 18. How Earl Atly found Eric and Scalagrim on the southern rocks of Strawmay Isle. 18. Swanhild robed in white as though new risen from sleep, stood, candle in hand, by the bed of Atly the Earl, her lord, crying, 18. Awake! 19. What passes now? said Atly, lifting himself upon his arm. 20. What passes, Swanhild, and why dost thou ever wander alone at night, looking so strangely? 21. I love not thy dark which ways, Swanhild, and I was wed to thee in an ill hour, wife who art no wife. 22. An ill hour indeed, Earl Atly, she answered, 23. An ill hour for thee and me, for, as thou hast said, 23. Eld and youth are strange yoke-fellows, and pole different paths. 24. Rise now, Earl, for I have dreamed a dream. 25. Tell it to me on the morrow then, quote Atly, 26. There is small joyousness in thy dreams that always point to evil, and I must bear enough evil of late. 27. Nay, Lord, my reed may not be put aside so. Listen now! I have dreamed that a great dragon of war has been cast away upon Stromay's southwestern rocks. 28. The cries of those who drowned rang in my ears, but I thought that some came living to the shore, and lie there senseless, to perish of the cold. 29. Arise, therefore, take men, and go down to the rocks. 28. I will go at daybreak, said Atly, letting his head fall upon the pillow. I have little faith in such visions, and it is too late for ships of war to try the passage of the Firth. 29. Arise, I say, answered Swanhild sternly, and do my bidding, else I will go myself to search the rocks. 30. Then Atly rose grumbling, and shook the heavy sleep from his eyes, for of all living folk he most feared Swanhild his wife. He donned his garments, threw a thick cloak about him, and, going to the hall where men snored around the dying fires, for the night was bitter, he awoke some of them. Now among those men whom he had called was Hall of Lithdale, Hall the mate who had cut the Grappnell chain. For this hall, fearing to return to Iceland, had come hither saying he had been wounded off Faray's in the great fight between Erich and Osbeker's men, and left there to grow well of his hurt or die. Then Atly, not knowing that the carl lied, had been him welcome for Erich's sake, for he still loved Erich above all men. But Hall loved not labour and night fairings to search for shipwrecked men of whom the Lady Swanhild had chance to dream, so he turned himself upon his side and slept again. Still, certain of Atly's folk rose at his bidding, and they went together down to the south-western rocks. But Swanhild, a cloak thrown over her night gear, sat herself in the high seat of the hall, and, fixing her eyes, now upon the dying fires, and now upon the blood-marks in her arm, waited in silence. The night was cold and windy, but the moon shone bright, and by its light Atly and his people made their way to the south-western rocks, on which the sea beat madly. "'What lies yonder?' said Atly, pointing to some black things that lay beneath them upon the rock, cast there by the waves. A man climbed down the cliffside that is here, as though it were cut in steps, and then cried aloud, "'A ship's mast, new broken, Lord!' It seems that Swanhild dreams true,' muttered Atly. "'But I am sure of this, that none have come ashore alive in such a sea.' Presently, the man who searched the rocks below cried aloud again, "'Here lie two great men, locked in each other's arms! They seem to be dead!' Now all the men climbed down the slippery rocks as best they may, though the spray wets them, and with them goes Atly. The Earl is a brisk man, though old in years, and he comes first to where the two lie. He who was undermost lay upon his back, but his face is hid by the thick, golden hair that flowed across it. "'Man's body indeed, but woman's locks!' said Atly as he put out his hand and drew the hair away, so that the light of the moon fell on the face beneath. He looked, then staggered back against the rock. "'By Thor!' he cried, "'Here lies the corpse of Eric Brighteyes!' And Atly rung his hands and wept, for he loved Eric much. "'Be not so sure that the men are dead, Earl,' said one. "'I thought I saw Yon great Carl move but now.' "'He is Scalagrim Lamb's tale, Eric's death-shadow,' said Atly again. "'Up with him, lads! See, Yonder lies a plank, and away to the hall. "'I will give twenty and silver to each of you if Eric lives!' And he unclasped his cloak and threw it over both