, if go he must, then I shall go with him. That may never be, said Asmond, thou are too young and fair to sail a viking down the sea-path. Hark, and, Eric, I give thee the good ship, and now we will go about to find stout men to man her. That is a good gift, said Eric, and afterwards they rode to the seashore and overhauled the vessel as she lay in her shed. She was a great dragon of war, long and slender, and standing high at the stem and prowl. She was fashioned of oak, all bolted together with iron, and at her prowl was a gilded dragon most wonderfully carved. Eric looked on her, and his eyes brightened. Here rest a wave-horse that shall bear a viking well, he said. I, answered Asmond, of all the things I own this ship is the very best. She is so swift that none may catch her, and she can almost go about in her own length. That gale must be heavy that shall fill her, with thee to steer, yet I give her to thee freely, Eric, and thou shall do great deeds with this my gift. And if things go well, she shall come back to this shore at last, and thou in her. Now I will name this war-gift with a new name, said Eric. Gadruda, I name her, for as Gadruda here is the fairest of all women, so is this the fairest of all war-dragons. So be it, said Asmond. Then they rode back to Middlehoff, and now Eric Brideyes let it be known that he needed men to sail the seas with him. Or did he ask in vain, for, when it was told that Eric went to Viking, so great was his fame grown, that many a stout yeoman and many a great-limbed carl reached down-sword in shield and came up to Middlehoff to put their hands in his. For mate he took a certain man named Hall of Lithdale, and this because Bjorn asked it. For Hall was a friend of Bjorn, and he had, moreover, great skill in all manner of seamanship, and had often sailed the northern seas, I, and round England to the coast of France. But when Gadruda saw this man, she did not like him, because of his sharp face, uncanny eyes, and smooth tongue, and she prayed Eric to have nothing to do with him. It is too late now to talk of that, said Eric. Hall is a well-skilled man, and, for the rest, fear not, I will watch him. Then evil will come of it, said Gadruda. He also liked Hall little, nor did Hall love Scalagrim and his great axe. At length all were gathered, they were fifty in number, and it is said that no such band of men ever took ship from Iceland. Now the great dragon was bound, and her faring goods were aboard her, for Eric must sail on the morrow if the wind should be fair. All day long he stalked to and fro among his men. He would trust nothing to others, and there was no sword or shield in his company, but he himself had proved it. All day long he stalked, and at his back went Scalagrim lamestail, axe on shoulder, for he would never leave Eric if he had his will, and they were a mighty pair. At length all was ready, and men sat down to the fairing feast, in the hall at Middlehoff, and that was a great feast. Eric's folk were gathered on the side benches, and by the high seat at Asman's side sat bright eyes, and near to him were Bjorn, Asman's son, Gadruda, Una, Asman's betrothed, and Savuna, Eric's mother, where this had been settled between Asmund and Eric, that his mother Savuna, who was somewhat sunk in age, should flit from cold back and come with Una to dwell at Middlehoff, but Eric set a trusty grieve to dwell at cold back and mine the farm. When the fairing toast had been drunk, Eric spoke to Asmund and said, I fear one thing, Lord, and that is when I am gone, Ospecher will trouble thee. Now I pray you all to beware of Blacktooth, for, though the hound is whipped, he can still bite, and it seems that he has not yet put Gadruda from his mind. Now Bjorn had sat silently, thinking much and drinking more, for he loved Eric less than ever on this day, when he saw how all men did him honour, and mourned his going, and his father not the least of them. Me thinks it is thou, Eric, he said, whom Ospecher hates, and thee on whom he would work his vengeance, and that for no light cause. When bad fortune sits in thy neighbor's house, she knocks upon thy door, Bjorn. Gadruda, thy sister, is my betrothed, and thou art to party to this feud, said Eric. Therefore it becomes thee better to hold her honour and thy own against this Northlander, than to gird at me for that in which I have no blame. Bjorn grew wroth at these words. Pray not to me, he said, thou art an upstart who would teach their duty to thy betters. I puffed up with light one fame, like a feather on the breeze, but I say this, the breeze shall fail, and thou shalt fall upon the goose's back once more. I say this also, that had I my will, Gadruda should wed Ospecher, for he is the mighty chief, and not a long-legged carl outlawed from manslaying. Now Eric sprang up from his seat and laid hand upon the hilt of Whitefire, while men murmured in the hall, for they held this an ill speech of Bjorn's. In thee it seems I have no friend, said Eric, and hath thou been any other man than Gadruda's brother, for sooth thou shalt answer for thy mocking words. This I tell thee, Bjorn, that, worth thou twice her brother, if thou plottest with Ospecher when I am gone, thou shalt pay dearly for it when I come back again. I know thy heart well, it is cunning and greedy of gain, and filled with envy as a cask with ale, yet, if thou loveest to feel it beating in thy breast, strive not to work me mischief and to put Gadruda from me. Now Bjorn sprang up also and drew his sword, for he was white with rage, but Asmond his father cried, Peace, in a great voice. Peace, he said, be seated, Eric, and take no heed of this foolish talk, and for thee, Bjorn, art thou the priest of Middlehoff and Gadruda's father, or am I? It has pleased me to betroth bright eyes to Gadruda, and it pleased me not to betroth her to Ospecher, and that is enough for thee. For the rest, Ospecher would have slain Eric, not he Ospecher, therefore Eric's hands are clean. Though thou art my son, I say this, that, if thou workest ill to Eric when he is overseas, thou shalt rightly learn the weight of whitefire. It is a knittering deed to plot against an absent man. Eric sat down, but Bjorn strode, scalling from the hall, and, taking horse, rode south, nor did he and Eric meet again till three years had come and gone, and then they met but once. Maggots shall breed of that fly, nor shall they lack flesh to feed on, said Scalagrim in Eric's ears as he watched Bjorn pass, but Eric bade him be silent and turned to Gadruda. Look not so sad, sweet, he said, for hasty words rise like the foam on mead, and pass as soon. It vexes Bjorn that thy father has given me the good ship, but his anger will soon pass, or, at the very worst, I fear him not while thou art true to me. Then thou hast little to fear, Eric, she answered. Look now on thy hair, it grows long as a woman's, and that is ill, for at sea the salt will hang to it, say, shall I cut it for thee? Yes, Gadruda. So she cut his yellow locks, and one of them lay upon her heart for many a day. Now thou shalt swear to me, she whispered in his ear, that no other man or woman shall cut thy hair till thou comest back to me, and I clip it again. That I swear and readily, he answered, I will go long hair like a girl for thy sake, Gadruda. He spoke low, but cold, a half-witted, grow as thrall, heard this oath, and kept it in his mind. Very early on the morrow all men rose, and taking horse rode once more to the seaside, till they came to that shed where the Gadruda lay. Then, when the tide was high, Eric's company took hold of the black ship's thwarts, and at his word dragged her with might and mane. She ran down the greased blocks, and sped on quivering to the sea, as her dragon-prow dipped in the water people cheered aloud. Now Eric must bid farewell to all, and this he did with a brave heart, till at the last he came to Savuna, his mother, and Gadruda, his dear love. Farewell, son, said the old dame. I have little hope that these eyes shall look again upon that body-face of thine, yet I am well paid for my birth pains, for few have borne such a man as thou. Think of me at times, for without me thou hath never been. Be not led astray of women, nor lead them astray, or ill shall overtake thee. Be not quarrelsome because of thy great might, for there is a stronger than the strongest. Spare a fallen foe, and take not a poor man's goods or a brave man's sword, but when thou smidest smite home. So shout that win on her, and at the last, peace. That is more than on her. Eric thanked her for her counsel, and kissed her, then turned to Gadruda, who stood, white and still, plucking at her golden girdle. What can I say to thee, he asked? Say nothing, but go, she answered, go before I weep. Weep not, Gadruda, or thou wilt unmanned me. Say, thou wilt think on me? Aye, Eric, by day and by night. And thou wilt be true to me? Aye, till death and after, for so long as thou cleavest to me, I will cleave to thee. I will first die rather than betray thee, but of thee I am not so sure. For chance thou mayest find Swanhild in thy journeyings, and crave more kisses of her. Anger me not, Gadruda, thou knowest well that I hate Swanhild more than any other woman. When I kiss her again, then thou mayest wed Osbacher. Speak not so rashly, Eric, she said, and as she spoke, Scalagrim drew near. If thou lingerest here, Lord, the tide will serve us little round Westmans. He said, I and Gadruda as it were with jealousy. I come, said Eric. Gadruda, fare thee well. She kissed him and clung to him, but did not answer, for she could not speak. End of chapter. Recording by Brett Downey. Chapter 13 of Eric Brideyes. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Brett Downey. Eric Brideyes by H. Rider Haggard. Chapter 13. How Hall the Mate Cut the Grappinal Chain. Gadruda bent her head like a drooping flower, and presently sank to earth, for her knees would bear her weight no more. But Eric marched to the lip of the sea, his head held high, and laughing merrily to hide his pain of heart. Here stood Asmond, who gripped him by both hands, and kissed him on the brow, bidding him good luck. I know not whether we shall meet again, he said, but if my hours be sped before thou returnest, this I charge thee, that thou mindest Gadruda well, for she is the sweetest of all women that I have known, and I hold her the most dear. Fear not for that, Lord, said Eric. I pray thee this, that, if I come back no more, as well may happen, do not force Gadruda into marriage if she wills it not, and I think she will have little leaning that way. And I say this also, do not count over much on Bjorn thy son, for he has no loyal heart, and beware of Groa, who was thy housekeeper, for she loves not that Una should take her place and more. And now I thank thee for many good things, and farewell. Farewell, my son, said Asmond, for in this hour thou seemest as a son to me. Eric turned to enter the sea and way to the vessel, but Scalagrim caught him in his arms as though he were but a child, and, wading into the surf, till the water covered his waist belt, bore him to the vessel, and lifted him up, so that Eric reached the bulwarks with his hands. Then they loosed the cable, and got out the oars, and soon were dancing over the sea. Presently the breeze caught them, and they set the great sail and sped away like a gull towards the westmen islands. But Gadruda sat on the shore, watching till, at length, the light faded from Eric's golden helm as he stood upon the poop, and the world grew dark to her. Now Osbacher Blacktooth had news of this sailing, and took counsel of Gizur his son, and the end of it was