 Chapter 1 of Eric Brideyes This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Brett Downey Eric Brideyes by H. Ryder Haggard Chapter 1 How Asmund the Priest Found Grow of the Witch There lived a man in the south before Thangbrand, Willibald's son, preached the white Christ in Iceland. He was named Eric Brideyes, Thorgrimmer's son, and in those days there was no man like him for strength, beauty, and daring. For in all these things he was the first. But he was not the first in good luck. Two women lived in the south, not far from where the westmen islands stand above the sea. Gdrut of the Fair was the name of the one, and Swanhill, called the fatherless, Growah's daughter, was the other. They were half sisters, and there were none like them in those days, for they were the fairest of all women, though they had nothing in common except their blood and hate. Now, of Eric Brideyes, of Gdrut of the Fair, and of Swanhill the fatherless, there is a tale to tell. These two fair women saw the light in the self-same hour, but Eric Brideyes was their elder by five years. The father of Eric was Thorgrimmer Iron Toe. He had been a mighty man, but in fighting with a bazaarque. The bazaarques were men on whom a passing fury of battle came. They were usually outlawed. But in fighting with a bazaarque, who fell upon him as he came up from sowing his wheat, his foot was hewn from him, so that afterwards he went upon a wooden leg shod with iron. Still he slew the bazaarque, standing on one leg and leaning against a rock, and for that deed people honored him much. Thorgrimmer was a wealthy yeoman, slow to wrath, just and rich in friends. Somewhat late in life he took to wife Savuna, Thorod's daughter. She was the best of women, strong in mind and second-sighted, and she could cover herself in her hair. But these two never loved each other over much, and they had but one child, Eric, who was born when Savuna was well on in years. The father of Gdruda was Asmund Asmundsson, the priest of Midoloth. He was the wisest and wealthiest of all men who lived in the south of Iceland in those days, owning many farms and also two ships of merchandise and one longship of war, and having much money out at interest. He won his wealth by Viking's work, robbing the English coasts, and black tales were told of his doings in his youth on the sea, for he was a red-hand Viking. Asmund was a handsome man with blue eyes and a large beard, and, moreover, was very skilled in matters of law. He loved money much and was feared of all. Still he had many friends, for as he aged he grew more kindly. He had in marriage Gdruda, the daughter of Bjorn, who was very sweet and kindly of nature, so that they called her Gdruda the Gentle. Of this marriage there were two children, Bjorn and Gdruda the Fair, but Bjorn grew up like his father in youth, strong and hard and greedy of gain, while, except for her wonderful beauty, Gdruda was her mother's child alone. The mother of Swanhill the Fatherless was Groha the Witch. She was a Finn, and it is told of her that the ship on which she sailed, trying to run under the lee of the Westmen Isles in a great gale from the northeast, was dashed to pieces on a rock, and all those on board of her were caught in the net of ran, the Norse goddess of the sea, and drowned, except Groha herself, who was saved by her magic art. This, at least, is true, that Azman the Priest rode down by the seashore on the morning after the gale, seeking for some strayed horses. He found a beautiful woman, who wore a purple cloak and a great girdle of gold, seated on a rock, combing her black hair and singing the wile, and, at her feet, washing to and fro in a pool, was a dead man. He asked whence she came, and she answered, Out of the swan's bath. Next he asked her where were her kin, but, pointing to the dead man, she said that this alone was left of them. Who was the man then, said Azman the Priest. She laughed again and sang this song. Groha sails up from the swan's bath, death-god's grip the dead man's hand. Look where lies her luckless husband, boulder-sea king, ne'er swung sword. Azman'd keep the girdle-wearer, for last night the Norse were crying, and Groha thought they told of thee, yea, told of thee and babes unborn. How knowest thou my name? asked Azman'd. The sea-muse cried it as the ship sank, thine and others, and they shall be heard in story. Then that is the best of luck, quoth Azman'd, but I think thou art fey, meaning subject to supernatural presentments generally connected with approaching doom. Aye, she answered, fey and fair. True enough thou art fair. What shall we do with this dead man? Leave him in the arms of ran, so may all husbands lie. They spoke no more with her at that time, seeing that she was a witch-woman, but Azman'd took her up to Middlehoff, and gave her a farm, and she lived there alone, and he profited much by her wisdom. Now a chance that Gadru to the gentle was with child, and when her time came she gave a daughter birth, a very fair girl, with dark eyes. On the same day Groha the witch-woman brought forth a girl-child, and men wondered who was its father, for Groha was no man's wife. It was woman's talk that Azman the priest was the father of this child also, but when he heard it he was angry, and said that no witch-woman should bear a baron of his, however so fair she was. Nevertheless it was still said that the child was his, and it is certain that he loved it as a man loves his own, but of all things this is the hardest to know. When Groha was questioned she laughed darkly, as was her fashion, and said that she knew nothing of it, never having seen the face of the child's father, who rose out of the sea at night. And for this cause some thought him to have been a wizard, or a wraith of her dead husband, but others said that Groha lied, as many women have done on such matters. But of all this talk the child alone remained, and she was named Swanhild. Now, but an hour before the child of Gurdruta the Gentle was born, Azman went up from his house to the temple to tend the holy fire that burned night and day upon the altar. When he attended the fire he sat down upon the cross benches, before the shrine, and, gazing on the image of the goddess Freya, he fell asleep and dreamed a very evil dream. He dreamed that Gurdruta the Gentle bore a dove, most beautiful to see, for all its feathers were of silver, but that Groha the Witch bore a golden snake, and the snake and the dove dwelt together, and ever the snake sought to slay the dove. At length there came a great white swan flying over cold back fell, and its tongue was a sharp sword. Now the swan saw the dove and loved it, and the dove loved the swan, but the snake reared itself and hissed, and sought to kill the dove, but the swan covered her with his wings and beat the snake away. Then he, Azman, came out and drove away the swan, as the swan had driven the snake, and it wheeled high into the air and flew south, and the snake swam away also through the sea, but the dove drooped and now it was blind. Then an eagle came from the north and would have taken the dove, but it fled round and round, crying, and always the eagle drew nearer to it. At length from the south the swan came back, flying heavily, and about its neck was twine the golden snake, and with it came a raven, and it saw the eagle, and loud it trumpeted, and shook the snake from it so that it fell like a gleam of gold into the sea. Then the eagle and the swan met in battle, and the swan drove the eagle down and broke it with his wings, and flying to the dove comforted it, but those in the house ran out and shot at the swan with bows and drove it away, but now he, Azman, was not with them. And once more the dove drooped, again the swan came back, and with it the raven, and a great host were gathered against them, and among them all of Azman's kith and kin, and the men of his quarter and some of his priesthood, and many of whom he did not know by face, and the swan flew it beyond his son, and shot out the sword of its tongue and slew him, and many a man it slew thus, and the raven, with a beak and claws of steel, slew also many a man so that Azman's kindred fled, and the swan slept by the dove. But as it slept the golden snake crawled out of the sea, and hissed in the ears of men, and they rose up to follow it. It came to the swan and twined itself about its neck, it struck at the dove and slew it. Then the swan awoke, and the raven awoke, and they did battle till all who remained of Azman's kindred and people were dead, but still the snake clung about the swan's neck, and presently the snake and swan fell into the sea, and far out on the sea there burned a flame of fire, and Azman awoke trembling and left the temple. Now as he went a woman came running and weeping as she ran. Haste, haste! she cried. A daughter is born to thee, and Gurdrude thy wife is dying. Is it so? said Azman, after ill dreams, ill tidings. Now in the bed-closet, off the great hall of Middlehoff, lay Gurdrude the gentle, and she was dying. Aren't thou there, husband? she said. Even so, wife. Thou comest in an evil hour, for it is my last. Now harken, take thou the newborn babe within thine arms, and kiss it, and pour water over it, and name it with my name. This, Azman did. Harken, my husband, I have been a good wife to thee, though thou hast not been all good to me. But thus shalt thou atone, thou shalt swear that, though she is a girl, thou wilt not cast this bairn forth to perish, but will cherish and nurture her. I swear it, he said, and thou shalt swear that thou wilt not take the witch-woman-grower to wife, nor have anything to do with her, and this for thine own sake, for, if thou dost, she will be thy death. Thus thou swear? I swear it, he said. It is well, but, husband, if thou dost break thine oath, either in the words or in the spirit of the words, evil shall overtake thee, and all thy house. Now bid me farewell, for I die. He bent over her, and kissed her, and it is said that Azman wept in that hour, for after his fashion he loved his wife. Give me the babe, she said, that it may lie once upon my breast. I gave her the babe, and she looked upon its dark eyes, and said, Fairest of women shalt thou be, cadruda, fair as no woman in Iceland ever was before thee, and thou shalt love with a mighty love, and thou shalt lose, and, losing, thou shalt find again. Now it is said that as she spoke these words her face grew bright as a spirit, and, having spoken them, she fell back dead, and they laid her in earth, but Azman mourned her much. But, when all was over and done, the dream that he had dreamed lay heavy on him. Now, of all diviners of dreams, Groa was the most skilled, and when cadruda had been in the earth seven full days, Azman went to Groa, though doubtfully because of his oath. He came to the house and entered. On a couch in the chamber lay Groa, and her babe was on her breast, and she was very fair to see. Greeting, Lord, she said, what would thou hear? I have dreamed a dream, and thou alone canst read it. That is, as it may be, she answered, it is true that I have some skill and dreams, at least I will hear it. Then he unfolded it to her every word. What wilt thou give me if I read thy dream, she said? What dost thou ask, me thinks I have given thee much? Yea, Lord, and she looked at the babe upon her breast. I ask, but a little thing, that thou shalt take this barren in thy arms, pour water over it and name it. Men will talk if I do this, for it is the father's part. It is a little thing what men say, talk goes by the wind. Moreover, thou shalt give them the lie in the child's name, for it shall be swan-hilled the fatherless. Nevertheless, that is my price, pay it if thou wilt. Read me the dream, and I will name the child. Nay, first name thou the babe, for then no harm shall come to her at thy hands. So Asman took the child, poured water over her, and named her. Then Groa spoke, This, Lord, is the reading of thy dream, else my wisdom is at fault. The silver dove is thy daughter Gudruda, the golden snake is my daughter swan-hilled. And these two shall hate one another and strive against each other. But the swan is a mighty man whom both shall love. And if he love not both, yet shall belong to both. And thou shalt send him away, but he shall return and bring bad luck to thee and thy house. And thy daughter shall be blind with love of him. And in the end he shall slay the eagle, a great Lord from the north, who shall seek to wed thy daughter. And many another shall he slay, by the help of that raven, with the bill of steel, who shall be with him. But swan-hilled shall triumph over thy daughter Gudruda and this man. And the two of them shall die at her hands, and for the rest who can say. But this is true, that the mighty man shall bring all thy race to an end. See now, I have read thy read. Then Asman was very wroth. Thou wasst wise to begil me to name thy bastard Bratt, he said. Else I had been its death within this