 CHAPTER XIX LUDVIK FIGHTS WITH HERVIK In the tumult, Hervik encountered Ludvik, and when he beheld the old king, whose blade dripped with the blood of heroes, he asked, Who is this aged warrior that so fiercely wields his reeking sword? Ludvik heard the words, and shouted in reply, My name is Ludvik, and of this land I am the king. Doth any seek combat with me, let him step forth. If thou be he, answered Hervik, then well hast thou and my hatred. Upon the Vulpan sand thou didst slay King Hattle and many a comrade dear. Also didst thou rob me of my fair betrothed, wherefore now over thy body will I win her back to me again. Boy, to a little need for thee to avow thyself, said Ludvik scornfully, but dearly shalt thou atone for that threat of thine. Therewith the two kings rushed at each other, amid the shouts of their followers. Hervik and his fury was like the raging sea, Ludvik, a great gray rock against which the foaming billows dash in vain. The struggle had lasted for some moments when Ludvik's sword descended with such force on the head of his adversary that Hervik tottered and sank upon his knee. Again the mighty blade fell, and he would have been slain had not one of his knights sprung forward and received the blow upon his own body. The hero paid for his devotion with his life, but Hervik was borne away by his friends and soon revived. Looking up at the turret he cried, shame were it to my knighthood that Gudrun should see me sink upon my knee before he on Hori chief. Now will I hasten after him to redeem my honor. The way he dashed, his men following with flying banners. Hearing these shouts Ludvik turned about, and great was his amazement to behold the young hero whom he had supposed slain. Once more they fought till their shields grew hot from the shower of blows, but now as Ludvik flung his sword aloft to deal the death-stroke to his royal foe, Hervik thrust his own blade deep into the old king's breast. Down he fell, and again Hervik smote, where upon the head of the fierce Norman monarch rolled in the sand, staining at Crimson. This was the death-signal for Ludvik's band. Like a hurricane tearing its way through the forest, on swept Hervik's knights against the foe, and few indeed were those who survived that terrible onslaught. End of CHAPTER XXI of Gudrun by Ferdinand Schmidt, translated by George Putnam Upton. When the warden on the tower made known the fall of King Ludvik, loud shrieks and cries of woe arose within the castle. These Hartmut heard, and asking their cause was told his father had been slain. Then looking about him and seeing how they were beset on all sides, he said to his followers, How have we won today? Let us withdraw into the castle in a way to more favourable opportunity for a fresh attack. His knights followed him gladly, for they were weary with much strife, but when they sought to turn back they found the way was barred. Vata with his men was already fighting before the great gates. Beams and stones were being flung upon them from the walls, and bolts fell thick as hailstones from the clouds. But Vata heeded them not, his thoughts were bent only upon victory. By my faith it is a mighty foe we have to deal with, and well are they wreaking vengeance for their ancient wrongs. If we would reach the gates once more we must encounter heavy odds for luck, the enemy is there before us on every hand. Yonder wave Siegfried's colours, yet our warriors press him hard. At the other gate is plain by the sword-points on his banner the tortman fights, and many shall fall ere he sheaths his sword. On that side is Heavik with his followers, none can deny it is in true nightly fashion he doth battle for his bride. In truth we have tarried too long on the field, and I know not which way to turn. Long will they wait for us within the castle much I fear, for neither by craft nor yet by secret passage may we pass its walls. Not remains to us save to dismount, and cleave away for ourselves with our swords. Accordingly they all sprang from their horses, which they turned loose, and therewith began their perilous attempt. Hartmut sought out Vata, thinking if he could but slay that mighty champion they might succeed in gaining entrance to the castle. No sooner did Vata see Hartmut approaching than he sprang to meet him. High in the air rose the dust from the feet of the heroes, and they smote one another so fiercely that the clang of sword-strokes on shield and helm was like the sound of hammers in a forge. CHAPTER XXI Hartmut and Vata were fighting close beneath the walls of the castle, and Hartmut could hear his mother making promises of rich reward to any who would slay Gudrun and her women. One base-wretch, tempted by her offers, burst into the hall upon the maidens, who fled shrieking to the windows, whereupon Hartmut, divining what had happened, lowered his sword and stepped back apace. Seeing their danger, and also how his sister Ortrun and the fury of despair