that they made ready two great ships, dragons of war, and, placing sixty fighting men in each of them, sailed round the Iceland coast to the westmen's, and waited there to waylay Eric. They had spies on the land, and from them they learned of bright izes coming, and sailed out to meet him in the channel between the greater and the lesser islands, where they knew that he must pass. Now it drew towards evening when Eric rode down this channel, for the wind had fallen, and he desired to be clear at sea. Presently as the Gadruda came near to the mouth of the channel, that had high cliffs on either side, Eric saw two long dragons of war, for their bulwarks were shield-hung, glide from the cover of the island, and take their station side by side between him and the open sea. Now here are Vikings, said Eric to Scalagrim. Now here is Osbacker Blacktooth, answered Scalagrim, for well I know that raven banner of his. This is a good voyage, for we must seek but a little while before we come to fighting. Eric bade the men lay on their oars, and spoke. Before us is Osbacker Blacktooth, and two great dragons, and he is here to cut us off. Now two choices are left to us. One is to bout ship, and run before him. And the other is to row on, and give him battle. What say ye, comrades? Hall of Lithdale, the mate, answered, saying, Let us go back, lest we die. The odds are too great, Eric. But a man among the crew cried out, When thou didst go on home, gang, at Thinvala, Eric, Osbacker's two chosen champions stood before thee. Yet at white fire's flash, they scurry through the water like startled ducks. It was an omen, for so shall his great ships fly when we swoop on them. Then the others shouted, Aye, aye, never let it be said that we fled from Osbacker. Fie on thy women's talk, Hall. Then we are all of one mind, save Hall only, said Eric. Let us put Osbacker to the proof. And while the men shouted, Yay! He turned to speak with Scalogram. The bazaarck was gone, for, wasting no breath in words, already he was fixing the long shields on the bulwark rail. The men bust on their harness and made them fit for fight. And when all was ready, Eric mounted the poop, and with him Scalogram, and bade the rowers give way. The Ghadruta leapt forward and rushed on towards Osbacker's ships. Now they saw that these were bound together with a cable, and yet they must go betwixt them. Eric ran forward to the prow, and with him Scalogram, and called aloud to a great man who stood upon the ship to starboard, wearing a black helm with raven's wings. Who art thou that bars the sea against me? I am named Osbacker Blacktooth, answered the great man. And what must we lose at thy hands, Osbacker? But one thing, your lives, answered Blacktooth. Thrice have we stood face to face, Osbacker, said Eric, and it seems that hitherto thou hast won no great glory. Now it shall be proved that thy luck has bettered. Art yet healed, Lord, of that prick in the shoulder, which thou camest by on horse-head heights, roared Scalogram. For answer, Osbacker seized a spear and hurled it straight at Eric, and it had been his death had he not caught it in his hand as it flew. Then he cast it back, and that so minorly, that it sped straight through the shield of Osbacker, and was the bane of a man who stood beside him. A gift for a gift, laughed Eric. On rushed the Gadruda, but now the cable was strained six fathoms from her bow that held together the ships of Osbacker, and it was too strong for breaking. Eric looked and saw. Then he drew white fire, and while all men wondered, leapt over the prow of the ship, and, clasping the golden dragon's head with his arm, set his feet upon its claws and waited. On sped the ship, and spears flew thick and fast about him, but there bright eyes hung. Now the Gadruda's bow caught the great rope and strained it taut, and, as it rose beneath her weight, Eric's smote swift and strong with white fire, and clove it in two, so that the severed ends fell with a splash into the quiet water. Eric sprang back to deck, while stones and spears hissed about him. That was well done, lord, said Scalagrim. Now we shall be snugly birthed. In oars and out grappling irons, shouted Eric, up rose the rowers, and their war gear rattled as they rose. They drew in the long oars, and not before it was time, for now the Gadruda forced her way between the two dragons of Ospeker, and lay with her bow to their sterns. Then with a shout, Eric's men cast the irons, and soon the ships were locked fast, and the fight began. Spears flew thick, and on either side some got their death before them. Then the men of that vessel, named the raven, which was to larbored of the Gadruda, made ready to board. On they came with a rush, and were driven back, though hardly, for they were many, and those who stood against them few. Again they came, scrambling over the bulwarks, and this time a score them leapt aboard. Eric turned from the fight against the dragon of Ospeker, and saw it. Then with Scalagrim, he rushed to meet the boarders, as they swarmed along the hold, and not might withstand the ax and sword. Through and through them swept the mighty pair. Now white fire flashed, and now the great ax fell, and in every stroke a man lay dead or wounded. Six of the boarders turned to fly, but just then the grappling iron broke, and their ship drifted out with the tide towards the open sea, and presently no man of that twenty was left alive. Now the men of the ship of Ospeker, and of the Gadruda, pressed each other hard. Thrice did Ospeker strive to come aboard, and Thrice he was pushed back. Eric was ever where he was most needed, and with him Scalagrim, for these two threw themselves from side to side, and were now here, and now there, so that it seemed as though they were not one golden helm and one black, but rather four aboard the Gadruda. Eric looked, and saw the other ship was drawing round, though somewhat slowly to come alongside of them once more. Now we must make an end of Ospeker, else our hands will be overful, he said, and therewith sprang up upon the bulwarks, and after him many men. Once they were driven back, but came on again, and now they thrust all Ospeker's men before them, and passed up his ship on both boards. By the mast stood Ospeker, and with him Gizur his son, and Eric strove to come to him, but many men were between them, and he could not do this. Presently, while the fight yet went on hotly, and men fell fast, bright eyes felt the dragon of Ospeker strike, and, looking, saw that they had drifted with the send of the tide onto the rocks of the island. There was a great hole in the hole amid ships, and the water rushed in fast. Back, men, back! he cried, and all his folk that were unhurt ran, and leapt on board the Gajuda. But Ospeker and his men sprang into the sea, and swam for the shore. Then Scaligram cut loose the grappling irons with his axe, and that not too soon, for scarcely had they pushed clear with great toil when the long warship slipped from the rock and foundered, taking many dead and wounded men with her. Now Ospeker and some of his men stood safe upon the rocks. When Eric called to him in mockery, bidding him come aboard the Gajuda, Ospeker made no answer but stood gnawing his hand while the water ran from him. Only Gizour his son cursed them aloud. Eric was greatly minded to follow them, and land and fight them there. But he might not do this because of the rocks and of the other dragon that hung about them, fearing to come on, and yet not willing to go back. We will have her at the least, said Eric, and bade the rowers get out the oars. Now when the men on board the other ship saw the Gajuda drawing on, they took to their oars at once and rode swiftly for the sea, and at this a great roar of laughter went down Eric's ship. They shall not slip from us easily, said Eric. Give way, comrades, and after them. But the men were much wearied with fighting, and the decks were all combered with dead and wounded. So that by the time the Gajuda had put about and come to the mouth of the waterway, Ospeker's vessel had shaken out her sails and cut the wind, that now blew strong offshore, and sped away six furlongs or more from Eric's prow. Now we shall see how the Gajuda sails, said Eric, and they spread their canvas and gave chase. Then Eric bade men clear the decks of the dead and tend the wounded. He had lost seven men slain outright, and three were wounded, one to death. But on board the ship there lay of Ospeker's force twenty and three dead men. Then all were cast into the sea, men ate and rested. We have not done so badly, said Eric to Scalagrim. We shall do better yet, said Scalagrim to Eric. Rather had I seen Ospeker's head lying in the scuppers than those of all his corals, for he may get more men, but never another head. Now the wind freshened, till by midnight it blew strongly. The mate Hall came to Eric and said, The Gajuda dips her nose deep and rands cup, Say, Eric, shall we shorten sail? Nay, answered Eric, Keep her full and bale. Where yonder raven flies my sea stag must follow, and he pointed to the warship that rode the ways before them. After midnight clouds came up with rain and hid the face of the night sun and the ship they sought. The wind blew ever harder till at length when the rain had passed and the clouds lifted. There was much water in the hold and the balers could hardly stand at their work. Men murmured, and Hall the mate murmured most of all, but still Eric held on, where there, not too furlongs ahead of them, rode the dragon of Ospeker. But now, being afraid of wind and sea, she had lowered her sail somewhat, and made as though she would put about and run for Iceland. That she may not do, called Eric to Scalagrim. If once she rolls side on to those seas, raven has her, for she must fill and sink. Though they hold, Lord, answered Scalagrim, see, once more she runs. Aye, but we run faster. She is out sailed, up men up, for presently the fight begins. It is bad to join battle in such a sea, quote Hall. Good or bad, growled Scalagrim, do thou thy Lord's bidding? And he half lifted up his axe. The mate said no more, for he misdoubbed him of Scalagrim Lambstale and his axe. Then the men made ready for the fray as best they might, and stood, sword in hand, and drenched with foam, clinging to the bulwarks of the Gadruda as she wallowed through the seas. Eric went aft to the helm and seized it. Now but a length ahead, Ospeker's ship labored on beneath her small sail, but the Gadruda rushed towards her with all canvas set, and at every leap plunged her golden dragon beneath the surf, and shook the water from her foredeck. Make ready the grappnol, shouted Eric through the storm. Scalagrim seized the iron and stood by. Now the Gadruda rushed alongside the raven, and Eric steered so skillfully that there was a fathom space and no more between the ships. Scalagrim cast the iron well and truly, so that it hooked and held. On sped the Gadruda and the cable taunted. Now her stern kissed the bow of Ospeker's ship, as though she was towing her, and thus for space they traveled through the seas. Eric's folks shouted and strove to cast beers, but they did this but ill because of the rocking of the vessel. As for Ospeker's men, they clung to their bulwarks and did nothing, for all the heart was out of them between fear of Eric and terror of the sea. Eric called to a man to hold the helm, and Scalagrim crept aft to where he stood. What council shall we take now? said Eric, and as he spoke a sea broke over them, for the gale was strong. Boid them and make an end, answered Scalagrim. Rough work, still, we will try it, said Eric, for we may not lie