hour. This thou canst not do, Lord, seeing that thou hast held it in thy arms. Groa answered, laughing, Go rather and lay out Gudruda the fair on Coldback Hill. So shalt thou make an end of the evil, for Gudruda shall be its very root. Learn this, moreover, that thy dream does not tell all. Seeing that thou thyself must play a part in the fate. Go, send forth the babe Gudruda and be at rest. That cannot be, for I have sworn to cherish it, and with an oath that may not be broken. It is well, laughed Groa. Things will befall as they are fated. Let them befall in their season. There is space for carns on Coldback, and the sea can shroud its dead. And Asman went thence, angered at heart. End of Chapter 2 Of Eric Bright Eyes By H. Ryder Haggard This Libravak's recording is in the public domain. Recording by Brett Downey Chapter 2 How Eric told his love to Gudruda in the snow on Coldback Now it must be told that, five years before the day of the death of Gudruda the Gentle, Savuna, the wife of Thorgrimmar Iron Toe, gave birth to a son at Coldback in the marsh, on Rand River, and when his father came to look upon the child he called out aloud, Here we have a wondrous bairn, for his hair is yellow like gold, and his eyes shine bright as stars. And Thorgrimmar named him Eric Bright Eyes. Now, Coldback is but an hour's ride from Middlehoff, and it chanced, in after years, that Thorgrimmar went up to Middlehoff to keep the yule feast and worship in the temple, for he was in the priesthood of Asmund Asmundsund, bringing the boy Eric with him. There also was Groa with Swanhild, for now she dwelt at Middlehoff, and the three fair children were set together in the hall to play, and men thought it great sport to see them. Now, Gudruda had a horse of wood and would ride it, while Eric pushed the horse along, but Swanhild smote her from the horse and called to Eric to make it move, but he comforted Gudruda and would not, and at that Swanhild was angry and lisped out, Push thou must, if I will it, Eric! Then he pushed sideways, and with such good will that Swanhild fell almost into the fire of the hearth, and leaping up she snatched a brand and threw it at Gudruda, firing her clothes. Men laughed at this, but Groa, standing apart, frowned and muttered witch words. Why lookest thou so darkly, housekeeper? said Asmund. The boy is Bonnie and high of heart. Ah, he is Bonnie as no child is, and he shall be Bonnie all his life days. Nevertheless, she shall not stand against his ill luck. This I prophesy of him, that women shall bring him to his end, and he shall die a hero's death, but not at the hand of his foes. And now the years went by peacefully. Groa dwelt with her daughter Swanhild up at Middlehoff and was the love of Asmund Asmundson, but, though he forgot his oath thus far, yet he would never take her to wife. The witch-wife was angered at this, and she schemed and plotted much to bring it about, that Asmund should wed her. But still he would not, though in all things else she led him, as it were, by a halter. Twenty-four years had gone by since Gudruda the Gentle was laid in earth, and now Gudruda the Fair and Swanhild the Fatherless were women too. Eric too was a man of five and twenty years, and no such man had lived in Iceland, for he was strong and great of stature, his hair was yellow as gold, and his gray eyes shone with the light of swords. He was gentle and loving as a woman, and even as a lad his strength was the strength of two men. And there were none in all the quarter who could leap or swim or wrestle against Eric Brighteyes. Men held him in honor and spoke well of him, though as yet he had done no deeds, but lived at home on cold back, managing the farm, for now Thorgrimmer Iron-Toe his father was dead. But women loved him much, and that was his bane, for of all women he loved but one, Gudruda the Fair, Asmund's daughter. He loved her from a child, and her alone till his day of death, and she too loved him and him only. For now Gudruda was a maid of maids, most beautiful to see and sweet to hear. Her hair, like the hair of Eric, was golden, and she was white as the snow on Hecla, but her eyes were large and dark, and black lashes drooped above them. For the rest she was tall and strong and comely, merry of face yet tender, and the most witty of women. Swanhild also was very fair. She was slender, small of limb and dark of hue, having eyes blue as the deep sea, and brown curling hair, enough to veil her to the knees, and a mind of which none knew the end, for, though she was open in her talk, her thoughts were dark and secret. This was her joy, to draw the hearts of men to her, and then to mock them. She beguiled many in this fashion, for she was the cunniest girl in matters of love, and she knew well the arts of women, with which they bring men to nothing. Nevertheless she was cold at heart, and desired power and wealth greatly, and she studied magic much, of which her mother Groa also had a store. But Swanhild too loved a man, and that was the joint in her harness, by which the shaft of fate entered her heart. For that man was Eric Brighteyes, who loved her not. But she desired him so sorely that, without him, all the world was dark to her, and her soul was but as a ship, driven rudderless upon a winter night. Therefore she put out all her strength to win him, and bent her witcheries upon him, and they were not few nor small. Nevertheless they went by him like the wind, for he dreamed ever of Godruda alone, and he saw no eyes but hers, though as yet they spoke no word of love one to the other. But Swanhild in her wrath took counsel with her mother Groa, though there was little liking between them. And when she had heard the maiden's tale, Groa laughed aloud. Does think me blind, girl? she said. All of this I have seen, yea and foreseen, and I tell thee that thou art mad. Let this yeoman Eric go, and I will find thee finer fowl to fly at. Nay, that I will not, quoth Swanhild, for I love this man alone, and I would win him, and Godruda I hate, and I would overthrow her. Give me of thy counsel. Groa laughed again. Things must be as they are fated. This now is my read. Asmund would turn Godruda's beauty to account, and that man must be rich in friends and money who gets her to wife, and in this matter the mind of Bjorn is as the mind of his father. Now we will watch, and when a good time chances, we will bear tales of Godruda to Asmund, and to her brother Bjorn, and swear that she oversteps her modesty with Eric. Then shall Asmund be wroth, and drive Eric from Godruda's side. Meanwhile I will do this. In the north there dwells a man, mighty in all things, and blown up with pride. He is named Osbacher Blacktooth. His wife is but lately dead, and he has given out that he will wed the fairest maid in Iceland. Now it is in my mind to send Cole the half-witted, my thrall, whom Asmund gave to me, to Osbacher as though by chance. He is a great talker and very clever, for in his half-wits is more cunning than in the brains of most. And he shall so be praised Godruda's beauty, that Osbacher will come hither to ask her in marriage, and in this fashion, if things go well, thou shalt be rid of thy rival and I of one who looks scornfully upon me. But if this fail, then there are two roads left on which strong feet may travel to their end, and of these one is that thou shouldest win Eric away with thine own beauty, and that is not little. All men are frail, and I have a draught that will make the heart as wax, but yet the other path is sure. And what is that path, my mother? It runs through blood to blackness, by thy side is a knife, and in Godruda's bosom beats a heart. Dead women are unmeet for love. Swanhill tossed her head and looked upon the dark face of Groa her mother. Me thinks, with such an end to win, I should not fear to tread that path if there be need, my mother. Now I see thou art indeed my daughter. Happiness is to the bold. To each it comes in uncertain shape. Some love power, some wealth, and some a man. Take that which thou lovest. I say, cut thy path to it and take it. Else shall thy life be but a weariness, for what does it serve to win the wealth and power when thou lovest a man alone, or the man when thou dost desire gold in the pride of place? This is wisdom, to satisfy the longing of thy youth. For age creeps on a pace and is beyond darkness. Therefore if thou seekest this man, and Godruda blocks thy path, slay her girl, by witchcraft or by steel, and take him, and in his arms forget that thine own are red. But first let us try the easier plan. Daughter, I too hate this proud girl, who scorns me as her father's light of love. I too long to see that bright head of hers dull with the dust of death. Or at the least those proud eyes weeping tears of shame as the man she hates leads her hence as a bride. Were it not for her I should be Asman's wife, and when she is gone with thy help, for he loves thee much and has caused to love thee, this I may be yet. So in this matter, if in no other, let us go hand in hand and match our wits against her innocence. Now, cold the half-witted went upon his errand, and the time passed till it lacked but a month to yule, and men sat indoors, for the season was dark and much snow fell. At length came frost, and with it a clear sky. And Gadruda, ceasing from her spinning in the hall, went to the women's porch, and, looking out, saw that the snow was hard, and a great longing came upon her to breathe the fresh air, for there was still an hour of daylight. So she threw a cloak about her and walked forth, taking the road towards Coldback in the marsh, that is by Rand River. But Swanhild watched her till she was over the hill. Then she also took a cloak and followed on that path, for she always watched Gadruda. Gadruda walked on for half of an hour or so, when she became aware that the clouds gathered in the sky, and that the air was heavy with snow to come. Seeing this, she turned homewards, and Swanhild hid herself to let her pass. Now flakes floated down as big and soft as Fifa flowers. Quicker and more quick they came till all the plain was one white maze of mist, but through it Gadruda walked on, and after her crept Swanhild like a shadow. And now the darkness gathered and the snow fell thick and fast, covering up the track of her footsteps, and she wandered from the path, and after her wandered Swanhild, being loath to show herself. For an hour or more, Gadruda wandered, and then she called aloud, and her voice fell heavily against the cloak of snow. At the last she grew weary and frightened, and sat down upon a shelving rock whence the snow had slipped away. Now a little way behind was another rock, and there Swanhild sat, for she wished to be unseen of Gadruda. So some time passed, and Swanhild grew heavy as though with sleep, when of a sudden a moving thing loomed upon the snowy darkness. Then Gadruda leapt to her feet and called, a man's voice answered, Who passes there? I, Gadruda, Asman's daughter. The form came nearer, now Swanhild could hear the snorting of a horse, and now a man leapt from it, and that man was Eric Bright-Eyes. It is thou indeed, Gadruda, he said with a laugh, and his great shape showed darkly on the snow mist. Oh, is it thou, Eric? she answered. I was never more joy'd to see thee, for of a truth thou dost come in a good hour. A little while, and I had seen thee no more, for my eyes grow heavy with the death sleep. Nay, say not so, art lost then? Why so am I? I came out to seek three horses that are stray'd, and was overtaken by the snow. May they dwell in Odin's stables, where they have led me to thee. Art thou cold, Gadruda? But a little, Eric, yea, there is a place for thee here on the rock. So he sat down by her on the stone, and Swanhild crept nearer, for now all weariness had left her, but still the snow fell thick. It comes into my mind that we, too, shall die here, said Gadruda presently. Thinkest thou so, he answered? Well, I will say this, that I asked no better end. It is a bad end for thee, Eric, to be choked in snow, and with all thy deeds to do. It is a good end, Gadruda, to die at thy side, for so I shall die happy, but I grieve for thee. Grieve not for me, bright eyes, worse things might befall. He drew nearer to her, and now put his arms about her, and clasped her to his bosom. Nor did she say him nay. Swanhild saw, and lifted herself up behind them, but for a while she heard nothing but the beating of her heart. Listen, Gadruda, Eric said at last. Death draws near to us, and before it comes I would speak to thee if speak I may. Speak on, she whispers from his breast. This I would say, then, that I love thee, because no better fate than to die in thy arms. First thou thou see me die in thine, Eric. Be sure, if that is so, I shall not tarry for long. O, Gadruda, since I was a child I have loved thee with a mighty love, and now thou art all to me, better to die thus than to live without thee. Speak, then, while there is time. I will not hide from