had forced the murderer to the balcony, he shouted in thundering tones, While miscreant what dost thou there amid the maidens? Touch not a hair of their heads, or by my faith thou shalt pay dearly for it, thou and all thy kin. The terrified murderer slunk away, and once more the fight went on, but now both Danes and Normans joined in the strife, and the two heroes were forced asunder in spite of all their efforts. When Ortrun from the window saw how fast her brother's followers were falling, she hastened to Gudrun and sank at her feet, ringing her hands and crying, Have mercy, I pray thee, noble princess, be think thee how thou didst suffer when they slew thy father, and to-day hath mine fallen by the swords of thy friends. Our bravest nights are slaughtered, and even now my brother Hartmut is in peril of his life before Count Varta. Gudrun embraced the kneeling maiden, and said kindly, Never hast thou done me wrong, and gladly what I ate thee and thy need. But how may I part them, were I a knight and could bear arms than would I hasten down and save thy brother, but I will do what I can? Going to the window she waved her white kerchief. Well for Hartmut was it that Hervig chanced to be so close at hand, for when he saw Gudrun's signal he sprang to the walls. If thou dost love me, noble Hervig, then save King Hartmut from Count Varta's fury. She cried. Gladly will I serve thee, dearest maid, replied Hervig, and turning to his knights he shouted, On with our banna to Count Varta's side, my comrades. But it was not easy to reach Varta through the press, and Hervig cried to him from afar, Gudrun besieges thee, brave Varta, to forbear thy strife. She offers peace to Hartmut. But filled with the fury of battle, Varta answered, Am I to be led by women's words for sooth? Nay, that was shame. Never will I spare the foe, till Hartmut hath atoned for his misdeed. And as Hervig sprang forward to part the combatants, the infuriated champion dealt him a blow that stretched him on the earth. But therewith Hervig's men pressed hotly on, and Hartmut and Varta were forced apart. Hartmut and a great number of his knights were made prisoners, disarmed, and taken to the ships. CHAPTER XXII RETRIBUTION A general assault was now begun on the castle. The knights whom Hartmut had left behind defended it bravely, sending down showers of bolts, and flinging huge beams and stones upon the besiegers. But Varta was not to be driven back. With their battle-axes his men hewed the massive bolts from the walls, and the gates at last fell crashing inward. At the same time Horrent with the Queen's banner forced the walls in another place, and Ortvin had also gained them by means of a siege ladder. The conflict soon spread to the courtyard and thence to the halls and passages till the whole castle was filled with the din of battle. Chesson presses were broken open in the search for the treasures Ludwig had once carried off from Hegelingen, and enough gold and silver, silks and fine linens, were gathered together to fill two ships. Ortvin took refuge in Gudrin's chamber. "'A last, dear friend,' she cried, "'thy people are slaying all they meet within the castle. Don't pity protect me, or I too must die.' Gudrin took her by the hand, saying tenderly, "'Never shalt thou lack aid from me, dear Ortvin. Indeed from my heart I wish thee peace and happiness. Remain here with my maidens.' Soon Gerlinda came flying in. Forgetful of her pride and arrogance, she fell on her knees before Gudrin, crying, "'Mercy, mercy, most noble queen. Save me from Varta and his worry as I implore thee.' Gudrin answered sternly, "'How dost thou ask me to protect thee? Didst thou ever listen to my prayers for mercy? Be thanks to his little cause I have to show thee favour?' Therewith Varta himself burst into the hall, blood streaming from his great beard and staining his armour. Much as Gudrin was attached to the old hero, it displeased her that he should force his way into the women's apartments like a raging wild boar, yet she approached and greeted him, while the maidens shrank back, terror-stricken. Varta bowed before her, saying, "'Tell me, who are these women here with thee?' "'This is my friend Ortrin,' replied Gudrin. Good and kind hath she ever been to me, and with her are her maids. The rest of those poor damsels were stolen with me from Hegelingen.' As Varta was about to approach them to seek for Gerlinda, she cried, "'Nay, look how thou dost trip with blood. Surely it is not thus that thou shouldst appear before fair dames?' Whereat Varta turned away angry and went back to his comrades who were still fighting in the hall. Scarcely had he departed when the unfaithful Harigart rushed in with pallid cheeks and streaming hair, and falling at Gudrin's feet begged for mercy. But Gudrin said sharply, "'Get thee from my sight, thou false one. What troubles didst thou ever share with me? Rather hast thou added to them?' Still Harigart pleaded