thus for long, and I am loath to leave them. Then Eric called for men to follow him, and many answered, creeping as best they might to where he stood. Thou art mad, Eric, said Hall the mate, cut loose and let us drive, else we shall both founder, and that is a poor tale to tell. Eric took no heed, but, watching his chance, leapt on to the vows of the raven, and after him leapt Scalagrim. Even as he did so, a great sea came and swept past and over them, so that half the ship was hid for foam. Now Hall the mate stood near the grapnel cable, and, fearing lest they should sink, out of the cowardice of his heart, he let his axe fall upon the chain, and severed it so swiftly that no man saw him, except Scalagrim only. Forward sprang the Kajruta, freed from her burden, and rushed away before the wind, leaving Eric and Scalagrim alone upon the raven's prow. Now we are in an evil plight, said Eric. The cable has parted. Aye, answered Scalagrim, and that lozal Hall hath parted it. I saw his axe fall. End of chapter, recording by Brett Downey. Eric Brideyes by H. Ryder Haggard, chapter 14, how Eric dreamed a dream. Now when the men of Osbeker, who were gathered on the poop of the raven, saw what had come about, they shouted aloud and made ready to slay the pair. But Eric and Scalagrim clamored to the mast and got their backs against it, and swiftly made themselves fast with a rope, so that they might not fall with the rolling of the ship. Then the people of Osbeker came on to cut them down. But this was no easy task, for they might scarcely stand, and they could not shoot with the bow. Moreover Eric and Scalagrim, being bound to the mast, had the use of both hands and were minded to die hard. Therefore Osbeker's folks got but one thing by their onslaught, and that was death. For three of their number fell beneath the long sweep of whitefire, and one bowed before the axe of Scalagrim. Then they drew back and strove to throw spears at these two, but they flew wide because of the rolling of the vessel. One spear struck the mast near the head of Scalagrim. He drew it out, and, waiting till the ship steadied herself in a trough of the sea, hurled it at a knot of Osbeker's thralls, and a man got his death from it. After that they threw no more spears. Thence once more the crew came on with sores and axes, but faint heartedly, and the end of it was that they lost some more men dead and wounded, and fell back again. Scalagrim mocked at them with bitter words, and one of them, made mad by his scoffing, cast a heavy ballast stone at him. It fell upon his shoulder and numbed him. Now I am unmeet for fight, Lord, said Scalagrim, for my right arm is dead, and I can scarcely hold my axe. That is ill, then, said Eric, for we have little help except from each other, and I too am well nigh spent. Well we have done a great deed, and now it is time to rest. My left arm is yet whole, Lord, and I can make ship for a while with it. Cut loose the cord before they bait us to death, and let us rush upon these wolves and fall fighting. A good council, said Eric, and a quick end, but stay a while. What plan have they now? Now the men of Ospecker, having little heart left in them for such work as this, had taken thought together. We have got great hearse and little honour, said the mate. There are but nineteen of us left alive, and that is scarcely enough to work the ship, and it seems that we shall be fewer before Eric Brighteyes and Scalagrim Lamestale lie quiet by yonder mast. They are mighty men indeed, and it would be better, me thinks, to deal with them by craft rather than by force. The sailors said this was a good word, for they were weary of the sight of Whitefire as he flamed on high, and the sound of the ax of Scalagrim as it crashed through Helm and Bernie, and his fear crept in Valor fled out. This is my reed, then, said the mate, that we go to them and give them peace, and lay them in bonds, swearing that we will put them ashore when we are come back to Iceland. But when we have them fast, as they sleep at night, we will creep on them, and hurl them into the sea, and afterwards we will say that we slew them fighting. A shameful deed, said a man. Then go thou up against them, answered the mate. If we slay them not, then shall this tale be told against us throughout Iceland, that a ship's company were worsted by two men, and we may not live beneath that dishonour. The man held his peace, and the mate, laying down his arms, kept forward alone, towards the mast, just as Eric and Scalagrim were about to cut themselves loose and rush on them. What wouldest thou, shouted Eric, has it gone so well with you with arms, that ye are minded to come up against us bearing none? It is gone ill, Eric, said the mate, or ye twain are too mighty for us. We have lost many men, and we shall lose more error ye are laid low, therefore we make you this offer, that you lay down your weapons and suffer yourselves to be bound, till such time as we touch land, where we will set you ashore and give you your arms again. Meanwhile we will deal with you in friendly fashion, giving you of the best we have, nor will we set foot any suit against you for those of our number whom ye too have slain. Wherefore then should we be bound, said Eric, for this reason only, that we dare not leave you free within our ship. Now choose, and if ye will, take peace, which we swear by all the gods we will keep towards you, and, if ye will not, then we will bear you down with beams and sails and stones and slay you. What thinkest thou, Scalagrim? said Eric, beneath his breath? I think that I find little faith in Yon-Karl's face, answered Scalagrim. Still, I am unfit to fight, and thy strength is spent, so it seems that we must lie low if we would rise again. They can scarcely be so base as to do murder having hand-selled peace to us. I am not so sure of that, said Eric. Still, starving beggars must eat bones. Harken, thou! We take the terms, trusting to your honor, and I say this, that ye shall get shame and death if ye depart from them to harm us. Have no fear, Lord, said the mate, we are true men. That we shall look to your deans to learn, said Eric, laying down his sword and shield. Scalagrim did likewise, though with no good grace. Then men came with strong cords, and bound them fast, hand and foot, handling them fearsomely, as men handle a live bear and a net. Then they led them forward to the prowl. As they went, Eric looked up. Yonder, twenty furlongs, and more away, sailed the Gadruda. That is good fellowship, said Scalagrim, thus to leave us in the trap. Nay! answered Eric. They cannot put about in such a sea, and doubtless also they think us dead. Nevertheless, if ever it comes about that Hall and I stand face to face again, there will be need for me to think of gentleness. I shall think little thereon, growled Scalagrim. Now they were come to the prowl, and there was a half-deck under which they were set, out of reach of the wind and water. In the deck was a stout iron ring, and the men made them fast with ropes to it, so that they might move but little, and they set their helms and weapons behind them in such fashion that they could not come at them. Then they flung cloaks about them, and brought them food and drink, of which they stood much in need, and treated them well in every way, but for all this Scalagrim trusted them no more. We are new hooked, Lord, he said, and they give us line, presently they will haul us in. He will come soon enough, answered Eric. No need to run to greet it, and he fell to thinking of Gadruda and of the day's deeds, till presently he dropped asleep, for he was very weary. Now a chance that as Eric slept he dreamed a dream so strong and strange that it seemed to live within him. He dreamed that he slept there beneath the raven's deck, and that a rat came and whispered spells into his ear. Then he dreamed that Swanhild glided towards him, walking on the stormy seas. He saw her afar, and she came swiftly, and ever the sea grew smooth before her feet, nor did the wind so much as stir her hair. Suddenly she stood by him in the ship, and, bending over him, touched him on the shoulder, saying, Awake, Eric bright eyes, awake, awake! It seemed to him that he awoke and said, What tidings, Swanhild? And that she answered, Ill tidings, Eric, so ill that I am come hither from straw-me to tell of them. I come walking on the seas. Had Gadruda done so much, thinkest thou? Away! Now known as Stroma, the southernmost of the Orkneys. Gadruda is no witch, he said in his dream. Nay, but I am a witch, and it is well for thee, Eric. I, I am a witch. Now do I seem to sleep at atly side, and lo, here I stand by thine, and I must journey back again, many a league before another day be born. I, many a league, and all for love of thee, Eric. Harken, for not long may the spell endure. I have seen this by my magic, that these men who bound thee come even now to take thee sleeping, and cast thee and thy thrall into the deep, there to drown. If it is faded it will be fall, he said in his dream. Nay, it shall not be fall. Put forth all thy might, and burst thy bonds. Then fetch white fire, cut away the bonds of Scaligram, and give him his axe and shield. This done, cover yourselves with your cloaks, and wait till ye hear the murderers come. Then rise, and rush upon them, the two of you, and they shall melt before your might. I have journeyed over the great deep to tell thee this, Eric. Had Gudruna done as much, thinkest thou? And it seemed to him that the Wraith of Swanhild kissed him on the brow, side, and vanished, bearing the rat in her bosom. Eric awoke suddenly, just as though he had never slept, and looked round. He knew by the loneness of the sun that it was far into the night, and that he had slept for many hours. They were alone beneath the deck, and far aft beyond the mast as the vessel rose upon the waves, for the sea was still rough, though the wind had fallen. Eric saw the mate of the raven, talking earnestly with some men of his crew. Scaligram snored beside him. Awake! Eric said in his ear. Awake, and listen! He yawned, and roused himself. What now, Lord? He said. This! said Eric, and he told him the dream that he had dreamed. That was a fade dream, said Scaligram. And now we must do as the Wraith bathed thee. Easy to say, but hard to do, quote Eric. This is a great rope that holds us, and strong. Yes, it is great and strong. Still, we must burst it. Now Eric and Scaligram were made fast in this fashion. Their hands were bound behind them, and their legs were lashed above the feet and above the knee. Moreover, a thick cord was fixed about the waist of each, and this cord was passed through an iron ring and knotted there, but a chance that beneath the hollows of their knees ran an oaken beam, which held the four part of the dragon together. We may try this, said Eric, to set our feet against the beam and strain with all our strength upon the rope, though I think that no two men can part it. We shall know that presently, said Scaligram, gathering up his legs. Then they set their feet against the beam and pulled it till it groaned, but though the rope gave somewhat, it would not break. They rested a while, then strained again till the sweat burst out upon them, and the rope cut into their flesh, but still it would not part. We have found our match, said Eric. That is not altogether proved yet, answered the bazaar. Many a shield is riven at the third stroke. So once again they set their feet against the beam and put out all their strength. The ring bends, gasped Eric. Now, when the roll of the ship throws our weight to Leeward, in the name of Thor, pull! They