thee, Eric, that thy words are sweet in my ears. And now, Gadruda sobs, the tears fall fast from her dark eyes. Nay, weep not, dost thou then love me? Aye, sure enough, Eric. Then kiss me before we pass, a man shall not die thus, and yet men have died worse. And so these two kissed, for the first time, out in the snow on cold-back, and that first kiss was long and sweet. Swan-hilled heard, and her blood seathed within her a boiling spring, when the fires waked beneath. She put her hand to her curdle, and gripped the knife at her side. She half drew it, and then drove it back. Cold kills as sure as steel, she said in her heart. If I slay her, I cannot save myself or him. Let us die in peace, and let the snow cover up our troubling. And once more she listened. Ah, sweet, said Eric, even in the midst of death there is hope of life. Swear to me, then, that if by chance we live thou would love me always as thou lovest me now. Ah, Eric, I swear that, and readily. And swear, come what may, that thou wilt wed no man but me. I swear, if thou dost remain true to me, that I will wed none but thee, Eric. Then I am sure of thee. Boast not over much, Eric. If thou dost live, thy days are all before thee, in trials. Now the snow-world down faster and more thick, till these two, clasped heart to heart, were but a heap of white, and all white was the horse, and swan-hilled was nearly buried. Where do we go when we die, Eric? said Gadruda. In Odin's house there is no place for maids, and how shall my feet fare without thee? Nay, sweet, my may, Valhalla shuts its gates to me, a deedless man. In this rainbow bridge I may not travel, for I do not die with Bernie on breast and sword aloft. Too hella shall we go, and hand in hand. Art thou sure, Eric, that men find these abodes? To say sooth, at times I misdoubt me of them. I am not so sure, but at that I also doubt. Still I know this. That where thou goest, there I shall be, Gadruda. Then things are well, in orns. The northern fates. Still, Eric, of a sudden I grow fey, for it comes upon me that I shall not die tonight. But that, nevertheless, I shall die with thy arms about me and at thy side. There I see it on the snow. I lie by thee, sleeping, and one comes with hands outstretched and sleep falls on them like a mist. By Freya it is swan-hilled self. Oh, it is gone. It was nothing, Gadruda, but a vision of the snow, an untimely dream that comes before the sleep. I grow cold, and my eyes are heavy. Kiss me once again. It was no dream, Eric, and ever I doubt me of swan-hilled, for I think she loves thee also, and she is fair, and my enemy, says Gadruda, laying her snow-cold lips on his lips. Oh, Eric, awake, awake! See, the snow is done! He stumbled to his feet and looked forth, low, out across the sky flared the wild northern fires throwing light upon the darkness. Now it seems that I know the land, said Eric. Look, yonder our golden falls, though we did not hear them because of the snow, and there, out at sea, loom the westmen's, and that dark thing is the temple-hoth, and behind it stands the stead. We are saved, Gadruda, and thus far indeed thou wasst-fay. Now rise, air thy limbs stiffen, and I will set thee on the horse, if he still can run, and lead thee down to middle-hoth before the witch-light fails us. So it shall be, Eric. Now he led Gadruda to the horse, that, seeing its master, snorted and shook the snow from its coat, for it was not frozen, and set her on the saddle, and put his arm about her waist, and they passed slowly through the deep snow, and swan-hilled, too, crept from her place, and kept the life in her, and followed after them. Many times she fell, and once she was nearly swallowed in a drift of snow, and cried out in her fear. Who called aloud, said Eric, turning, I thought I heard a voice. Nay, answers Gadruda, it was but a night-hawk screaming. Now swan-hilled laid quiet in the drift, but she said in her heart, I, a night-hawk that shall tear out those dark eyes of thine, my enemy. The two go on, and at length they come to the banked roadway that runs past the temple to Asman's hall. Here swan-hilled leaves them, and, climbing over the turf wall into the home meadow, passes round the hall by the outbuildings, and so comes to the west end of the house, and enters by the men's door, unnoticed of any. For all the people seeing a horse coming, and a woman seated on it, were gathered in the front of the hall, but swan-hilled ran to that shut bed she slept, and, closing the curtain, threw off her garments, shook the snow from her hair, and put on a linen-curtle. Then she rested a while, for she was weary, and, going to the kitchen, warmed herself at the fire. Meanwhile, Eric and Gadruda came to the house, and there Asman greeted them well, for he was troubled in his heart about his daughter, and very glad to know her living, seeing that men had but now begun to search for her because of the snow and the darkness. Now Gadruda told her tale, but not all of it, and Asman baited Eric to the house. Then one asked about swan-hilled, and Eric said that he had seen nothing of her, and Asman was sad at this, for he loved swan-hilled, but as he told all men to go and search, an old wife came and said that swan-hilled was in the kitchen, and while the carling spoke, she came into the hall, dressed in white, very pale, to see. Where has thou been, swan-hilled? said Asman. I thought certainly thou wasst perishing with Gadruda in the snow, and now all men go to seek thee while the witch-lights burn. Nay, foster father, I have been to the temple, she answered lying, so Gadruda has but narrowly escaped the snow, thanks be to bright eyes yonder. Surely I am glad of it, for we could ill-spare our sweet sister, but Gadruda saw that her eyes burned like fire, and felt that her lips were cold as ice, and shrank back, wondering. End of chapter. Recording by Brett Downey Chapter 3 of Eric Bright Eyes by H. Ryder Haggard This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Brett Downey Chapter 3 How Asman Bade Eric to his Yule Feast Now it was supper time, and men sat at meet while the women waited upon them. But as she went to and fro, Gadruda always looked to Eric, and Swanhild watched them both. Supper being over, people gathered round the hearth, and, having finished her service, Gadruda came and sat by Eric, so that her sleeve might touch his. They spoke no word, but there they sat and were happy. Swanhild saw and bit her lip. Now she was seated by Asman and beyond his son. Look, foster father, she said, yonder sit a pretty pair. That cannot be denied, answered Asman. One may ride many days to see such another man as Eric Bright Eyes, and no such maid as Gadruda flowers between Middlehoff and London Town, unless it be thou, Swanhild. Well, so her mother said that it should be, and without doubt she was foresighted at her death. Nay, namely not with Gadruda, foster father, I am but a great goose by thy white Swan. But these shall be well wed and that will be a good match for Eric. Let not thy tongue run on so fast, said Asman sharply, who told thee that Eric should have Gadruda. None told me, but in truth having eyes and ears I grew certain of it, said Swanhild. Look at them now, surely lovers wear such faces. Now a chance that Gadruda had rested her chin on her hand and was gazing into Eric's eyes beneath the shadow of her hair. Methinks my sister will look higher than to wed a simple yeoman, though he is large as two other men, said Bjorn with a sneer. Now Bjorn was jealous of Eric's strength and beauty and did not love him. Trust nothing that thou seest and little that thou hearest, girl, said Asman, raising himself from thought. So shall thy guesses be good. Eric, come here and tell us how thou didst chance on Gadruda in the snow. I was not so ill-seated, but that I could bear to stay, grumbled Eric beneath his breath, but Gadruda said, Go. So he went and told his tale, but not all of it, for he intended to ask Gadruda in marriage on the morrow, though his heart prophesied no luck in the matter, and therefore he was not overswift with it. My mind, good service, said Asman coldly, searching Eric's face with his blue eyes. It had been said, if my fair daughter had perished in the snow, for know this, I would set her high in marriage for her honor and the honor of my house, and so some rich and noble man had lost great joy. But take thou this gift in memory of the deed and Gadruda's husband shall give thee another such upon the day that he makes her wife, the ring off his arm. Now Eric's knees trembled as he heard, and his heart grew faint as though with fear, but he answered clear and straight. That gift had been better without thy words, ring-giver, but I pray thee to take it back, for I have done nothing to win it, though perhaps the time will come when I shall ask thee for a richer. My gifts have never been put away before, said Asman, growing angry. This wealthy farmer holds the good gold of little worth. Foolish to take fish to the sea, my father, sneered Bjorn. Nay, Bjorn, not so, Eric answered, but as thou sayest, I am but a farmer, and since my father, Thorgrimmer Iron-Toe, died, things have not gone too well on Ran River. But at the least, I am a free man, and I will take no gifts that I cannot repay worth for worth. Therefore I will not have the ring. As thou wilt, said Asman, pride is a good horse if thou rightest wisely, and he thrust the ring back upon his arm. Then people go to rest, but Swanhild seeks her mother and tells her all that has befallen her, nor does Groa fail to listen. Now I will make a plan, she says, for these things have chanced well, and Asman is in a ripe humor. Eric shall come no more to Middlehoff till Gdrude is gone hence, led by Aspacher Blacktooth. And if Eric does not come here, how shall I see his face? For mother, I long for the sight of it. That is thy batter, thou lovesick fool? Know this, that if Eric comes hither and gets speech with Gdrude, there is an end of thy hopes. For, fair as thou art, she is too fair for thee, and strong as thou art. In a way, she is too strong. Thou hast heard how these two love, and such loves, mock at the will of fathers. Eric will win his desire or die beneath the swords of Asman and Bjorn if such men can prevail against his might. Nay, the wolf Eric must be fenced from the lamb till he grows hungry, then let him search the fold and make spoil of thee, for when the best is gone he will desire the good. So be it, mother. As I sat crouched behind Gdrude in the snow at cold-back, I had half a mind to end her love words with this knife, for so I should have been free of her. Yes, and fast in the doom-ring, thou wild cat, the gods help this Eric if thou winnest him. Nay, choose thine time, and if thou must strike, strike secretly and home. Remember also that cunning is mightier than strength, that lies pierce further than swords, and that witchcraft wins where honesty must fail. Now I will go to Asmund and he shall be an angry man before tomorrow comes. Then Groa went to the shut bed where Asmund the priest slept. He was sitting on the bed and asked her why she came. For the love of thee, asmund, and thy house, though thou dost treat me ill, who has profited so much by me and my foresight. Say now, would thou that this daughter of thine, Gdrude the fair, should be the light may of yonder long-legged yeoman? That is not in my mind, said Asmund, stroking his beard. Knowest thou, then, that this very day your white Gdrude sat on Eric's lap in the snow, while he fondled her to his heart's content? Most likely it was for warmth. Men do not dream on love in the hour of death. Who saw this? Swanhild, who was behind, and hid herself for shame, and therefore she held that these two must soon be wed. Ah, thou art foolish now, Asmund. Young blood makes light of cold or death. Art thou blind, or dost thou not see that these two turn on each other like birds at nesting time? They might do worse, said Asmund, for they are a proper pair, and it seems to me that each was born for each. Then all goes well. Still, it is a pity to see so ferrimade cast like rotten bait upon the waters to hook this troutlet of a yeoman. Thou hast enemies, Asmund, thou art too prosperous, and there are many who hate thee for thy state and wealth. Were it not wise to use this girl of thine to build a wall about thee against the evil day? I have been more want, housekeeper, to trust to my own arm than to bot friends. For, at the least, thou art farseeing. How may this be done? As things are, though I spoke roughly to him last night, I am inclined to let Eric Brideye's take Gadruda. I have always loved the lad, and he will go far. Listen, Asmund, surely thou hast heard of Ospecker Blacktooth, the priest who dwells in the north. Aye, I have heard of him, and I know him. There is no man like him for ugliness, or strength, or wealth, or power. We sailed together on a Viking cruise many years ago, and he did things at which my blood turned, and in those days I