so piteously that at last she said, "'Conceal thyself then among autrant damsels, if thou willed. No longer art thou worthy of a place with those thou hast so faithlessly abandoned.'" Varta, meanwhile, was searching everywhere for Queen Gerlinda, and presently came once more to the hall, shouting wrathfully, "'Lady Gudrin, deliver up to me that infamous woman who did force thee to wash her garments, whose vile deeds have caused thee so much woe.' Gerlinda was hidden behind the maidens, but Gudrin would not betray her. She is not here,' was her only reply. This only added to the hero's fury. "'Then will I slay every woman here,' he shouted, so that she shall not escape me. Whereupon Gudrin's women, turning pale with fright, drew apart and exposed the fugitive. "'Ha!' he cried, dragging the trembling queen forth by the hand. "'Hast thou what else to be washed by the daughter of my queen?' Therewith he seized his victim by the hair, and struck off her head. The maidens shrieked aloud at this sight, but Varta turned to them once more and said, "'Now would I feign see her who was false to you, for she too must die.' Gudrin was silent, but a glance from her eyes showed him which was the guilty one. Herigart prostrated herself before him, and besought him to spare her life, but he cried, "'Well, do I know how to deal with women? As for that I am chamberlain, and so saying he swung his sword, and the head of the unfaithful maiden rolled upon the floor. The fighting was now over, and soon Hervik and Ortvin entered the hall, followed by their comrades. The two kings had laid aside their blood-stained armor, and Gudrin greeted them tenderly, embracing them with tears of joy. Then she gave her hand to her companion, saying, "'Never will I be unmindful of your devotion so long as I do live.' And all felt how true were her words. Vata, whose fury had not yet subsided, wished to fire the castle, but Fruta opposed it, saying, "'What, then, would the women do for shelter till the time of our return? Moreover the castle doth afford us safe and ample lodgement. But let us make way with the dead who lie about the halls and passages, and cleanse the walls from blood, Vata, dear ladies' eyes, be not offended with the sight thereof.' So the bodies were all born to the shore, and with their armor cast into the sea. Hartmut was taken to the ships and chains. Gudrin had saved his life, but she had not been able to obtain further concession from her brother and betrothed. Ortrin, however, was allowed to remain with her. Some of the knights with their followers went farther into the kingdom, and stormed twenty-six castles, returning to Gudrin laden with treasure, and bringing many captives. After a joyous meeting, Ortrin cried, "'Well hath our journey ended. Beyond our dearest hopes if we'd succeeded, and never will I forget, my gallant comrades, how loyally you have striven in our cause.' "'Time passes,' said Vata. "'Let us hasten to restore Queen Hilda's daughter to her.' Preparations for departure were soon made. The booty was placed on the ships, and all hearts beat high with joy at the thought of home. Ortrin followed Gudrin, weeping bitterly, but Hartmut was taken on another vessel, with five hundred of his knights. He offered to pledge his life in token of loyalty, if they would leave him in the land of his fathers. But Vata answered, "'Tis thyself we would have. In truth I know not why Ortvin bears with him to his own land, one who even yet would gladly have his life. Yet so it is. Were it for me to say, forsooth, thou shouldst have speedy deliverance from all thy troubles." CHAPTER XXIII THE HOME COMING For a whole year Queen Hilda heard no news from the fleet that had sailed away to rescue Gudrin. Each day she ascended the battlements of her castle Matalan to watch for some sign of the returning ships. One bright May morning, when the green meadows were gay with flowers and the sea was as blue as the sky above it, as she stood thus gazing out over the smooth water, suddenly a snow-white sail appeared on the far horizon, then another, and yet another, till a whole fleet came into view. Suddenly descending from the tower she betook herself with her women to the shore, which was soon thronged with eager men and women and children, and joyous shouts arose as they recognized the devices on the sails. Nearer and nearer came the ships, brightly shown the sun on helm and armor, banners fluttered in the breeze, drums, trumpets, flutes and cymbals made exultant music. Vata's ship was first to reach the land, and the hero sprang ashore, earlt and fruta following. Reverently they approached and bowed before the queen, who greeted them and asked for her children. "'God hath aided thee,' said Vata, on yonder ship that now doth approach the shore are Gudrun and Otvin. Also havoc, thy daughters brave betrothed!' Then the queen raised her hands to heaven, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks, as her