waited, then put out their might, and low, though the rope did not break, the iron ring burst asunder and they rolled upon the deck. Well pulled truly, said Scaligram, as he struggled to his haunches. I am marked about the middle with rope twist for many a day to come, that I will swear. What next, Lord? White fire, answered Eric. Now their arms were piled afathom or more from where they sat, and right in the prow of the ship. Hither, then, they must crawl upon their knees, and this was weary work. Forever as the ship rolled they fell, and could in no wise save themselves from hurt. Eric was bleeding at the brow, and bloody was the hooked nose of Scaligram before they came to where white fire was. At length they reached the sword and pushed aside the bucklers that were over it with their heads. The great warblade was sheathed, and Eric must needs lie upon his breast and draw the weapon somewhat with his teeth. This is an ill razor to shave with, he said, rising, for the keen blade had cut his chin. So some have thought and perchance more shall think, answered Scaligram. Now set the rope on the edge and rub. This they did, and presently the thick cord that bound them was in two. Then Eric knelt upon the deck and pressed the bonds that bound his legs upon the blade, and after him Scaligram. They were free now except for their hands, and it was no easy thing to cut away the bonds upon their wrists. It was done thus, Scaligram sat upon the deck, and Eric pushed the sword between his fingers with his feet. Then the bazaar rose, holding the sword, and Eric, turning back to back with him, fretted the cords upon his wrists against the blade. Twice he cut himself, but the third time the cord parted and he was free. He stretched his arms, for they were stiff, then took white fire and cut away the bonds of Scaligram. �How goes it with that hurt of thine?� he asked. �Better than I had thought,� answered Scaligram. �The soreness has come out with the bruise. �That is good news,� said Eric. �For me thinks, unless Swanhild walked the seas for nothing, that will soon need thine arms. �They have never failed me yet,� said Scaligram, and took his axe and shield. �What counsel now?� �This, Scaligram, that we lie down as we were, and put the cloak about us as though we were yet in bonds. Then if these knaves come, we can take them unawares as they think to take us. So they went again to where they had been bound and laid down upon their shields and weapons, drawing cloaks over them. Finally had they done this, and rested a while, when they saw the mate and all the crew coming along both boards towards them. They bore no weapons in their hands. �None too soon did Swanhild walk,� said Eric. �Now we shall learn their purpose. Be thou ready to leap forth when I give the word. �Aye, Lord� answered Scaligram, as he worked his stiff arms to and fro. �In such matters few have thought me backward. �What news, friends?� cried Eric, as the men drew near. �Bad news for thee, bright eyes,� answered the mate, �and that bazaak thrall of thine, for we must loose your bands. �That is good news, then� said Eric, �for our limbs are numb and dead because of the nipping of the cords. Is land in sight? �Nay, nor will be for thee, Eric. �How now, friend? How now? Sure, having hand-selled peace to us, ye mean no harm towards two unarmed men. �We swore to do you no harm, nor will we, Eric. This only will we do, deliver you, bound, to ran, and leave her to deal with you as she may. �Be-think you, sirs,� said Eric, �this is a cruel deed, and most unmanly. We yield it to you in faith. Will ye break your troth? �Wor has no troth,� he answered, �ye are too great to let slip between our fingers. Shall it be said of us that two men overcame us all? �May have,� murmured Scaligram, beneath his breath. �Oh, sirs, I beseech you,� said Eric, �I am young, and there is a maid who waits me out in Iceland. And it is hard to die.� And he made as though he wept, while Scaligram laughed within his sleeve, for it was strange to see Eric feigning fear. But the men mocked aloud. �This is the great man,� they cried. �This is that, Eric, of whose deeds folks sing? Look! He weeps like a child when he sees the water. Drag him forth, and away with him into the sea. No need for that!� cried Eric, and lo! The cloaks about him and Scaligram flew aside. Out they came with a roar, and they came out as a she-bear from her cave. And high above, bright eyes, golden curls, white fire shone in the pale light, and nigh to it shone the axe of Scaligram. White fire flared aloft, and then down he fell, and sought the false heart of the mate. The great axe of Scaligram shone, and was lost in the breast of the carl who stood before him. �Trolls!� shrieked one, �Here are trolls!� and turned to fly. But again, white fire was up, and that man flew not far, one pace and no more. Then they fled screaming, and after them came axe and sword. They fled, they fell, they leapt into the sea, till none were left to fall and leap, where they had no time or heart to find or draw their weapons, and presently Eric Brighteyes and Scaligram Lambstale stood alone upon the deck, alone with the dead. �Swanhild is a wise witch,� gasped Eric, �and whatever ill she has done, I will remember this to her honor. �Little good comes of witchcraft,� answered Scaligram, wiping his brow. �Today it works for our hands, tomorrow it shall work against them. �To the helm,� said Eric, �the ship yaws and comes side on to the seas.� Scaligram sprang to the tiller and put his strength on it, and but just in time, for one big sea came aboard them and left much water in the hold. �We owe this to thy bizarre ways,� said Eric, �hats thou not slain the steersman,� we had not filled with water. �True, lord� answered Scaligram, �but when once my axe is aloft it seems to fly of itself, till nothing is left before it. What course now?� �The same on which the Godruda was laid, perhaps if we may endure till we come to the Faray Islands, we shall find her in harbor there. �Faray Isles,� now known as the Faroes, �there is not much chance of that,� said Scaligram, �still the wind is fair and we fly fast before it.� Then they lashed the tiller and set to bailing. They bailed long and it was heavy work, but they rid the ship of much water. After that they ate food, for it was now morning and it came on to blow yet more strongly. For three days and three nights it blew thus, and the raven sped along before the gale. All this time, turn and turn about, Eric and Scaligram stood at the helm and tended the sails. They had little time to eat and none to sleep. They were so hard pressed also, and must harbor their strength so closely that the bodies of the dead men yet numbered the hold. Thus they grew very weary and liked to fall from faintness, but still they held the raven on her course. In the beginning of the fourth night a great sea struck the good ship so that she quivered from stem to stern. �Me thinks I hear water bubbling up� said Scaligram in a horse voice. Eric climbed down into the well and lifted the bottom planks, and there beneath them was a leak through which the water spouted in a thin stream. He stopped up the rent as best he might with garments from the dead men, and placed ballastones upon them, then clambered on to the deck again. �Our hours are short now� he said. The water rushes in a pace. �Well, it is time to rest� said Scaligram. �But sea, Lord� and he pointed ahead. �What land is that?� �It must be the fairies� answered Eric. �Now if we can but keep afloat for three hours more we may yet die ashore.� After this the wind began to fall, but still there was enough to drive the raven on swiftly, and ever the water gained in the hold. Now they were not far from land, for ahead of them the bleak hills towered up, shining in the faint midnight light, and between the hills was a cleft that seemed to be a fjord. Another hour passed, and they were no more than ten furlongs from the mouth of the fjord, when suddenly the wind fell, and they were in calm water under the shelter of the land. They went to midships and looked. The hold was half full of water, and in it floated the bodies of Ospeker's men. �She is not long to live� said Scaligram. �But we may still be saved if the boat is not broken.� Now aft, near the tiller, a small boat was bound on the half-deck of the raven. They went to it and looked. It was whole, with oars lashed in it, but half full of water, which they must bail out. This they did as swiftly as they might. Then they cut the little boat loose, and, having made it fast with a rope, lifted it over the side rail and let it fall into the sea. And that was no great way, for the raven had sunk deep. It fell on an even keel, and Eric led himself down the rope into it, and called to Scaligram to follow. �By the wild Lord� he answered. �There is that which I would bring with me.� For a space Eric waited, and then called aloud, �Swift, thou fool, swift, the ship sinks.� And as he called, Scaligram came, and his arms were full of swords and burnies and red rings of gold that he had found time to gather from the dead and out of the cabin. �Throw all aside and come� said Eric, laying on to the oars, for the raven wallowed before she sank. �There is yet time, Lord, and the gear is good� answered Scaligram, and one by one he threw pieces down into the boat. As the last fell the raven sank to her bulwarks. Then Scaligram stepped from the sinking deck into the boat, and cut the cord not too soon. Eric gave way with all his strength, and, as he pulled, when he was no more than five fathoms from her, the raven vanished with a huge swirl. �Hold still,� he said, �or we shall follow.� Round spun the boat in the eddy. She was sucked down to the water trickled over her gun-wail, and for a moment they knew not if they were lost or saved. Eric held his breath and watched. Then slowly the boat lifted her nose and they were safe from the whirlpool of the lost dragon. �Greed is many a man�s bane� said Eric, �and it was nearly thine and mine� Scaligram. �I had no heart to leave the good gear� he answered, �And thou seest, Lord, it is safe, and we with it.� Then they got the boat�s head round slowly into the mouth of the fjord, pausing now and again to rest where their strength was spent. For two hours they rode down a gulf, as it were, and on either side of them were barren hills. At length the waterway opened out into a great basin, and there, on the further side of the basin, they saw green slopes running down to the water�s edge, strewn with white stockfish set to dry in the wind and sun, and above the slopes a large hall, and about it booths. Moreover they saw a long dragon of war at anchor near the shore, for a while they rode on, easing now and again. Then Eric spoke to Scaligram, �What thinkest thou of yonder ship, lamstail?� �I think this, Lord, that she is fashioned wondrous like to the Gadruda.� �That is in my mind also� said Eric, �and our fortune is good if it is she.� They rode on again, and presently arrayed from the sun came over the hills, for now it was three hours past midnight, and the ship, having swung a little with the tide, lit upon her prow, and low, there gleamed the golden dragon of the Gadruda. �This is a strange thing� said Eric. �I, Lord, a strange and a merry, for now I shall talk with Hall the mate.� And the bazaar smiled grimly. �Thou shalt do no hurt to Hall� said Eric. �I am Lord here, and I must judge.� �Thy will is my will� said Scaligram, �but if my will were thine, he would hang on the mast till the seabirds nested amidst his bones.