had no chicken heart. With time men changed their temper. Unless I am mistaken, this Ospecker wishes above all to have Gadruda in marriage. For, now that everything is his, this alone is left for him to ask, the fairest woman in Iceland as a housewife. Think then, with Ospecker for a son-in-law, who is there that will find against thee. I am not so sure of this matter, nor do I altogether trust thee, Groa, of a truth it seems to me that thou hast some stake upon the race. This Ospecker is evil and hideous. It were a shame to give Gadruda over to him when she looks elsewhere. Knowest thou that I swore to love and cherish her, and how runs this with my oath? If Eric is not too rich, yet he is of good birth, and kin, and moreover, a man of men. If he taker, good will come of it. It is like thee, Asmund, always to mistrust those who spend their days in plotting for thy wheel. Do as thou wilt, let Eric take this treasure of thine, for whom earls would give their state, and live to rue it. But I say this, if he have thy leave to roam here with his dove the matter will soon grow, for these two sicken each to each, and young blood is hot and ill at waiting, and it is not always snow time, so betroth her or let him go, and now I have said. Thy tongue runs too fast, the man is quite unproved, and I will try him. Tomorrow I will warn him from my door, and then things shall go as they are fated. And now peace, for I weary of thy talk, and moreover it is false, for thou lackest one thing, a little honesty to season all thy craft. What fee has Osbacher paid thee, I wonder. Thou, at least, hath never refused the gold ring without what's too much for gold. And more for love, and most of all for hate, Grower said, and laughed aloud, nor did they speak more on this matter that night. Now, early in the morning, Asmund rose, and, going to the hall, awoke Eric, who slept by the center hearth, saying that he would talk with him without. Then Eric followed him to the back of the hall. Say now, Eric, he said, when they stood in the grey light outside the house, who was it that kisses keep out the cold on snowy days? Now Eric readen to his yellow hair, but he answered, Who was it told thee, Lord, that I tried this medicine? The snow hides much, but there are eyes that can pierce the snow. Nay, more, thou was seen, and there's an end. Now, know this, I like thee well, but Gadruda is not for thee. She is far above thee, who art but a deedless yeoman. Then I love to know end, said Eric. I long for one thing only, and that is Gadruda. It was in my mind to ask her in marriage of thee today. Then, lad, thou hast thy answer before thou askest. Be sure of one thing. If but once again I find thee alone with Gadruda, it is my act shall kiss thee and not her lips. That may yet be put to the proof, Lord, said Eric, and turn to seek his horse, when suddenly Gadruda came and stood between them, and his heart leapt at the sight of her. Listen, Gadruda, Eric said, by father's word, that we two speak together no more. Then it is an ill saying for us, said Gadruda, laying her hand upon her breast. Saying good or ill, so it surely is, girl, answered Asmond. No more shall thou go a kissing in the snow or in the flowers. Now I seem to hear Swanhild's voice, she said. Well, such things have happened to better folk, and a father's wish is to amade what the wind is to me. Still, the sun is behind the cloud, and it will shine again someday. Till then, Eric, fare thee well. It is not thy will, Lord, said Eric, that I should come to thy yield-feast, as thou hast asked me these ten years past. Now Asmond grew wroth, and pointed with his hand towards the great Golden Falls that thundered down the mountain, named Stonefell, that is behind Middlehoff, and there are no greater waterfalls in Iceland. A man may take two roads, Eric, from Coldback to Middlehoff, one by the bridal path over Coldback, and the other down Golden Falls, but I never knew Traveler to choose this way. Now, I bid thee to my feast by the path over Golden Falls, and if thou comest that way, I promise thee this. If thou livest, I will greet thee well, and if I find thee dead in the great pool, I will bind on thy health shoes and lay thee to earth neighborly fashion. But if thou comest by any other path, then my thrall shall cut thee down at my door, and he stroked his beard and laughed. Now Asmond spoke thus mockingly, because he did not think it possible that any man should try the path of the Golden Falls. Eric smiled and said, I hold thee to thy word, Lord, perhaps I shall be thy guest at Yule. But Kudruda heard the thunder of the mighty falls as the wind turned, and cried, Nay, nay, it were thy death! Then Eric finds his horse, and rides away across the snow. Now it must be told of Cole the Lord that at length he came to Swinefell in the north, having journeyed hard across the snow. Here Ospecker Blacktooth had his great hall, in which day by day a hundred men sat down to meet. Now Cole entered the hall where Ospecker was at supper, and looked at him with big eyes, for he had never seen so wonderful a man. He was huge in stature, his hair was black, and black his beard, and on his lower lip there lay a great black fang. His eyes were small and narrow, but his cheekbones were set wide apart and high, like those of a horse. Cole thought him an ill man to deal with, and half a troll, and able bodied goblin, and grew afraid of his errand. Since in Cole's half-wittedness there was much cunning, for it was a cloak in which he wrapped himself. But as Ospecker sat in the high seat, clothed in a purple robe, with his sword white fire on his knee, he saw Cole and called out in a great voice, this red fox that creeps into my earth. For to look at Cole was very like a fox. My name is Cole the half-witted, Grower's Thrall, Lord. Am I welcome here? he answered. That is as it may be. Why do they call thee half-witted? Because I love not work over much, Lord. Then all my thralls are fellows to thee. Say, what brings thee here? This, Lord, it was told among men down in the south that thou wouldst give a good gift to him who should discover to thee the fairest maid in Iceland. So I ask leave of my mistress to come on a journey and tell thee of her. Then a lie was told thee. Still I love to hear of fair maids, and seek one for a wife if she be but fair enough. So speak on, Cole the fox, and lie not to me. I warn thee, else I will knock what wits are left there from that red head of thine. So Cole took up the tail and greatly be praised for his beauty. Nor in truth for all his talk could he praise it too much. He told of her dark eyes and the whiteness of her skin, of the nobleness of her shape, and the gold of her hair, of her wit and gentleness. Till at length Ospecker grew a fire to see this flower of maids. My Thor thou, Cole, he said. If the girl be but half of what thou sayest, her luck is good, for she shall be wife to Ospecker. But if thou hast lied to me about her, beware, for soon there should be a nave the less in Iceland. Now a man rose in the hall and said that Cole spoke truth, for he had seen Gadru to the fair, Asmond's daughter, and there was no maid like her in Iceland. I will do this now, said Blacktooth. Tomorrow I will send a messenger to Middelhoff, saying to Asmond the priest that I purposed to visit him at the time of the Yule Feast. Then I shall see if the girl pleases me. Meanwhile, Cole, take thou a seat in the thralls, and here is something for thy pains, and he took off the purple cloak and threw it to him. Thanks to thee, gold scatterer, said Cole. It is wise to go soon to Middelhoff, for such a bloom as this maid does not lack a bee. There is a youngling in the south named Eric Brideyes, who loves Gadru to, and she, I think, loves him, though he is but a yeoman of small wealth and is only twenty-five years old. Ho-ho! And I am forty-five, but let not this suckling cross my desire, lest men call him Eric Hollow-Eyes. Now the messenger of Asmond came to Middelhoff, and his words pleased Asmond, and he made ready a great feast, and Swanhill smiled, but Gadru to was afraid. End of chapter Recording by Brett Downey Chapter 4 Of Eric Brideyes H. Ryder Haggard This Librivox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Brett Downey Chapter 4 How Eric Came Down Golden Falls Now Osbacher rode up to Middelhoff on the day before the Yule Feast. He was splendidly apparelled, and with him came his two sons, Gizur the lawman, and Mord, young man of promise, and many armed thralls and servants. Gadru to, watching at the woman's door, saw his face in the moonlight and loathed him. What thinkest thou of him who comes to seek thee in marriage, foster sister? asked Swanhill, watching at her side. I think he is like a troll, and that, seek as he will, he shall not find me. I had rather lie in the pool beneath Golden Falls than in Osbacher's Hall. That shall be proved, said Gadru to. At the least he is rich and noble, and the greatest of men in size. It would go hard with Eric where those arms about him. I am not so sure of that, said Gadru to, but it is not likely to be known. Comes Eric to the Feast by the road of Golden Falls, Gadru to? Nay, no man may try that path and live. Then he will die, for Eric will risk it. Now Gadru to be shown through her eyes. If Eric dies, she said, on thee be his blood, Swanhill, on thee and that dark mother of thine, for ye have plotted to bring this evil on us. How have I harmed thee that thou should steal thus with me? Swanhill turned white and wicked looking, for passion mastered her, and she gazed into Gadru to's face and answered. How has thou harmed me? Surely I will tell thee. It would be better to pray of Eric's love when he had told it thee, Swanhill. Thou hast robbed me, and therefore I hate thee, and therefore I will deliver thee to Osbacker, whom thou dost loathe. I, and yet win bright eyes to myself, am I not also fair and can I not also love, and shall I see thee snatch my joy by the gods never? I will see thee dead and Eric with thee, Eric shall but first I will see thee shamed. Thy words are ill-suited to a maiden's lips Swanhill'd, but of this be sure, I fear thee not, and shall never fear thee, and one thing I know well that, whether thou or I prevail, in the end thou shalt harvest the greatest shame, and in times to come men shall speak of thee with hatred and name thee by ill names. Moreover, Eric shall never love thee, from year to year, he shall hate thee with a deeper hate, though it may well be that thou would bring ruin on him, and now I thank thee that thou hast told me all thy mind, showing me what indeed thou art. And Gdruda turned scornfully upon her heel and walked away. Now, as when the priest went out into the courtyard, and meeting Osbacker Blacktooth, greeted him heartily, though he did not like his looks, and took him by the hand and led back with tapestries, and seated him by his side on the high seat. And Osbacker's thralls brought good gifts for Asmund, who thanked the giver well. Now it was supper time, and Gdruda came in, and after her walked swan-hilled. Osbacker gazed hard at Gdruda, and a great desire entered into him to make her his wife. But she passed coldly by, nor looked on him at all. This then is that maid of thine whom I have say this, fairer was never born of woman. Then men ate, and Osbacker drank much ale, but all the while he stared at Gdruda and listened for her voice. But as yet he said nothing of what he came to seek, though all knew his errand, and his two sons, Gizer and Mord, stared also at Gdruda, for they thought her most wonderfully fair, but Gizer found swan-hilled also fair, and so the night wore on till he came to Stonefell. Now all along Coldback and Stonefell is a steep cliff facing to the south that grows ever higher till it comes to that point where Golden River falls over it, and, parting its waters below, runs east and west, the branch to the east being called Ran River, and that to the west, Laksa, for these two streams girdle round the ridges of Gdruda and Gdruda and that to the west, Laksa, for these two streams girdle round the rich plain of Middlehof, till at length they reach the sea. But in the midst of Golden River, on the edge of the cliff, a massive rock juts up called Sheep Saddle, dividing the waters of the fall, and over this the spray flies, and in winter the ice gathers, but the river does not cover it. The great fall is thirty fathoms deep, and is shaped like a rock towards Middlehof, yet if he could but gain the Sheep Saddle rock that divides the midst of the waters, a strong and hardy man might climb down some fifteen fathoms of this depth, and scarcely wet his feet. Now here at the foot of Sheep Saddle rock, the double arches of waters meet, and fall in one torrent into the bottomless pool below. But some three fathoms from this point of the meeting waters, and beneath it, just where the curve is deepest, a single hole, as large as a drinking table, and no larger, juts from the