dear ones stepped once more upon their native shore, followed by all the nights and maidens. Otvin and Hervig placed Gudrun in her mother's arms, who clasped her child to her, as if she could never let her go. So great was the joy of both at this reunion that even stern warriors were forced to shed tears at the sight thereof. After Hilda had exchanged greetings with her son and Hervig, Gudrun led forth a tall noble damsel from the group of women. "'Take her also to thy heart, my mother,' she cried. "'For a good friend hath she been to me.' "'Nay,' said the queen, I embrace no damsel who is unknown to me.' But Gudrun whispered, "'Thou must greet her, mother, tis King Ludwig's orphan child.' "'How?' cried Hilda sharply. "'She, the daughter of the Norman King. Oh, what evil hath meant dealt me by her house!' Gudrun turning angrily to Ortrun, who stood silent before her. She pointed to the site of the castle, which still lay in ruins. "'Behold the work of thy kin,' she said. "'Yet there are still dungeons beneath yon pile that shall well serve for thee.' Gudrun burst into tears at this. But Ortvin said reprovingly, "'Nay, dear mother, thou shalt not speak thus to Ortrun. She merited not such anger in her grief.' And Gudrun added, "'Truly, hath it not been for her, I never again should have held thee in my arms.' Then Hilda's wrath melted, and giving her hand to Ortrun, she kissed her, saying, "'If this be true, thy kindness shall meet with rich reward from us.' Then Gudrun led Hildberg to her mother. "'Thou must thank this maiden also,' she said, "'for she hath been a loyal friend to me and Shad in all my troubles.' "'Truly, my child,' replied the queen. She shall not lack the reward of the faithful. After all the other heroes had been welcomed, she led the way back to the castle, where a sum she was repast was prepared. Hartmut was left to languish in his chains, however, and Gudrun bethought her how she might bring all to a happy issue, for she greatly desired that a lasting peace should be established between the two countries. Accordingly, the next day, after all in the castle had risen from the board, she said to Ortrun, "'Hark, and dear brother, to the council I would give thee. For great advantage shalt thou reap thereby. I would have thee take Ludwig's daughter Ortrun as thy wife. Truly never wilt thou find a truer heart on earth.' "'Indeed, most good and noble, she doth seem to me,' replied Ortrun. "'But we have slain her father and her mother. He thinks at my side she would know but little joy. "'Nay, let thy love teach her to forget her sorrows,' cried Gudrun. When Ortrun had agreed to her plan, she sent for horrific and told him what was proposed, whereat he was greatly pleased and said, "'I, let us make it our care that there shall evermore be peace betwixt the Normans and ourselves.' Then Gudrun went to the Queen, and besought Hartmut's freedom. Hilda at first refused to grant it, but Gudrun pleaded with her mother, till at last she agreed that he should have his liberty, so that he remained unarmed. Soon Hartmut entered the hall, bearing himself with his wanted pride and with undaunted courage, though he knew not whether life or death was to be his portion. But everyone who saw him admired the brave hero. "'Let me speak with him apart,' said Gudrun, and leading him into the embrasure of a window she began, "'if thou wilt follow the council I would give thee, noble Hartmut, to make an end of all thy troubles.' "'Well, do I know thy virtue, fairest princess?' replied Hartmut, and that thou wiltst council not, but what is right or in accordance with my honour. "'Then help us to establish peace between our houses for all time,' continued Gudrun. "'My brother Ortvin will wed Ortrun, and do thou take the lady Hildberg for thy Queen. No nobler maid is there in all the land, and if thou dost make her thy wife, she will ever be true and loyal to thee, even as she was to me in my hours of sorrow.' "'So be it,' replied Hartmut, if thou seeest fit that thy brother should take my sister as his wife, then will I wed the noble lady Hildberg?' Overjoyed, Gudrun hastened to make the good news known to Hildberg and Ortrun, whose heart she already knew were well disposed to the heroes. In the presence of Queen Hilda in all the court, the two happy pairs plighted their truth, and there was great rejoicing among the knights. Even Old Vata laid aside his enmity, and gave his hand to Hartmut and Ortrun. Soon thereafter the nuptials were celebrated, and peace was sealed between the two countries by solemn oaths. The reconciliation, thus brought about by Gudrun, proved of lasting benefit to the people. Her name was always spoken by them with reverence. Her courage and constancy in virtues were extolled by them, and in after days her fame was as radiant as the stars in the heavens. End of Chapter 23 Recording by Stephen Fellows End of Gudrun by Ferdinand Schmidt Translated by George Putnam Upton