� Now they were close to the ship, but they could see no man. Scaligram would have called aloud, but Eric bade him hold his peace. �Either they are dead, and thy calling cannot wake them, or for chance they sleep and will wake of themselves. We will row under the stern, and, having made fast, climb aboard and see with our own eyes.� This then they did as silently as might be, and saw that the Gadruda had not been handled gently by the winds and waves, for her shield rail was washed away. This they found also, that all men lay deep in sleep. Now amidst ships a fire still burned, and by it was food. They came there and ate of the food, of which they had great need. Then they took two cloaks that lay on the deck, and, throwing it about them, warmed themselves over the fire, for they were cold and wet, eye and utterly outworn. As they sat thus, warming themselves, a man of the crew awoke, and saw them, and being amazed, at once called to his fellows, saying that two giants were aboard, warming themselves at the fire. Now men sprang up, and, seizing their weapons, ran towards them, and among them was Hall the Mate. Then suddenly Eric bright eyes and Scaligram lamestail threw aside the cloaks and stood up. They were gaunt and grim to see, their cheeks were hollow and their eyes stared wide with want of sleep. Thick was their harness with brine, and open wounds gaived upon their faces and their hands. Men saw and fell back in fear, for they held them to be wizards risen from the sea in the shapes of Eric and the bazaar. Then Eric sang this song. Swift and sure across the swan's bath sped sea stag on Raven's track. Heaved Rans breast in raging billows, streamed gale banners through the sky. What did Eric the War Eager leap with Bazaar Mate aboard? Fierce their onset on the foeman, wherefore break the grapinal chain. Hall heard and slunk back, for now he saw that these were indeed Eric and Scaligram, come up alive from the sea, and that they knew his baseness. Eric looked at him and sang again. Swift away sped ship Gdruda, left her lord in foeman's ring. Bright eyes back to back with Bazaarke, held his head against mighty odds. Down amidst the ballast tumbling, Ospecker's shield curls were rolled. Holy peace at length they hand-selled. Eric must in bonds be laid. Came the gray rat, came the earl's wife, came the witch-word from afar. Caged wolves roused them and, with struggling, tore their fetter from its hold. Now they watch upon their weapons. Now they weep and pray for life. Now they leap forth like a torrent, swamped away in foeman's strength. Then alone upon the raven, three long days they steer and sail, till the waters, welling upwards, wash dead men about their feet. Fails the gale and sinks the dragon. Barely may they win the boat. Safe they stand on ship Gdruda. Say, who cut the grapinal chain? CHAPTER 15 How Eric DeWelt in London Town Men stood astonished, but Hall the Mate slunk back. Hold, comrade, said Eric. I have something to say that songs cannot carry. Harken, my shield-mates. We swore to be true to each other, even to death. Is it not so? What then shall be said of that man who cut loose the Gdruda and left us two to die at the foeman's hand? Who was the man? asked a voice. That man was Hall of Lithdale, said Eric. It is false, said Hall, gathering up his courage. The cable parted beneath the straining of the ship, and afterwards we cannot put about because of the great sea. Thou art false, roared Scalagrim. With my eyes I saw the lethine ax fall upon the cable. Liar art thou, and dastard. Thou art jealous also of bright eyes thy Lord, and this was in thy mind, to let him die upon the raven, and then to bind his shoes upon thy cowardly feet. Though none else saw, I saw, and I say this, that if I may have my will I will string thee, living to the prow in that same cable, till the gulls tear out thy fox heart. Now Hall grew very white, and his knees trembled beneath him. It is true, he said, that I cut the chain, but not from any thought of evil, had I not cut it, the vessel must have sunk and all been lost. Did we not swear, Hall, said Eric sternly, together to fight and together to fall, together to fare and, if need be, together to cease from faring? And dast thou read the oath thus? Say, mates, what reward shall be paid to this man for his good fellowship to us and his tenderness for your lives? As with one voice the men answered, DEATH! Thou hearest Hall, said Eric, yet I would deal more gently with one to whom I swore fellowship so lately. Get thee gone from our company, and let us see thy curse face no more. Get thee gone, I say, before I repent of my mercy. Then amidst a loud hooting, Hall took his weapons, and without a word slunk into the boat of the raven that lay astern, and rode ashore, nor did Eric see his face for many months. Thou hast done foolishly, Lord, to let that weasel go, said Scalagrim, for he will live to nip thy hand. For good or evil he is gone, said Eric, and now I am worn out and desire to sleep. After this Eric and Scalagrim rested three full days, and they were so weary that they were awake for little of this time, but on the third day they rose up, strong and well, except for their hurts and soreness. Then they told the men of that which had come to pass, and all wondered at their might and hardyhood. To them indeed Eric seemed as a god, for few such deeds as his had been told of since the God kind were on earth. Bright eyes thought little of his deeds, and much of Godruda. At times also he thought of Swanhild, and of that which dream she had sent him, for it was wonderful to him that she should have saved him thus from Rand's net. Eric was heartily welcomed by the Earl of the Ferre Isles, for when he heard his deeds he made a feast in his honour, and set him in the high seat. It was a great feast, but Scalagrim became drunk at it and ran down the chamber axoloft, roaring for a hall of Lithdale. This angered Eric much, and he would scarcely speak to Scalagrim for many days, though the great bazaarks slunk about after him, like his shadow, or a whipped hound at his master's heel, and at length humbled his pride so far as to ask pardon for his fault. I grant it for thy deed's sake, said Eric shortly, but this is upon my mind that thou wilt err thus again, and it shall be my cause of death, I and that of many more. Just may my bones be white, said Scalagrim. They shall be white thereafter, answered Eric. At Ferre's Eric shipped twelve good men in true to take the seats of those who had been slain by Ospeker's folk. Afterwards when the wounded were well of their hurts, except one man who died, and the Gejudo was fit to take to the sea again, Brideyes bade farewell to the Earl of those Isles, who gave him a good cloak and a gold ring at parting, and sailed away. Now it were too long to tell of all the deeds that Eric and his men did. Never, so Scald sing, was there a viking like him for strength and skill and hardy-hood, and in those days no such war-dragon as the Gejudo had been known upon the sea. Wherever Eric joined battle, and that was in many places, he conquered, for none prevailed against him, till at last foes would fly before the terror of his name, and earls and kings would send from far, craving the aid of his hands. With all he was the best and gentlest of men. It is said of Eric that in all his days he did no base deed, nor hurt the weak, nor refused peace to him who prayed it, nor lifted sword against prisoner or wounded foe. From traitors he would take a toll of their merchandise only and let them go, and whatever gains he won he would share equally, asking no larger part than the meanest of his band. All men loved Eric, and even his foes gave him honor and spoke well of him. Now that Hall of Lithdale was gone there was no man among his mates who would not have passed to death for him, for they held him dearer than their lives. Women too loved him much, but his heart was set upon Gejuda, and he seldom turned to look on them. The first summer of his outlawry Eric warred along the coast of Ireland, but in the winter he came to Dublin, and for a while served in the bodyguard of the king of that town, who held him in honor and would have had him stay there, but Eric would not bide there, and next spring, the Gejuda being ready for sea, he sailed for the shores of England. There he gave battle to two Viking ships of war, and took them after a hard fight. It was in this fight that Scalagrim Lamestale was wounded almost to death, for when, having taken one ship, Eric boarded the other with but few men, he was driven back and fell over a beam, and would have been slain, had not Scalagrim thrown himself across his body, taking on his own back that blow of a battleaxe which was aimed at Eric's head. This was a great wound, for the axe sure threw the steel of the bernie and sank into the flesh. But when Eric's men saw their lord down, and Scalagrim, as they deemed dead, athwart him, they made so fierce a rush that the foemen fell before them like glies before a winter gale, and the end of it was that the Vikings prayed peace of Eric. Scalagrim lay sick for many days, but he was hard to kill, and Eric nursed him back to life. After this, these two loved each other, as brother loves twin brother, and they could scarcely bear to be apart, but other people did not love Scalagrim, nor he them. Eric sailed on up the Thames to London, bringing the Viking ships with him, and he delivered their captains bound to Edmund, Edward's son, the king who was called Edmund the Magnificent. These captains, the king hung, for they had wrought damage to his ships. Eric found much favor with the king, and indeed his fame had gone before him. So when he came into the court, bravely clad, with Scalagrim at his back, who was now almost recovered of his wound, the king called out to him to draw near, saying that he desired to look on the bravest Viking and the most beauteous man who sailed the seas, and on that fierce bazaar whom men called Eric's death shadow. So Eric came forward up the long hall that was adorned with things more splendid than ever his eyes had seen, and stood before the king. With him came Scalagrim, driving the two captive Viking chiefs before him with his axe, as a flesher drives lambs. Now during these many months Brideyes had grown yet more great in girth and glorious to look on than he was before. Moreover his hair was now so long that it flowed like a flood of gold down towards his girdle, for since Gadruda trimmed it no shears had come near his head, and his locks grew fast as a woman's. The king looked at him and was astonished. Of a truth, he said, men have not lied about the Icelandre, nor concerning that great wolfhound of thine, and he pointed at Scalagrim with his sword of state. Never saw I such a man, and he bade all the mightiest men of his bodyguard stand forward that he might measure them against Eric. But Brideyes was an inch taller than the tallest, and measured half a span more round the chest than the biggest. What wouldest thou of me, Icelandre? Asked the king. This, Lord, said Eric, to serve thee awhile and all my men with me. That is an offer that few would turn from, answered the king. Thou shalt go into my bodyguard, and, if I have my will, thou shalt be near me in battle, and thy wolfdog also. Eric said that he asked no better, and thereafter he went up with Edmund the king to make war on the Danes of Mercia, and he in Scalagrim did great deeds before the eyes of the Englishmen. That winter Eric and his company came back to London, and abode with the king in much state and honour. Now there was a certain lady of the court named Elfrida. She was both fair and wealthy, the sweetest of women, and of royal blood by her mother's