foam, and, if a man could reach it, he might leap from it some twelve fathoms, sheer into the spray hidden pit beneath, there to sink or swim as it might be fall. This crag is called Wolf's Fang. Now Eric stood for a long while on the edge of the fall and looked, measuring everything with his eye. Then he went up above where the river swirls down to the precipice, and looked down, for it is from this bank that the dividing island rock, Sheep Saddle, must be reached. A man may hardly do this thing, yet I will try it," he said to himself at last. My honor shall be great for the feet if I chance to live. And if I die, well there is an end of troubling after maids and all other things. So he went home and sat silent that evening. Now since Thorgrimmer Iron Toe's death his housewife, Savuna, Eric's mother, had grown of sight, and though she peered and peered again from her seat in the Ingle Nook, she could not see the face of her son. What ails thee, Eric, that thou sittest so silent? Was not the meat then to thy mind at supper? Yes, mother, the meat was well enough, though a little under smoked. Now I see that thou art not thyself, son, for thou had snow-meat, but only stocked fish, and I never knew a man forget his supper on the night of night, except he was distraught or deep in love. Was it so, said bright eyes? What troubles thee, Eric, that sweet lass yonder? Aye, somewhat, mother. What more then? This, that I go down golden falls to-morrow, and I do not know how I may come from sheep-saddle rock to wolf's fang crag and keep my life whole in me. And now I pray thee, weary me not with words, for my brain is bound, and I must use it. When she heard this, Savuna screamed aloud and threw herself before Eric, praying him to forego his mad venture, but he would not listen to her, for he was slow to make up his mind, but, that being made up, nothing could change it. Then, when she learned that it was to get sight of Kudruta that he purposed thus to throw his life away, she was very angry and cursed her and all her kith words before all this tale is told, said Eric. Nevertheless, mother, for bear to curse Kudruta who is in no way to blame for these matters. Thou art a faithless son, Savuna said, who will slay thyself striving to win speech with thy may, and leave thy mother childless. Eric said that it seemed so indeed, but he was plighted to it, and the feet must be tried. Then he kissed her, and she sought her bed weeping. Now there was the day of the Yule Feast, and there was no son till one hour before noon. But Eric, having kissed his mother and bid her farewell, called a thrall, John by name, and giving him a seal-skinned bag full of his best apparel, bade him ride to Middlehoff, and tell Asman the priest that Eric Brideyes would come down Golden Falls an hour after midday to join his Feast, and thence go to the foot of the Golden Falls to await him there. And the man went, wondering, for he thought his master mad. Then Eric took a good rope, and a staff tipped with iron, and so soon as the light served, mounted his horse, forwarded Ran River, and rode along Coldback till he came to the lip of Golden Falls. Here he stayed a while, till at length he saw many people streaming up the snow from Middlehoff far beneath, and, among them, two women who by their stature should be Godruda and Swanhild, and, near to them, a great man whom he did not know. Then he showed himself for space on the brink of the gulf, and turned his horse upstream. The sun shone bright upon the edge of the sky, but the frost bit like a sword. Still, he must strip off his garments, so that nothing remained on him except his sheepskin shoes, shirt, and hose, and take the water. Now here the river runs mightily, and he must cross full thirty fathoms of the swirling water before he can reach Sheepsaddle, and woe to him if his foot slip on the boulders, or certainly he must be swept over the brink. Eric rested the staff against the stony bottom, and, leaning his weight on it, took the stream, and he was so strong that it could not prevail against him, till at length he was rather more than half way across, and the water swept above his shoulders. Now he was lifted from his feet, and, letting the staff float, he swam for his life, and there were such mighty strokes that he felt little of that icy cold. Down he was swept, now the lip of the fall was but three fathoms away on his left, and already the green water boiled beneath him. A fathom from him was the corner of Sheepsaddle, if he may grasp it all as well, if not he dies. Three great strokes, and he held it. His feet were swept out over the brink of the fall, but he clung on grimly, and instead of his arms drew himself onto the rock, and rested a while. Presently he stood up, for the cold began to nip him, and the people below became aware that he had swum the river above the fall, and raised a shout, for the deed was great. Now Eric must begin to clamber down Sheepsaddle, and this was no easy task, for the rock is almost sheer, and slippery with ice, and on either side the waters rushed and thundered, throwing their blinding spray about him and leapt to the depths beneath. He looked down, studying the rock. Then, feeling that he grew afraid, made an end of doubt, and, grasping a point with both hands, swung himself down his own length and more. Now for many minutes he climbed down Sheepsaddle, and the task was hard, for he was bewildered with the booming of the waters that bent out on either side of him, like the arc of a bow, and the rock was very steep and slippery. Still on all those fifteen fathoms and fell not, though twice he was near to falling, and the watchers below marveled greatly at his hardyhood. He will be dashed to pieces where the waters meet, said Ospecker. He can never gain wolf's fang cragged beneath, and, if so it be, that he comes there and leaps to the pool, the weight of water will drive him down and drown him. It is certainly so, quote Asmund, and it grieves me much, for it was my jest that I came to this perilous adventure, and we cannot spare such a man as Eric Brighteyes. Now Swanhill turned white as death, but Gadruda said, If great heart and strength, and skill may avail at all, then Eric shall come safely down the waters. Thou fool! whispered Swanhill in her ear. How can these help him? No troll could live in yonder cauldron. Dead is Eric, and thou art the bait that lured him to his death. Hear thy words, she answered, as the norns have ordered, so it shall be. Now Eric stood at the foot of Sheep Saddle, and within an arm's length the mighty waters met, tossing their yellow waves and seething furiously as they leapt to the mist-hid gulf beneath. He bent over and looked through the spray. Three fathoms under him, the rock wolf's fang split the waters, and thence, if he can come thither, he may leap sheer into the pool below. Now he unwound the rope that was about his middle, and made one end fast to a knob of rock. And this was difficult, for his hands were stiff with cold, and the other end he passed through his leather and girdle. Then Eric looked again, and his heart sank within him. How might he give himself to this boiling flood and not be shattered? But as he looked low, a rainbow grew upon the face of the water, and one end of it lit upon him, and the other, like a glory from the foal upon Ghudruta, as she stood a little way apart, watching at the foot of golden falls. Seeest thou that? said Asman to Groa, who was at his side. The gods build their Bifrost bridge between these two, who now shall keep them asunder. Read the portent, thus she answered, They shall be united but not here. Yon is a spirit bridge, and, see, the waters of death foam and fall between them. You saw the omen, and it seemed good to him, and all fear left his heart. Round about him the waters thundered, but amidst their roar he dreamed that he heard a voice calling, Be of good cheer, Eric bright eyes, for thou shalt live to do mightier deeds than this, and in Gherdan thou shalt win Ghudruta. So he paused no longer, but, shortening up the rope, pulled on it with all his strength, and then leapt out upon the arch of waters. They struck him, and he was like a stone from a sling. Again he fell against them, and again was dashed away, so that his girdle burst. Eric felt it go, and clung wildly to the rope, and low, with an inward swing he fell upon Wolf's Fang, where never a man has stood before, and never a man shall stand again. Eric lay a little while on the rock till his breath came back to him, and he listened to the roar of the waters. Then, rising on his hands and knees, he crept to him, for he could scarcely stand because of the trembling of the stone beneath the shock of the fall. And when the people below saw that he was not dead, they raised a great shout, and the sound of their voices came to him through the noise of the waters. Now, twelve fathoms beneath him was the surface of the pool, but he could not see it, because of the wreaths of spray. Nevertheless he must leap, and that swiftly, for he grew cold. So of a sudden Eric stood up to with a loud cry and a mighty spring found it out from the point of Wolf's Fang far into the air, beyond the reach of the falling flood, and rushed headlong towards the gulf beneath. Now all men watching held their breath as his body traveled, and so great is the place and so high the leap that through the mists Eric seemed but as a big white stone hurled down the face of the arching waters. He was gone, and the watchers rushed down to the foot of the pool, and there, if he rose at all, he must pass to the shallows. Swanhild could look no more, but sank upon the ground. The face of Gadruda was set like a stone with doubt and anguish. Aspecker saw and read the meaning, and he said to himself, Now, Oden, grant me that this youngling rise not again, for the maid loves him dearly, and he is too much a man to be lightly swept aside. Eric struck the pool, down he sank, and down and down, for the water falling from so far must reach the bottom of the pool before it can rise again, and he with it. Now he touched the bottom, but very gently, and slowly began to rise, and, as he rose, was carried along by the stream. But it was long before he could breathe, and it seemed to him that his lungs would burst. Still, he struggled up, striking great strokes with his legs. Farewell to Eric, said Asmund. He will rise no more now. Just as he spoke, Gudruda pointed to something that gleamed, white and golden, beneath the surface of the current, and lo, the bright hair of Eric rose from the water, and he drew a great breath, shaking his head like a seal, and, though but feebly, struck out for the shallows that are at the foot of the pool. Now he found footing, but was swept over by the fierce current and cut his forehead, and he carried that scar till his death. Again he rose, and with a rush of blood, he was unaided and fell upon the snow. Now people gathered about him in silence and wondering, for none had known so great a deed. And presently Eric opened his eyes and looked up, and found the eyes of Gudruda fixed on his, and there was that in them which made him glad he had dared the path of golden falls. End of chapter Recording by Brett Downey Chapter 5 How Eric won the sword Whitefire Now Asmund the priest bent down, and Eric saw him and spoke Thou baintest me to thy yield feast, Lord, by Yonder Slippery Road, and I have come. Thus thou welcome me well No man better, quote Asmund. Thou art a gallant man, though foolhardy, and thou hast done well, and thou hast done well, and thou hast done well, and thou hast done well you man, though foolhardy, and thou hast done a deed that shall be told of of while scald sing and men live in Iceland. Make place, my father, said Gudruda, for Eric bleeds. And she loosed the kerchief from her neck, and bounded about his wounded brow, and taking the rich cloak from her body threw it on his shoulders, and no man said her day. Then they led him back, bidding him tell Savuna, Eric's mother, that he was safe, but he was somewhat weak all that day, and the sound of waters roared in his ears. Now Osbacher and Groa were ill-pleased at the turn things had taken, but all the others rejoiced much, for Eric was well loved of men, and they had grieved if the waters had prevailed against his might. But Swanhill brooded bitterly, for Eric never turned to look on her. The hour of the feast drew on, and, according to custom, it was held in the temple, and thither went all men. When they were seated in the nave of the Hoth, the fat ox that had been made ready for sacrifice was led in, and dragged before the altar on which the holy fire burned. Now Asman the priest slew it, amidst silence, before the figures of the gods, and, catching its blood in the blood-bowl, sprinkled the altar and all the worshipers with the blood-twigs. Then the ox was cut up, and the figures of the almighty gods were anointed with its molten fat, and wiped with fair linen. Next the flesh was boiled in the cauldrons that were hung over fires, lighted all down the nave, and the feast began. Now men ate, and drank much ale and mead, and all were merry, but Osbacher Blacktooth grew not glad, though he drank much, for he saw that the eyes of Godruda ever watched Eric's face, and that they smiled on each other. He was wroth at this, for he knew that the bait must be good, and the line strong that should win this fair fish to his angle. And as he sat unknowingly his fingers loosed the pea-strings of his sword white-fire, and he half drew it, so that its brightness flamed in the fire-light. Thou hast a wondrous blade there, Osbacher, said Asman, though this is no place to draw it. Wents came it, me thinks no such swords are fashioned now. Aye, Asmund, a wondrous blade indeed. There is no other such in the world, for the dwarfs forged it of old, and he shall be unconquered who holds it aloft. This was King Odin's sword, and it is named White-Fire. Ralph the Red took it from King Eric's carn in Norway, and he strove long with a barrow-dweller, the ghost in the carn, before he wrenched it from his grasp. But my father won it, and slew Ralph, though he had never done this, had White-Fire been aloft against him. But Ralph the Red, being in drink when the ships met in battle, fought with an axe, and was slain by my father, and since then White-Fire has been the last light that many a chief's eyes have seen. Look at it, Asmund. Now he drew the great sword, and men were astonished as it flashed aloft. Its hilt was of gold, and blue stones were set therein. It measured two elves and a half from cross-bar to point, and so bright was the broad blade that no one could look on it for long, and all down its length ran runes. A wondrous weapon, truly, said Asmund. How read the runes? I know not, nor any man, they are ancient. Let me look at them, said Groa. I am skilled in runes. Now she took the sword, and heaved it up, and looked at the runes, and said, A strange writing, truly. All runs it, housekeeper, said Asmund. Thus, lord, if my skill is not at fault. White-Fire is my name, Dwarf folk forged me, Odin's sword was I, Eric's sword was I, Eric's sword shall I be, and where I fall there he must follow me. Now Godruda looked at Eric Bright-Eyes wonderingly, and Osbacker saw it and became very angry. Look not so, maiden, he said. For it shall be another Eric than Yon Flapperduck, who holds White-Fire aloft, though it may very well chance that he shall feel its edge. Now Godruda bit her lip, and Eric burned red to the brow, and spoke, It is ill, lord, to throw taunts like an angry woman. Thou art great and strong, yet I may dare a deed with thee. Peace, boy! Thou canst climb a waterfall well, I gain say it not, But beware ere thou settest up thyself against my strength. Say now, what game wilt thou play with Osbacker? I will go on home-gang with thee, burning clad or berserk, to a duel usually fought in mail or without it, on an island, home, within a circle of hazel-twigs, and fight thee with an axe, or sword, or I will wrestle thee, and White-Fire yonder shall be the winner's prize. Nay, I will have no bloodshed here at Middlehoff, said Asmunds sternly. Like play with this, or wrestle if you will, for that were a great sport to see, but weapons shall not be drawn. Now Osbacker grew mad with anger and drink, and he grinned like a dog, till men saw the red gums beneath his lips. Thou wilt wrestle with me, youngling? With me, whom no man has ever so much as lifted from my feet? Good! I will lay thee on thy face, and whip thee, and White-Fire shall be the stake. I swear it on the holy altar-ring, but what has thou to set against the precious sword? Thy poor hovel, and its lot of land shall be all too little. I set my life on it. If I lose White-Fire, let White-Fire slay me, said Eric. Nay, that I will not have, and I am master here in this temple, said Asmund. Be think thee of some other stake, Osbacker, or let the game be off. Now Osbacker gnawed his lip with his black fang and thought. Then he laughed aloud and spoke. Great is White-Fire, and thou art named Bright-Eyes. See now, I set the great sword against thy right eye, and if I win the match it shall be mine to tear it out. Will thou play this game with me? If thy heart fails thee, let it go, but I will set no other stake against my good sword. Eyes and limbs are a poor man's wealth, said Eric, so be it. I stake my right eye against the sword White-Fire, and we will try the match to-morrow. Then to-morrow night thou shall be called Eric One-Eye, said Osbacker, at which some few of his thralls laughed. But most of the men did not laugh, for they thought this an ill game and a worse jest. Now the feast went on, and Asmund rose from his high seat in the center of the nave, on the left hand looking down from the altar, and gave out the holy toasts. First men drank a full horn to Odin, praying for triumph on their foes. Then they drank to Frey, asking for plenty, to Thor, for strength in battle, to Freyja, goddess of love, and to her Eric drank heartily. To the memory of the dead, and last of all, to Braggy, God of all delight. When this cup was drunk, Asmund rose again, according to custom, and asked if none had an oath to swear as to some deed that should be done. For a while there was no answer, but presently Eric bright eyes stood up. Lord, he said, I would swear an oath. What for the matter, then? said Asmund. It is this, quote Eric, on Mosfell Mountain, over by Hekla, dwells a berserk of whom all men have ill knowledge, for there are few men whom he has not harmed. His name is Skelligrim. He is a mighty man, and he has wrought much mischief in the south country, and brought many to their deaths, and robbed more of their goods, for none can prevail against him. Still I swear this, that when the days lengthen I will go up alone against him, and challenge him to battle, and conquer him or fall. Then, thou yellow-headed puppy-dog, thou shalt go with one eye against a berserk, with two, growed Osbacher. Men took no heed of his words, but shouted aloud, for Skelligrim had plagued them long, and there were none who dared to fight with him any more. Only Gdruta looked to scant, for it seemed to her that Eric swore too fast. Nevertheless, he went up to the altar, and taking hold of the holy ring, he set his foot on the holy stone and swore his oath, while the feasters applauded, striking their cups upon the board. And after that the feast went merrily, till all men were drunk, except Asmund and Eric. Now Eric went to rest, but first he rubbed his limbs with the fat of seals, for he was still sore with the beating of the waters, and they must needs be supple on the morrow if he would keep his eye. Then he slept sound, and rose strong and well, and going to the stream behind the stead, bathed, and anointed his limbs afresh. But Osbacher did not sleep well, because of the ale that he had drunk. Now, as Eric came back from the bathing, in the dark of the morning he met Gdruta, who watched for his coming, and, there being none to see, he kissed her often. But she chided him because of the match that he had made with Osbacher, and the oath that he had sworn. Surely, she said, thou would lose thine eye, for this Osbacher is a giant, and strong as a troll. Also he is merciless. Still, thou art a mighty man, and I shall love thee as well, with one eye as with two. Oh, Eric, me thought I should have died yesterday when thou did sleep from Wolf's fang. My heart seemed to stop within me. Yet I came safely to shore, sweet heart, and well does this kiss pay for all I did. And for Osbacher, if but once I get these arms about him, I fear him little, or any man, and I covet that sword of his greatly. But we can talk more certainly of these things tomorrow. Now Gdruta clung to him, and told him all that had befallen, and of the doings and words of Swanhild. She honours me beyond my worth, he said, who am in no way set on her, but on thee only, Gdruta. I thou so sure of that, Eric, Swanhild is fair and wise. I, an evil, when I love Swanhild, then thou mayest love Osbacher. It is a bargain, she said, laughing. Good luck, go with thee in the wrestling. And with a kiss she left him, fearing lest she should be seen. Eric went back to the hall and sat down by the center hearth, for all men slept, being still heavy with drink, and presently Swanhild glided up to him and greeted him. Thou art greedy of deeds, Eric, she said. Yesterday thou cameest here by a path that no man has traveled. Today thou dost wrestle with a giant for thine eye, and presently thou goest up against Scalagrim. It seems that this is true, said Eric. Now all this thou doest for a woman, who is the betrothed of another man. All this I do for fame's sake, Swanhild. Moreover, Gdruta is betrothed to none. Before another yield-feast is spread, Gdruta shall be the wife of Osbacher. That is yet to be seen, Swanhild. Now Swanhild stood silent for a while, and then spoke. Thou art a fool, Eric, yes, drunk with folly. Nothing but evil shall come to thee from this madness of thine. Forget it, and pluck that which lies to thine hand. And she looked sweetly at him. They called thee Swanhild the fatherless, he answered. But I think that Loki, the god of Gael, was thy father, for there is none to match thee in craft and evil doing, and in beauty one only. I know thy plots well, and all the sorrow that thou hast brought upon us. Still, each seeks honor after his own manner. So seek thou as thou wilt. But thou shalt find bitterness and empty days, and thy plots shall come back on thine own head. Yes, even though they bring Gdruta and me to sorrow and death. Swanhild laughed. A day shall dawn, Eric, when thou who dust hate me shall hold me dear, and this I promise thee. Another thing I promise thee also, that Gdruta shall never call thee husband. But Eric did not answer, fearing lest in anger he should say words that were better unspoken. Now men rose and sat down to meet, and all talked of the wrestling that should be. But in the morning Osbeckor repented of the match. For it is truly said that Aael is another man, and men do not like that in the morning which seemed well enough on Yester Eve. He remembered that he held white-fired deer above all things, and that Eric's eye had no worth to him, except that the loss of it would spoil his beauty, so that perhaps Gdruta would turn from him. It would be very ill if he should chance to lose the play. Though of this he had no fear, for he was held the strongest man in Iceland, and the most skilled in all feats of strength. And at the best, no fame is to be won from the overthrow of a deedless man, and the plucking out of his eye. Thus it came to pass that when he saw Eric he called to him in a big voice. Harken thou, Eric! I hear thee, thou Osbeckor, said Eric, mocking him, and people laughed, while Osbeckor grinned angrily and said, Thou must learn manners, puppy. Still, I shall find no honor in teaching thee in this wise. Last night we made a match in our cups, and I staked my sword white-fire, and thou thine eye. It would be bad that either of us should lose sword or eye. For what sayest thou? Shall we let it pass? I, Blacktooth, if thou fierest, but first pay thou forfeit of the sword. Now Osbeckor grew very mad and shouted, Thou wilt indeed stand against me in the ring? I will break thy back anon, youngster, and afterwards tear out thine eye before thou dyest. It may so befall, answered Eric, but big words do not make big deeds. Presently the light came, and thralls went out with spades and cleared away the snow in a circle two rods across, and brought dry sand and sprinkled it on the frozen turf, so that the wrestlers should not slip, and they piled the snow in a wall around the ring. But Groe came up to Osbeckor and spoke to him apart. Knowest thou, Lord? She said, that my heart bodes ill of this match. Eric is a mighty man, and, great though thou art, I think that thou shalt lout lo before him. It will be a bad business if I am overthrown by an untried man, said Osbeckor, and was troubled in his mind. And it would be evil, moreover, to lose the sword, for no price would I have it so. What wilt thou give me, Lord, if I bring thee victory? I will give thee two hundred in silver. Ask no questions, and it shall be so, said Groe. Now Eric was without, taking note of the ground in the ring, and presently Groe called to her thrall, coal the half witted, whom she had sent to Swinefell. See, she said, yonder by the wall stand the wrestling shoes of Eric Brighteyes. Haste thee now, and take grease, and rub the soles with it, then hold them in the heat of the fire, so that the fat sinks in. Do this swiftly and secretly, and I will give thee three pennies. Cole grinned, and did as he was bid, setting back the shoes just as they were before. Scarcely was the deed done when Eric came in and made himself ready for the game, binding the grease shoes upon his feet, for he feared no trick. Now everybody went out