side. So soon as her eyes fell on Eric she loved him, and no one thing did she desire more than to be his wife. But Brideyes kept aloof from her, for he loved Gdruda alone, and so the winter wore away, and in the spring he went away, warring, nor did he come back till autumn was at hand. The lady Elfrida sat at a window when Eric rode through London Town in the king's following, and as he passed she threw him a wreath of flowers. The king saw it and laughed. My cold kinswoman seems to melt before those bright eyes of thine, Icelander, he said, as my foes melt before white fire's flame. Well I could wish her a worse mate, and he looked on him strangely. Eric bowed but made no answer. That night as they sat at meet in the palace, the lady Elfrida, being bitten in jest of Edmund the king, to fill the cup of the bravest, passed down the board, and, before all men, poured wine into Eric's cup, and as she did so, welcomed him back with short, sweet words. Eric grew red as dawn, and thanked her graciously. But after the feast he spoke with Scalagrim, asking him of the Gdruda, and when could she be ready to take the sea. In ten days, Lord, said Scalagrim, but stay we not here with the king this winter? It is late to sail. Nay, said Eric, we bide not here. I would winter this year in the fairies, for they are the niest place to Iceland that I may reach. Next summer my three years of outlawry are over, and I would fare back homewards. Now I see the shadow of a woman's hand, said Scalagrim. It is very late to face the northern seas, and we may sail to Iceland from London in the spring. It is my will that we should sail, answered Eric. Past Orkney's runs the road to fairies, said Scalagrim, and in Orkney's sits a hawk to whom the Lady Elfrida is but a dove. In faring from ill we may hap on worse. It is my will that we sail, said Eric stubbornly. As thou wilt, and as the king wills, answered Scalagrim, on the morrow Eric went in before the king and craved a boon. There is little that thou canst ask, bright eyes, said the king, that I will not give thee, for by my truth I hold thee dear. I am come back to seek no great thing, Lord, answered Eric. But this only, leave to bid thee farewell. I would wind homeward. Say, Eric, said the king, have I not dealt well with thee? Well, and over well, Lord. Why, then, wouldest thou leave me? I have this in my mind, to bring thee to great honor. See, now there is a fair lady in this court, and in her veins runs blood that even an Iceland viking might be proud to mate with. She has great lands, and may hap, she shall have more. Canst thou not find a home on them? Thinkest thou, bright eyes? In Iceland only am I at home, Lord, said Eric. Then the king was wroth, and bade him be gone when it pleased him, and Eric bowed before him and went out. Two days afterwards, while Eric was walking in the palace gardens, he met the lady Elfride face to face. She held white flowers in her hand, and she was fair to see and pale as the flowers she bore. He greeted her, and after a while she spoke to him in a gentle voice. They say that thou goest from England, bright eyes? She said. Yes, lady, I go, he answered. She looked on him once and twice, and then burst out weeping. Why goest thou hence to that cold land of thine? She sobbed. That hateful land of snow and ice, is not England good enough for thee? I am at home there, lady, and there my mother waits me. There thy mother waits thee, Eric? Say, does a maid called Gadruda the fair wait thee there also? There is such a maid in Iceland, said Eric. Yes, I know it, I know it well, she answered, drying her tears, and of a sudden growing cold and proud. Eric, thou art betrothed to this Gadruda, and, for thy welfare, somewhat overfaithful to thy truth. For harken, Eric, bright eyes, I know this, that little luck shall come to thee from the maid Gadruda. It would become me ill to say more. Nevertheless this is true, that here in England good fortune waits thy hand, and there in Iceland such fortune as men meet to their foes. Knowest thou this? Eric looked at her and answered. Lady? He said. Men are not born of their own will. They live and do little that they will. They do and go, per chance, whither they would not. Yet it may happen to a man that one meets him whose hand he feign would hold, if it be but for an hour's travel over icy ways, and it is better to hold that hand for this short hour than to wend his life through at a stranger's side. Perhaps there is wisdom in thy folly, said the lady Elfrida. Still, I tell thee this, that no good luck waits thee there in Iceland. It well may be, said Eric. My days have been stormy and the gale is still brewing, but it is a poor heart that fears the storm. Better to sink, for coward or hero all must sink at last. Say, Eric, said the lady, if that hand thou dost desire to hold is lost to thee, what then? If that hand is cold in death, then henceforth I wend my ways alone. And if it be held of another hand than thine? Then I will journey back to England, lady, and here in this fair garden I may crave speech of thee again. They looked one on another. Fare thee well, Eric, said the lady Elfrida. Here in this garden we may talk again. And if we talk no more, why, fare thee well. Days come and go, the swallow takes flight at winter and low. That spring it twitters round the eaves. And if it come not again, then fare well to that swallow. The world is a great house, Eric, and there is room for many swallows. But alas, for her who is left desolate, alas, alas. And she turned and went. It is told of this lady Elfrida that she became very wealthy and was much honored for her gentleness and wisdom. And that, when she was old, she built a great church and named it Eric's Kirk. It is also told that, though many sought her in marriage, she wedded none. End of chapter, recording by Brett Downey. Chapter 16 of Eric Brideyes. This Librivox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Brett Downey. Eric Brideyes by H. Ryder Haggard. Chapter 16, How Swan Hilled Walk the Seas. Within two days afterwards, the Kedruda being bound for sea, Eric went up to bid farewell to the king. But Edmund was so angry with him, because of his going, that he would not see him. Thereon Eric took horse and rode down sadly from the palace to the riverbank, where the Kedruda lay. But when he was about to give the word to get out the oars, the king himself rode up, and with him men bearing costly gifts. Eric went ashore to speak with him. I am angry with thee, Brideyes, said Edmund. Yet it is not in my heart to let thee go without words and gifts a farewell. This only I ask of thee now, that if things go not well with thee there, out in Iceland, that will come back to me. I will, that I promise thee, king, said Eric, for I shall never find a better lord. Nor I a braver servant, said the king. Then he gave him the gifts and kissed him before all men. To Scalagrim also he gave a good bernie of well steel, colored black. Then Eric went aboard again and dropped down the river with the tide. For five days all went well with them, the sea being calm and the winds light and favorable. But on the fifth night, as they sailed slowly along the coast of East Anglia, over against Yarmouth Sands, the moon rose red and ringed, and the sea fell dead calm. Yonder hangs a storm-lamp, Lord, said Scalagrim, porting to the angry moon. We shall soon be bailing, for the autumn gales draw near. Wait till they come, then speak, said Eric. Thou croakest ever like a raven. And ravens croak before foul weather, answered Scalagrim, and just as he spoke, a sudden gust of wind came up from the southeast and laid the gedruda over. After this it came on to blow, and so fiercely that for whole days and nights their clothes were scarcely dry. They ran northwards before the storm and still northward, sighting no land and seeing no stars. And ever, as they scutted on, the gale grew fiercer. Till at length the men were worn out with bailing and starred with wet and cold. Three of their number also were washed away by the seas, and all were in sorry plight. It was the fourth night of the gale. Eric stood at the helm and by him Scalagrim. They were alone, for their comrades were spent and lay beneath the decks, waiting for death. The ship was half full of water, but they had no more strength to bail. Eric seemed grim and gaunt in the white light of the moon, and his long hair streamed about him wildly. Grimmer yet was Scalagrim, as he clung to the shield rail and stared across the deep. She rolls heavily, Lord. He shouted. And the water gains fast. Can the men bail no more? asked Eric. They are outworn and wait for death. They need not wait long, said Eric. What do they say of me? Nothing. Then Eric groaned aloud. It was my stubbornness that brought us to this pass, he said. I care little for myself, but it is ill that all should die for one man's folly. Grieve not, Lord, answered Scalagrim. That is the world's way. And there are worse things than to drown. Listen, me thinks I hear the roar of breakers yonder. And he pointed to the left. Breakers they surely are, said Eric. Now the end is near. But sea, is that not land looming up on the right, or is it a cloud? It is land, said Scalagrim. And I am sure of this, that we run into a furth. Look, the seas boil like a hot spring. Hold on that course, Lord, perchance we may yet steer between rocks and land. Already the wind falls and the current lessens the seas. I, said Eric, already the fog and rain come up. And he pointed ahead where dense clouds gathered in the shape of a giant, whose head reached to the skies and moved towards them, hiding the moon. Scalagrim looked, then spoke. Now here it seems his witch work. Say, Lord, hast thou ever seen mist travel against wind as it travels now? Never before, said Eric, and as he spoke the light of the moon went out. Swan-hilled, atly's wife sat in beauty in her bower on straw-may isle, and looked with wide eyes towards the sea. It was midnight. None stirred in atly's hall, but still Swan-hilled looked out towards the sea. Now she turned and spoke into the darkness, for there was no light in the bower save the light of her great eyes. Art thou there? She said. I have summoned thee thrice in the words thou knowest. Say, Toad, art there? I swan-hilled the fatherless. Swan-hilled Grower's daughter, witch-mother's witch-child, I am here. What is thy will with me? Piped a thin voice, like the voice of a dying babe. Swan-hilled shuddered a little, and her eyes grew brighter, as bright as the eyes of a cat. This first, she said, that thou show thyself, hideous as thou art. I had rather see thee, and speak with thee seeing thee not. Mock not my form, lady, answered the thin voice, for it is as thou dost fashion it in thy thought. To the good I am, fairest day, to the evil foul as their heart. Toad thou dost call me, look, now I come as a Toad. Swan-hilled looked, and behold, a ring of the darkness grew white with light, and in it crouched a thing hideous to see. It was shaped as a great spotted Toad, and on it was set a hag's face, with white locks hanging down on either side. Its eyes were blood-red and sunken, black were its fangs, and its skin was dead yellow. It grinned horribly as Swan-hilled shrank from it, then spoke again. Gray wolf, thou didst call me once, Swan-hilled, when thou wouldst have thrust Kudruda down Goldfoss Gulf. And as a gray wolf I came, and gave thee counsel that thou tookest but ill. Ratt thou didst call me once, when thou wouldst save bright eyes from the carols of Ospecker. And as a rat I came, and in thy shape I walk the seas. Toad thou callest me now, and as a Toad I creep