to the ring, and Osbecher and Eric stripped for wrestling. They were clad in tight woollen jerkens and hose, and sheepskin shoes were on their feet. They named Asmund Master of the Game, and his word must be law to both of them. Eric claimed that Asmund should hold the sword Whitefire that was at stake, but Osbecher gained said him, saying that he gave Whitefire into Asmund's keeping, Eric must also give his eye, and about this they debated hotly. Now the matter was brought before Asmund as umpire, and he gave judgment for Eric. For, he said, if Eric yield up his eye into my hand, I can return it to his head, no more if he should win. But if Osbecher gives me the good sword, and conquers, it is easy for me to pass it back to him, unharmed. Men said that this was a good judgment. Thus then was the arm game set. Osbecher and Eric must wrestle thrice, and between each bout there would be a space while men could count a thousand. They might strike no blow at one another with hand or head or elbow, foot or knee, and it should be counted no fall if the haunch and the head of the fallen were not on the ground at the self-same time. He who suffered two falls should be adjudged conquered and lose his stake. Asmund called these rules aloud in the presence of witnesses, and Osbecher and Eric said that should bind them. Osbecher drew a small knife and gave it to his son, Gizur, to hold. Thou shalt soon know, youngling, how steel tastes in the eyeball, he said. We shall soon know many things, Eric answered. Now they drew off their cloaks and stood in the ring. Osbecher was great beyond the bigness of men, and his arms were clothed with black hair like the limbs of a goat. Beneath the shoulder joint they were almost as thick as a girl's thigh. His legs also were mighty, and the muscles stood out upon him in naughty lumps. He seemed a very giant and fierce as a bazarque, but still somewhat round about the body and heavy in movement. From him men looked at Eric. Lo! Baldur and the troll, said Swanhild, and everybody laughed, since so it was indeed, for if Osbecher was black and hideous as a troll, Eric was beautiful as Baldur, the loveliest of the gods. He was taller than Osbecher by the half of a hand and as broad in the chest. Still he was not yet come to his greatest strength, and, though his limbs were well knit, they seemed but as a child against the limbs of Osbecher, but he was quick as a cat and lithe. His neck and arms were white as way, and beneath his golden hair his bright eyes shone like spears. Now they stood face to face, with arms outstretched, waiting the word of Asmond. He gave it, and they circled round each other with arms held low. Suddenly Osbecher made a rush, and, seizing Eric about the middle, tried to lift him, but with no avail. Thrice he strobe and failed. Then Eric moved his foot, and lo! It slipped upon the sanded turf. Again Eric moved, and again he slipped. A third time, and he slipped a third time, and before he could recover himself he was full on his back and fairly thrown. Gudruda saw, and was sad at heart, and those around her said that it was easy to know how the game would end. What said I? Quoth Swan-hilled, that it would go badly with Eric where Osbecher's arms about him. All is not done yet, answered Gudruda. He thinks Eric's feet slipped, most strangely, as though he stood on ice. But Eric was very sore at heart, and could make nothing of this matter, for he was not overthrown by strength. He sat on the snow, and Osbecher and his sons mocked him, but Gudruda drew near and whispered to him to be of good cheer, for fortune might yet change. I think that I am bewitched, said Eric sadly. My feet have no hold of the ground. Gudruda covered her eyes with her hand and thought. Presently she looked up quickly. I seem to see Gile here, she said. Now look narrowly on thy shoes. He heard, and, loosening his shoestring, drew a shoe from his foot and looked at the sole. The cold of the snow had hardened the fat, and there it was, all white upon the leather. Now Eric rose and wrath. Me thought, he cried, that I dealt with men of honorable mind, not with cheating tricksters. See now, it is little wonder that I slipped, for grease has been set upon my shoes. And by Thor I will cleave the man who did it to the chin. And as he said it, his eyes blazed so dreadfully that folk fell back from him. Asman took the shoes and looked at them. Then he spoke. His eyes tells the truth, and we have a sorry nape among us. Ospecher, hence thou clear thyself of this ill deed. I will swear on the holy ring that I know nothing of it, and if any man in my company has had a hand therein he shall die, said Ospecher. That we will swear also, cried his sons Gizur and Mord. This is more like a woman's work, said Gudruda, and she looked at Swanhild. It is no work of mine, quotes Swanhild. Then go and ask thy mother of it, answered Gudruda. Now all men cried aloud that this was the greatest shame, and that the match must be set afresh. Only Ospecher bethought him of that two hundred in silver which he had promised to Groa, and looked around, but she was not there. Still he gained said Eric in the matter of the match being set afresh. Then Eric cried out in his anger that he would let the game stand as it was, since Ospecher swore himself free of the shameful deed. Men thought this a mad saying, but Asman said it should be so. Still he swore in his heart that, even if he were worsted, Eric should not lose his eye. No, not if swords were held aloft to take it. For of all tricks this seemed to him the very worst. Now Ospecher and Eric faced each other again in the ring, but this time the feet of Eric were bare. Ospecher rushed to get the upper hold, but Eric was too swift for him and sprang aside. Again he rushed, but Eric dropped and gripped him round the middle. Now they were face to face, hugging each other like bears, but moving little. For a time things went thus, while Ospecher strove to lift Eric, but in no wise could he stir him. Then of a sudden Eric put out his strength, and they staggered round the ring, tearing at each other till their jerkens were rent from them, leaving them almost bare to the waist. Finally Eric seemed to give, and Ospecher put out his foot to trip him, but bright eyes was watching. He caught the foot in the crook of his left leg and threw his weight forward on the chest of black tooth. Backward he went, falling with the thud of a tree on snow, and there he lay on the ground and Eric over him. Then the men shouted, A FALL, A FAIR FALL, and were very glad for the fight seemed most uneven to them, and the wrestlers rolled asunder, breathing heavily. Madruta threw a cloak over Eric's naked shoulders. "'That was well done, bright eyes,' she said. "'The game is still to play, sweet,' he gasped, and Ospecher is a mighty man. I threw him by skill, not by strength. Next time it must be by strength, or not at all.' Now breathing time was done, and once more the two were face to face. Thrice, Ospecher rushed, and Thrice did Eric slip away, for he would waste black tooth's strength. Again Ospecher rushed, roaring like a bear, and fire seemed to come from his eyes, and the steam went up from him, and hung upon the frosty air like the steam of a horse. This time Eric could not get away, but was swept up into that great grip, for Ospecher had the lower hold. "'Now there is an end of Eric,' said Swanhild. "'The arrow is yet on the bow,' answered Madruta. Black tooth put out his might, and reeled round and round the ring, dragging Eric with him. This way and that he twisted, and time on time Eric's leg was lifted from the ground, but so he might not be thrown. Now they stood almost still, while men shouted madly, for no such wrestling had been known in the Southlands. Grimly they hugged and strobe, for sooth it was a mighty sight to see. Grimly they hugged, and their muscles strained and cracked, but they could stir each other no inch. Ospecher grew fearful, for he could make no play with his youngling. Black rage swelled in his heart. He ground his fangs and thought on guile. By his foot gleamed the naked foot of Eric. Suddenly he stamped on it so fiercely that the skin burst. "'Ill done, ill done!' folk cried, but in his pain Eric moved his foot. Low he was down, but not altogether down, for he did but sit on his haunches, and still he clung to black tooth's thighs, and twined his legs about his ankles. Now with all his strength Ospecher strode to force the head of bright eyes to the ground, but still he could not, for Eric clung to him like a creeper to a tree. "'A losing game for Eric,' said Asmund, and as he spoke bright eyes was pressed back, till his yellow hair almost swept the sand. Then the folk of Ospecher shouted in triumph, but Gurdrude cried aloud, "'Be not overthrown, Eric! Loose thee and spring aside!' Eric heard, and of a sudden loosed all his grip. He fell on his outspread hand, then with a swing sideways and a bound, once more he stood upon his feet. Ospecher came at him like a bowl made mad with goading, but he could no longer roar aloud. They closed, and this time Eric had the better hold. For a while they struggled round and round till their feet tore the frozen turf. Then once more they stood face to face. Now the two were almost spent, yet black tooth gathered up his strength and swung Eric from his feet, but he found them again. He grew mad with rage, and hugged him till bright eyes was nearly pressed to death, and black bruises sprang upon the whiteness of his flesh. Ospecher grew mad and madder yet, till at length in his fury he fixed his fangs in Eric's shoulder and bit till the blood spurted. "'I'll kiss thou rat!' gasped Eric, and with the pain and rush of blood his strength came back to him. He shifted his grip swiftly. Now his right hand was beneath the fork of black tooth's thigh, and is left on the hollow of black tooth's back. Twice he lifted, twice the bulk of Ospecher rose from the ground. A third mighty lift, so mighty that the wrapping on Eric's forehead burst, and the blood streamed down his face. And low, great black tooth flew in the air. Up he flew, and backward he fell into the bank of snow, and was buried there almost to the knees. End of CHAPTER 6. CHAPTER 6. How Asman the priest was betrothed to Una. For a moment there was silence, for all that company was wonderstruck at the greatness of the deed. Then they cheered, and cheered again, and to Eric it seemed that he slept, and the sound of shouting reached him but faintly, as though he heard through snow. Suddenly he woke, and saw a man rush at him with axel offed. It was Mord, Ospecher's son, mad at his father's overthrow. Eric sprang aside, or the blow had been his bane. And as he sprang, smote with his fist, and it struck heavily on the head of Mord above the ear, so that the ax flew from his hand, and he fell senseless on his father in the snow. Now swords flashed out, and men ringed round Eric to guard him, and it came near to the spilling of blood. For the people of Ospecher gnashed their teeth to see so great a hero overthrown by a youngling, while the southern folk of Middlehoff and Ran River rejoiced loudly, for Eric was dear to their hearts. Down swords, cried Asman the priest, and haul Yon Karkus from the snow. This they did, and Ospecher set up, breathing in great gasps, the blood running from his mouth and ears, and he was an evil sight to see, for what with blood and snow and rage his face was like the face of the swine-fell goblin. But Swanhild spoke in the ear of Gdruda. Here, she said, looking at Eric, we too have a man worth loving, foster sister. I answered Gdruda, worth and well worth. Now, Asman drew near and before all men, kissed Eric bright eyes on the brow. In sooth, he said, thou art a mighty man, Eric, and the glory of the south. This I prophesy of thee, that thou shalt do deeds such as have not been done in Iceland. Thou hast ill been served, for a nave unknown greased thy shoes. Yon Swar the Ospecher, the most mighty of all men in Iceland, could not overthrow thee, though, like a wolf, he fastened his fangs in thee. And, like a coward, stamped on thy naked foot, take thou the great sword that thou hast won, and wear it worthily. Now Eric took snow and wiped the blood from his brow. Then he grasped white fire and drew it from the scabbard, and high aloft flashed the warblade. Thrice, he wheeled it round his head, and then sang aloud. Fast, yester morne, thou golden falls, fared young Eric to thy feast, Asman, father of Gdruda, made whom much he longs to clasp. But today on giant black tooth hath he done a needful deed, hurling him in heaped-up snowdrift, winning white fire for his wage. And again he sang, Lord, if in very truth thou thinkest, Bride Ice is a man midst men, swear to him, the stalwart suitor, Hansel of thy sweet maid's hand, whom long love to win down gold-foss swift he sped through frost and foam, whom to win to troll like ogre he against white fire waged his eye. Men thought this well sung, and turned to hear Asman's answer, nor must they wait long. Eric, he said, I will promise thee this, that if thou goest on as thou hast begun, I will give Gdruda in marriage to no other man. That is good tidings, Lord, said Eric. This I say further, in a year I will give thee full answer, according as to how thou dost bear thyself between now and then. For this is no light gift thou askest. Also that, if ye will it, ye twain may now plight truth, for the blame shall be yours if it is broken, and not mine, and I give thee my hand on it. Eric took his hand, and Gdruda heard her father's words and happiness shown in her dark eyes, and she grew faint for very joy. And now Eric turned to her, all torn and bloody from the fray, the great sword in his hand, and he spoke thus. Thou hast heard thy father's words, Gdruda? Now it seems that there is no great need of troth plighting between us, too. Still here before all men I ask thee, if thou dost love me and aren't willing to take me to husband. Gdruda looked up into his face, and answered in a sweet, clear voice that could be heard by all. Eric, I say to thee now, what I have said before, that I love thee alone of all men, and if it be my father's wish, I will wed no other whilst thou dost remain true to me, and hold me dear. Those are good words, said Eric. Now in pledge of them, swear this troth of thine upon my sword that I have won. Gdruda smiled, and, taking great white fire in her hand, she said the words again, and, in pledge of them, kissed the bright blade. Then Eric took back the war-sword and spoke thus, I swear that I will love thee, and thee only, Gdruda the fair, Asman's daughter, whom I have desired all my days, and if I fail of this my oath, then our troth is at an end, and thou mayest wed whom thou wilt. And in turn he put his lips upon the sword, while swan-hilled watched them do the oath. Now Osbecker was recovered from the fight, and he sat there upon the snow, with bowed head, for he knew well that he had won the greatest shame, and had lost both wife and sword. Black rage filled his heart as he listened, and he sprang to his feet. I came hither, Asmund, he said, to ask this maid of thine in marriage, and me thinks that had been a good match for her and thee. But I have been overthrown by witchcraft of this man in a wrestling bout, and thereby lost my good sword, and now I must seem to hear him betrothed to the maid before me. Thou hast heard a right, Osbecker, said Asmund. And thy wooing is soon sped. Get thee back once thou cameest, and seek a wife in thine own quarter, for thou art unfit in age and aspect to have so sweet a maid. Moreover here in the south we hold men of small account, however great and rich they be, who do not shame to seek to overthrow a foe by foul means. With my own eyes I saw thee stamp on the naked foot of Eric, Thorgrimmer's son. With my own eyes I saw thee, like a wolf, fasten that black fang of thine upon him. There is the mark of it, and, as for the matter of the Greek shoes, thou knowest best what hand thou hats in it. I had no hand. If any did this thing it was grower the witch, thy finished bedmate. For the rest I was mad and know not what I did. But Harkin, Asmund, ill shall befall thee and thy house, and I will ever be thy foe. Moreover I will yet wed this maid of thine. And now, thou Eric, Harkin also, I will have another game with thee. This one was but the sport of boys. When we meet again, and the time shall not be long, swords shall be aloft, and thou shall learn the play of men. I tell thee that I will slay thee, and tear Gadruda shrieking from my arms to be my wife. I tell thee that, with yonder good sword white fire, I will yet hew off thy head. And he choked and stopped. Thou art much foam and little water, said Eric. These things are easily put to proof. If thou willest, to-morrow I will come with thee to a home-gang, and there we may set the twigs and finish what we have begun today. I cannot do that, for thou hast my sword, and, till I am suited with another weapon, I may fight no home-gang. Still, fear not, we shall soon meet with weapons aloft, and bernie on breast. Never too soon can the hour come, Blacktooth, said Eric, and turning on his heel he limped to the hall to clothe himself afresh. On the threshold of the men's door he met Groa the witch. Thou didst put grease upon my shoes, Carline, and witch-hag that thou art, he said. It is not true, bright eyes. There, thou liest, for all this I will repay thee. Thou art not yet the wife of Asmund, nor shalt be, for a plan comes into my head about it. Groa looked at him strangely. If thou speakest so, take heed to thy meat and drink, she said. I was not born among the Finns for nothing, and, no, I am still minded to wed Asmund. For thy shoes I would to the gods that they were hell-shooned, and that I was now binding them on thy dead feet. Oh, the cat begins to spit, said Eric, but know this, thou mayest grease my shoes, fit work for a Carline, but thou mayest never bind them on. Thou art a witch, and wilt come to the end of witches, and what thy daughter is, that I will not say. And he pushed past her and entered the hall. Presently, Asmund came to seek Eric there, and prayed him to be gone to his stead on Rand River. The horses of Osbacher had strayed, and he must stop at Middlehof till they were found. But if these two should abide under the same roof, bloodshed would come of it, and that Asmund knew. Eric said yea to this, and, when he had rested a while, kissed Gdruda, and, taking a horse, rode away to Koldback, bearing the sword white fire with him, and for a time he saw no more of Osbacher. When he came there his mother, Savuna, greeted him as one risen from the dead, and hung about his neck. Then he told her all that had come to pass, and she thought it a marvelous story, and sorrowed that Thorgrimmer, her husband, was not alive to know it. But Eric mused a while, and spoke. Mother, he said, now my uncle Thorod of Greenfell is dead, and his daughter, my cousin Una, has no home. She is a fair woman, and skilled in all things. Comes into my mind that we should bid her here to dwell with us. Why, I thought thou wasst betrothed to Gdruda the Fair, said Savuna, wherefore then wouldst thou bring Una hither? For this cause, said Eric, because it seems that Asman the priest wearies of Groa the witch, and would take another wife, and I wish to draw the bands between us tighter, if it may be false so. Groa will take it ill, said Savuna. Things cannot be worse between us than they are now, therefore I do not fear Groa, he answered. It shall be as thou wilt, son. Tomorrow we will send to Una and bid her here, if it pleases her to come. Now Ospecker stayed three more days at Middelhoff, till his horses were found, and he was fit to travel, for Eric had shaken him sorely. But he had no words with Gdruda, and few with Asman. Still, he saw Swanhild, and she bid him to be of good cheer, for he should yet have Gdruda. For now that the maid had passed from him, the mind of Ospecker was set in winning her. Bjorn also, Asman's son, spoke words of good comfort to him, for he envied Eric his great fame, and he thought the match with Blacktooth would be good. And so at length Ospecker rode away to Swinefell, with all his company, but Gizur, his son, left his heart behind. For Swanhild had not been idle this while. Her heart was sore, but she must follow her ill nature, and so she had put out her woman's strength and beguiled Gizur into loving her. But she did not love him at all, and the temper of Asman the priest was so angry that Gizur dared not ask her in marriage, so nothing was said of the matter. Now Una came to Coldback to dwell with Savuna, Eric's mother, and she was a fair and buxom woman. She had been once wedded, but within a month of her marriage her husband was lost at sea, this two years gone. At first Gdruda was somewhat jealous of this coming of Una to Coldback, but Eric showed her what was in his mind, and she fell into the plan, for she hated and feared Groa greatly, and desired to be rid of her. Since this matter of the greasing of Eric's wrestling shoes, great loathing of Groa had come into Asman's mind, and he bethought him often of those words that his wife Gdruda the gentle spoke as she lay dying, and grieve that the oath which he swore then had in part been broken. He would have no more to do with Groa now, but he could not be rid of her, and notwithstanding her evil doings he still loved Swanhild, but Groa grew thin with spite and rage, and wandered about the place glaring with her great black eyes, and people hated her more and more. Now Asman went to visit at Coldback, and there he saw Una and was pleased with her, for she was a blithe woman and Bonnie. The end of it was that he asked her in marriage of Eric, at which bright eyes was glad, but said he must know Una's mind. Una hearkened, and did not say no, for though Asman was somewhat gone in years, still he was an upstanding man, wealthy in lands, goods, and monies out at interest, and having many friends. So they plighted truth, and the wedding feast was to be in the autumn after hay harvest. Now Asman rode back to Middlehoff somewhat troubled at heart, for these tidings must be told to Groa, and he feared her and her witchcraft, in the hall he found her standing alone. Where has thou been, Lord? she asked. At Coldback, he answered. To see Una, Eric's cousin, perchance? That is so. What is Una to thee, then, Lord? This much, that after hay harvest she will be my wife, and that is ill news for thee, Groa. Now Groa turned, and grasped fiercely at the air with her thin hands. Her eyes started out, foam was on her lips, and she shook in her fury like a birch tree in the wind, looking so evil that Asman drew back a little, saying, Now a veil is lifted from thee, and I see thee as thou art. Thou hast cast a glamour over me these many years, Groa, and it is gone. May hap, Asmund Asmundson, may hap thou knowest me, but I tell thee that thou shalt see me in a worse guise before thou wettest Una. What? Have I borne the greatest shame, lying by thy side these many years, and shall I live to see a rival, young and fair, creep into my place with honour? That I will not, while runes have power, and spells can conjure the evil thing upon thee. I call down ruin upon thee and thine, yea, and on bright eyes also, for he has brought this thing to pass. Death take ye all! May thy blood no longer run in mortal veins anywhere on the earth. Go down to Hella, Asmund, and be forgotten. When she began to mutter, runes swiftly. Now Asmund turned white with wrath. Seize thy evil talk, he said, or thou shalt be hurled as a witch into Goldfoss Pool. Into Goldfoss Pool? Yea, there I may lie, I see it. I seem to see this shape of mine rolling where the waters boil fiercest, but thine eyes shall never see it. Thy eyes are shut, and shut are the eyes of Una, for ye have gone before. I do but follow after. And thrice Groa shrieked aloud, throwing up her hands, and fell foaming on the sanded floor. An evil woman and a fae, said Asmund, as he called people to her. It had been better for me if I had never seen her dark face. Now it is to be told that Groa lay beside herself for ten full days, and swan-hilled nursed her. Then she found her sense again, and craved to see Asmund and spoke thus to him. It seems to me, Lord, if indeed it be ought but a vision of my dreams, that before this sickness struck me I spoke mad and angry words against thee, because thou hast plighted truth to Una, Thorod's daughter. That is so in truth, said Asmund. I have to say this, then, Lord, that most humbly I crave thy pardon for my ill words, and ask thee to put them away from thy mind. Sore heart makes sour speech, and thou knowest well that. Thou soever great my faults, at least I have always loved thee, and labored for thee, and me thinks that in some fashion thy fortunes are the deader to my wisdom. Therefore when my ears heard that thou hats of a truth put me away, and that another woman comes and honoured wife to rule in Middlehoff, my tongue forgot its courtesy, and I spoke words that are of all words the farthest from my mind. For I know well that I grow old, and have put off that beauty, with which I was adorned of yore, and that held thee to me. Car-line, Eric Brighteyes named me, and car-line I am, an old hag no more. Now, forgive me, and in memory of all that has been between us, let me creep to my place in the Ingle, and still watch and serve thee and thine till my service is outworn. Out of Rand's net I came to thee, and if thou driveest me hence I tell thee that I will lie down and die upon thy threshold, and when thou sinkest into eld, surely the memory of it shall grieve thee. Thus she spoke and wept much, till Asman's heart softened in him, and though with a doubting mind he said it should be as she willed, so Groa stayed on at Middlehoff, and was lowly in her bearing and soft of speech. End of chapter, recording by Brett Downey