about thy feet. Name thy will, Swan-hilled, and I will name my price. But be swift, for there are other fair ladies whose wish I must do ere dawn. Thou art hideous to look on, said Swan-hilled, placing her hand before her eyes. Say not so, lady, say not so. Look at this face of mine. Knowest thou it not? It is thy mother's. Dead grower lent it me. I took it from where she lies, and my Toad's skin, from thy spotted heart, Swan-hilled. And more hideous than I am, shall thou be in a day to come, as once I was more fair than thou are to-day. Swan-hilled opened her lips to shriek, but no sound came. Troll, she whispered, mock me not with lies, but hearken to my bidding. Wear sails, Eric, now. Look out into the night, lady, and thou shalt see. Swan-hilled looked, and the ways of the darkness opened before her witch-site. There at the mouth of Pentland Firth the Gadruder labored heavily in the great seas, and by the tiller stood Eric, and with him Scalagrim. Seeest thou, thy love? asked the familiar. Yea, she answered, full clearly, he is worn with wind and sea, but more glorious than a foretime, and his hair is long. Say, what shall befall him if thou ateest not? This, that he shall safely pass the Firth, for the gale falls, and comes safely to Ferris, and from Ferris Isles to Gadruder's arms. And what canst thou do, goblin? This I can lure Eric's ship to Wreck, and give his comrades, all save Scalagrim, to Ransnet, and bring him to thy arms, Swan-hilled, witch-mother's witch-child. She hearkened, her breast heaved, and her eyes flashed. And thy price toad? Thou art the price, lady, piped the goblin. Thou shalt give thyself to me, when thy day is done, and merely will we sisters dwell in Hellas halls, and merely forever will we fare about the earth o' nights, doing such task as this task of thine, Swan-hilled, and working wicked woe to the last woe is worked on us. Are thou content? Swan-hilled thought. Twice her breath went from her lips in great size. Then she stood, pale and silent. Safely shall he sail the Firth, piped the thin voice. Safely shall he sit in fairies. Safely shall he lie in white Coutruda's arms, he hee! Think of it, lady! Then Swan-hilled shook like a birch-tree in the gale, and her face grew ashen. I am content, she said. He hee, brave lady, she is content. Ah, we sisters shall be merry. If I aith thee thus, I may do no more. Thrice has the night out come at thy call. Now it must wing away. Yet things will be as I have said. Thine own wisdom shall guide the rest. Air-mourn, bride-eye, shall stand in atly's hall. Air-spring, he will be thy love. And air-autumn, Coutruda shall sit on the high seat, in the hall of Middelhoff, the bride of Ospecher. Draw nigh, give me thine arms, sister, that blood may seal our bargain. Swan-hilled drew near the toad, and, shuddering, stretched out her arm, and then in there the red blood ran, and there they sealed their sisterhood. And as the nameless deed was wrought, it seemed to Swan-hilled as though fire shot through her veins, and fire surged before her eyes, and in the fire a shape passed up weeping. It is done, blood, sister! piped the voice. Now I must away in thy form to be about thy tasks. See thee here before me, so. Now lay thy brow upon my brow. Fear not, it was thy mother's. Life on death, curling locks on corpse hair. See, so we change, we change. Now thou art the death-toad, and I am Swan-hilled, atly's wife, who shall be Eric's love. Then Swan-hilled knew that her beauty had entered into the fowness of the toad, and the fowness of the toad into her beauty, for there before her stood her own shape, and here she crouched a toad upon the floor. Away to work, away! said a soft low voice, her own voice speaking from her own body that stood before her, and low it was gone. But Swan-hilled crouched in the shape of a hag-headed toad upon the ground in her bower of atly's hall, and felt wickedness and evil longings and hate boil and seethe within her heart. She looked out through her sunken, horny eyes, and she seemed to see strange sights. She saw atly, her lord, dead upon the grass. She saw a woman asleep, and above her flashed a sword. She saw the hall of Middle-Hoff red with blood. She saw a great gulf in a mountain's heart, and men fell down it. And last she saw a warship sailing fast out on the sea a fire, and vanished there. Now the witch-hag who wore Swan-hilled's loveliness stood upon the cliffs of straw-may, and tossed her white arms towards the north. Come, fog! Come sleet! she cried. Come, fog! Come sleet! Put out the moon, and blind the eyes of Eric! And as she called, the fog rose up like a giant, and stretched his arm from shore to shore. Move, fog! Beat rain! she cried. Move, and beat against the gale, and blind the eyes of Eric! And the fog moved on against the wind, and with it sleet and rain. Now I am afeard, said Eric to Scalagrim, as they stood in darkness upon the ship. The gale blows from behind us, and yet the mist drives fast in our faces. What comes now? This is witch-work, lord, answered Scalagrim. And in such things no council can avail. Hold the tiller straight, and drive on, say I. Me thinks the gale lessens more and more. So they did for a little while, and all around them sounded the roar of breakers. Darker grew the sky, and darker yet, till at the last, though they stood side by side, they could not see each other's shapes. This is strange sailing, said Eric. I hear the roar of breakers, as it were beneath the prow. Lash the helm, lord, and let us go forward. If there are breakers, perhaps we shall see their foam through the blackness, said Scalagrim. Eric did so, and they crept forward on the starboard board right to the prow of the ship, and there Scalagrim peered into the fog and sleet. Lord! He whispered presently, and his voice shook strangely. What is that yonder on the waters? See is thou ought? Eric stared and said, By Odin, I see a shape of light, straight to the shape of a woman. It walks upon the waters towards us, and the mist melts before it, and the sea grows calm beneath its feet. I see that also, said Scalagrim. She comes nigh, gasped Eric. See how swift she comes? By the dead it is Swanhild's shape. Look, Scalagrim! Look how her eyes flame! Look how her hair streams upon the wind! It is Swanhild, and we are fae. Both Scalagrim, and they ran back to the helm, where Scalagrim sank upon the deck in fear. See Scalagrim? She glides before the Gadruda's beak. She glides backwards, and she points yonder to the right. Shall I put the helm down and follow her? Nay, Lord, nay! Set no faith in witchcraft, or evil will befall us. As he spoke, a great gust of wind shook the ship. The music of the breakers roared in their ears, and the gleaming shape upon the waters tossed its arms wildly and pointed to the right. The breakers call ahead, said Eric. The shape points yonder, where I hear no sound of sea. Once before, thou mindest, Swanhild walked the waves to warn us, and thereby saved us from the men of Osbecker. Ever she swore she loved me, and now she has surely come in love to save us and all our comrades. Say, shall I put about? Look, once more she waves her arms and points. And as he spoke, he gripped the helm. I have no reed, Lord, said Scalagrim. And I love not witchwork. We can die but once, and death is all around. Be it as thou wilt. Eric put down the helm with all his might. The good ship answered, and her timbers groaned loudly, as though in woe when the strain of the sea struck her a beam. Then once more she flew fast across the waters, and fast before her glided the wraith of Swanhild. Now it pointed here, and now there. And as it pointed, so Eric shaped his course. For a while the noise of breakers lessened, but now again came a thunder, like the thunder of waves smiting on a cliff. And about the sides of the gajuda the waves hissed like snakes. Suddenly the shape threw up its arms and seemed to sink beneath the waves, while a sound like the sound of a great laugh went up from sea to sky. Now here is the end, said Scalagrim, and we are lured to doom. Aire ever the words had passed his lips the ship struck, and so fiercely that they were rolled upon the deck. Suddenly the sky grew clear, the moon shone out, and before them were cliffs and rocks, and behind them a great wave rushed on. From the hold of the ship there came a cry, for now their comrades were awake and they knew that death was here. Eric gripped Scalagrim round the middle and looked aft. Then rushed the wave, no such wave had he ever seen. Now it struck, and the gajuda burst asunder beneath the blow. But Eric bright eyes and Scalagrim lamestail were lifted on its crest and knew no more. Swan-hilled, crouching in hideous guise upon the ground in the bower of Atlas Hall, looked upon the visions that passed before her. Suddenly a woman's shape, her own shape, was there. It is done, blood-sister! said a voice, her own voice. Merrily I walked the waves, and, oh, Mary was the cry of Eric's folk when Rand caught them in her net. Be thyself again, blood-sister, be fair as thou art foul, and arise, wake at lie thy lord, and go down to the sea's lip by the southern cliffs, and see what thou shalt find. We shall meet no more till all this game is played and another game is set. And the shape of Swan-hilled crouched upon the floor before the hag-headed toad, muttering, Pass, pass! Then Swan-hilled felt her flesh come back to her, and as it grew upon her so the shape of the death-headed toad faded away. Farewell, blood-sister! piped a voice, make merry as thou mayest, but merrier shall be our knights when thou hast gone assailing with Eric on the sea. Farewell! Farewell! Where whoth thou didst call me once, and as a wolf I came? Rat thou didst call me once, and as a rat I came? Toad thou didst call me once, and as a toad I came? Say at the last, what whoth thou call me, and in what shape shall I come, blood-sister? Till then, farewell! It all was gone, and all was still. Now the story goes back to Iceland. When bright eyes was gone, for a while Gadru to the fair moved sadly about the stead, like one new widowed. Then came tidings. Men told how Ospecker Blacktooth had way-laid Eric on the seas with two long ships, dragons of war, and how Eric had given him battle and sunk one dragon with great loss to Ospecker. They told also how Blacktooth's other dragon, the Raven, had sailed away before the wind, and Eric had sailed after it in a rising gale. But of what befell these ships no news came for many a month, and it was rumored that this had befallen them, that both had sunk in the gale and that Eric was dead. But Gadru would not believe this. When Asman the priest, her father, asked her why she did not believe it, she answered that, had Eric been dead, her heart would surely have spoken to her of it. To this Asman said that it might be so. Hey Harvest being done, Asman made ready for his wedding with Oona, Thorod's daughter, and Eric's cousin. Now it was agreed that the marriage feast should be held at Middlehoff, for Asman wished to ask a great company to the wedding, and there was no place at Coldback to hold so many. Also some of the kin of Thorod, Oona's father, were bidden to the feast from the east and north. That length all was prepared and the guest came in great companies, for no such feast had been made in this quarter for many years. On the eve of the marriage Asman spoke with Groa, the witch-wife had borne herself humbly since she was recovered from her sickness. She passed about the stead like a rat at night, speaking few words and with downcast eyes. She was busy also making all things ready for the feasting. Now as Asman went up the hall, seeing that everything was in order, Groa drew near to him and touched him gently on the shoulder. Are things to thy mind, Lord? she said. Yes, Groa, he answered. More to my mind than to thine, I fear. Fear not, Lord, thy will is my will. Say, Groa, is it thy wish to bide here in Middlehoff, when Oona is my housewife? It is my wish to serve thee as a foretime, she answered softly. If so be that Oona wills it. That is her desire, said Asman, and went his ways. But Groa stood looking after him and her face was fierce and evil. While Bane has virtue, while runes have power, and while hand has cunning, never Oona shall thou take my place at Asman's side. Now to the water I came to the Asman, into the water I go again. Unquiet shall I lie there, unquiet shall I win through Hella's halls, but Oona shall rest at Asman's side, in Asman's cairn. Then again she moved about the hall, making all things ready for the feast. But at midnight, when the light was low and folk slept, Groa rose and, veiled in a black robe, with a basket in her hand, just like a shadow through the mists that hang about the river's edge, and in silence, always looking behind her, like one who fears a hidden foe, cold flowers of noisome plants that grow in the marsh. Her basket being filled, she passed round the stead to a hidden dell upon the mountain side. Here a man stood waiting, and near him burned a fire of turf. In his hand he held an iron pot. It was coal, the half-witted, Groa's thrall. Are all things ready, Coal? she said. Yes, he answered. But I like not these task of thine, Mistress. Say now, what would thou do with the fire and the pot? This then, Coal, I would brew a love potion for Asman the Priest, as he has bid me to do. I have done many an ill deed for thee, Mistress, but of all of them I love this the least, said the thrall doubtfully. I have done many a good deed for thee, Coal. It was I who saved thee from the doomstone, seeming to prove thee innocent. I, even when thy back, was stretched on it, because thou had slain a man in his sleep. Is it not so? Yea, Mistress. And yet thou was guilty, Coal, and I have given thee many good gifts. Is it not so? Yes, it is so. Listen then, serve me this once, and I will give thee one last gift. Thy freedom, and with it two hundred in silver. Coal's eyes glistened. What must I do, Mistress? Today at the wedding-feast it will be thy part to pour the cups while Asman calls the toasts. Last of all, when men are merry, thou wilt mix that cup in which Asman shall pledge Una his wife, and Una must pledge Asman. Now when thou hast poured, thou shall pass the cup to me, as I stand at the foot of the high seat, waiting to give the bride greeting on behalf of the serving women of the household. Thou shalt hand the cup to me, as though in error, and that is but a little thing to ask of thee. A little thing indeed, said Coal, staring at her, and polling with his hand at his red hair. Yet I like it not. What if I say no, Mistress? Say no or speak of this, and I will promise thee one thing only, thou knave. And it is, before winter comes, that crow shall pick thy bones. Now, brave me if thou darest. And straightway Groa began to mutter some witch-words. Nay! said Coal, holding up his hand, as though to ward away a blow. Curse me not! I will do as thou wilt. But when shall I touch the two hundred in silver? I will give thee half before the feast begins, and half when it is ended, and with it freedom to go where thou wilt. And now leave me, and on thy life see that thou fail me not. I have never failed thee yet, said Coal, and went his ways. Now Groa set the pot upon the fire, and, placing in it the herbs that she had gathered, poured water on them. Presently they began to boil, and as they boiled she stirred them with a peeled stick, and muttered spells over them. For long she sat in that dim and lonely place, stirring the pot and muttering spells. Till at length the brew was done. She lifted the pot from the fire, and smelt at it. Then, drawing a file from her robe, she poured out the liquor and held it to the sky. The witch-water was white as milk, but presently it grew clear. She looked at it, then smiled evilly. Here is a love-draft for a queen. Ah, a love-draft for a queen! She said, and still smiling, she placed the file in her breast. Then, having scattered the fire with her foot, Groa took the pot and threw it into a deep pool of water, where it could not be found readily, and crept back to the stead before men were awake. Now the day wore on, and all the company were gathered at the marriage feast to the number of nearly two hundred. Una sat in the high seat, and men thought her a bonny bride, and by her side set Asman the priest. He was a hail, strong man to look on, though he had some three-score winters. But his mean was sad, and his heart heavy. He drank cup after cup to cheer him, but all without avail. For his thought sped back across the years, and once more he seemed to see the face of Gdruta the gentle as she lay dying, and to hear her voice when she foretold evil to him if he had ought to do with Groa the witch-wife. And now it seemed to him that the evil was at hand, though whence it should come he knew not. He looked up. There, Groa moved along the hall, ministering to the guests, but he saw as she moved that her eyes were always fixed, now on him and now on Una. He remembered that curse also which Groa had called down upon him when he had told her that he was betrothed to Una, and his heart grew cold with fear. Now I will change my counsel, Asman said to himself. Groa shall not stay here in this stead, for I will look no longer on that dark face of hers. She goes hence to-morrow. Not far from Asman sat Bjorn his son. As Gdruta the fair his sister brought him mead he caught her by the sleeve, whispering in her ear. He thinks our father is sad. What weighs upon his heart? I know not, said Gdruta, but as she spoke she looked first on Asman, then at Groa. It is ill that Groa should stop here, whispered Bjorn again. It is ill, answered Gdruta and glided away. Asman saw their talk and guessed at its purport. Rising himself he laughed aloud and called to Cole the half-witted to pour the cups that he might name the toasts. Cole filled, and as Asman called the toasts one by one, Cole handed the cups to him. Asman drank deep of each, till at length his sorrow passed from him, and, together with all who sat there, he grew merry. Last of all came the toast of the bride's cup. But before Asman called it, the women of the household drew near the high seat to welcome Una when she should have drunk. Gdruta stood foremost and Groa was next to her. Now Cole filled as before and it was a great cup of gold that he filled. Asman rose to call the toast and with him all who were in the hall. Cole brought up the cup and handed it, not to Asman, but to Groa, but there were few who noted this, for all were listening to Asman's toast and most of the guests were somewhat drunken. The cup, cried Asman, give me the cup that I may drink. Then Groa started forward and as she did so, she seemed to stumble, so that for a moment her robe covered up the great bride cup. Then she gathered herself together slowly and, smiling, passed up the cup. Asman lifted it to his lips and drank deep. Then he turned and gave it to Una his wife, but before she drank, he kissed her on the lips. Now, while all men shouted such a welcome that the hall shook, and as Una, smiling, drank from the cup, the eyes of Asman fell upon Groa, who stood beneath him, and lo, her eyes seemed to flame and her face was hideous as the face of a troll. Asman grew white and put his hand to his head, as though to think, then cried aloud, Drink not, Una, the draft is drugged! And he struck at the vessel with his hand. He smote it indeed and so hard that it flew from her hand far down the hall, but Una had already drunk deep. The draft is drugged! Asman cried and pointed to Groa, while all men stood silent, not knowing what to do. The draft is drugged! He cried a third time. And that witch has drugged it! And he began to tear at his breast. Then Groa laughed so shrilly that men trembled to hear her. Yes, Lord! She screamed. The draft is drugged! And Groa, the witch-wife, hath drugged it! I tear thy heart out, Asman, and Una, grow thou white as snow! Soon, if my medicine has virtue, thou shalt be whiter yet! Harken, all men! Asman the priest is Swan Hill's father, and for many a year I have been Asman's mate. What did I tell thee, Lord? That I would see the two of you dead ere Una should take my place! I, and on Gadruder the Fair thy daughter, and beyond thy son, and Eric Bright-Eyes, Gadruder's love, and many another man, on them too shall my curse fall! Tear thy heart out, Asman! Una, grow thou white as snow! The draft is drugged! And Groa ran's gift! Groa the witch-wife! Groa, Asman's love, hath drugged it! And ere ever a man might lift a hand to stay her, Groa glided past the high seat, and was gone. For a space all stood silent, Asman ceased clutching at his breast, rising he spoke heavily. Now I learned that sin is a stone to smite him who hurled it. Gadruder the gentle spoke sooth, when she warned me against this woman. New wed, new dead, Una, fair thee well! The straight way Asman fell down and died there by the high seat in his own hall. Una gazed at him with ash in face. Then plucking at her bosom she sprang from the dais, and rushed along the hall screaming. Men made way for her, and at the door she also fell dead. This then was the end of Asmund Asmanson the priest, and Una, Thord's daughter, Eric's cousin, his new-made wife. For a moment there was silence in the hall. But before the echoes of Una's screams had died away, Bjorn cried aloud, The witch! Where is the witch? Then with a yell of rage, men leapt to their feet, seizing their weapons, and rushed from the stead. Out they ran, there on the hillside, far above them a black shape climbed, and leapt swiftly. They gave tongue-like dogs set upon a wolf, and sped up the hill. They gained the crest of the hill, and now they were at Goldfoss Brink. Low, the witch-wife had crossed the bed of the torrent, for little rain had fallen, and the river was low. She stood on sheep-saddle, the water running from her robes. On sheep-saddle she stood, and cursed them. Bjorn took a bow and set a shaft upon the string. He drew it, and the arrow sung through the air and smote her, speeding through her heart. With a cry Groa threw up her arms. Then down she plunged. She fell on Wolf's Fang, where Eric once had stood, and, bouncing thence, rushed to the boiling deeps below, and was no more seen for ever. Thus then did Asman the priest wed Oona, Thorid's daughter, and this was the end of the feasting. Thereafter Bjorn, Asman's son, ruled at Middelhoff, and was priest in his place. He sought for Cole the half-witted to kill him, but Cole took the fells, and after many months he found passage in a ship that was bound for Scotland. Now Bjorn was a hard man, and a greedy. He was no friend to Eric Brideyes, and always pressed it on Gudruda that she should wed Osspecker Blacktooth. But to this council Gudruda would not listen, for day and night she thought upon her love. Next summer there came tidings that Eric was safe in Ireland, and men spoke of his deeds, and of how he and Scalagrim had swept the ship of Osspecker single-handed. Now after these tidings, for a while Gudruda walked singing through the meads, and no flower that grew in them was half so fair as she. That summer also Osspecker Blacktooth met Bjorn, Asman's son, at the all-thing, and they talked much together in secret. End of Chapter, Recording by Brett Downey