of them. Then with much labor they loosed the grip of the two men, one from the other, and they set Scalagrim on the plank. But eight men bore Eric up the cliff between them, and the task was not light, though the Earl held his head, from which the golden hair hung like seaweed from a rock. At length they came to the hall and carried them in. Swanhild, seeing them come, moved down from the high seat. "'Bring lamps and pile up the fires,' cried Atly. "'A strange thing has come to pass, Swanhild, and thou dost dream wisely indeed, for here we have Eric bright eyes and Scalagrim Lamb's tale. They were locked like lovers in each other's arms, but I know not if they are dead or living.' Now Swanhild started, and came on swiftly. Had the familiar tricked her, and had she paid the price for nothing? Was Eric taken from Gdruda and given to her indeed, but given dead? She bent over him, gazing keenly on his face. Then she spoke. "'He is not dead, but senseless. Bring dry clothes, and make water hot.' And kneeling down, she loosed Eric's helm and harness and ungirded white fire from his side. For long Swanhild and Atly tended Eric at one fire, and the serving women tended Scalagrim at the other. Presently there came a cry that Scalagrim stirred, and Atly, with others, ran to sea. At this moment also the eyes of Eric were unsealed, and Swanhild saw them looking at her dimly from beneath. Moved to it by her passion and her joy that he yet lived, Swanhild let her face fall till his was hidden in her unbound hair, and kissed him upon the lips. Eric shut his eyes again, sighing heavily, and presently he was asleep. They bore him to a bed, and heaped warm wrappings upon him. At daybreak he woke, and Atly, who sat watching at his side, gave him hot mead to drink. "'Do I dream?' said Eric, or is it Earl Atly who tends me? And did I but now see the face of Swanhild bending over me? It is no dream, Eric, but the truth. Thou has been cast away here on my isle of straw-may. And Scalagrim, where is Scalagrim? Scalagrim lives, fear not. And my comrades, how went it with them? Good ill, Eric! Ran has them all, now sleep!' Eric groaned aloud. I had rather died also than to live to hear such heavy tidings, he said. Which work? Which work? And that fair witch face wrought it. And once again he slept, nor did he wake till the sun was high, but Atly could make nothing of his words. When Swanhild left the side of Eric she met Hall of Lithdale, face to face, and his looks were troubled. Say, lady,' he asked, will bright eyes live? Grieve not, Hall, she answered. Eric will surely live, and he will be glad to find a messmate here to greet him, having left so many yonder. And she pointed to the sea. I shall not be glad,' said Hall, letting his eyes fall. Why not, Hall? Fears thou Scalagrim? Or has thou done ill by Eric? Aye, lady, I fear Scalagrim, for he swore to slay me, and that kind of promise he ever keeps. Also, if the truth must out, I have not dealt altogether well with Eric, and of all men I least wish to talk to him. Speak on,' she said. Then being forced to it, Hall told her something of the tale of the cutting of the cable, being careful to put another color on it. Now it seems that thou art a coward, Hall, Swanhild said when he had done, and I scarcely looked for that in thee, for she had not been deceived by the glowsing of his speech. It will be bad for thee to meet Eric and Scalagrim, and this is my counsel, that thou goest hence before they wake, for they will sit this winter here in Atlas Hall. And with her shall I go, lady! Swanhild gazed on him, and as she did so a dark thought came into her heart. Here was a nave who might serve her ends. Hall? she said. Thou art an Icelander, and I have known of thee from a child, and therefore I wish to serve thee in thy straight, though thou deserves it little. See now, Adlai the Earl has a farm on the mainland, not two hours ride from the sea. Thither thou shalt go, if thou art wise, and thou shalt sit there this winter, and be hidden from Eric and Scalagrim. Nay, thank me not, but listen! It may chance that I shall have a service for thee to do before spring is come. Lady, I shall wait upon thy word, said Hall. Good! Now so soon as it is light I will find a man to sail with thee across the Firth, for the sea falls, and bear my message to the steward at Adlai's farm. Also, if thou needest faring money, thou shalt have it. Farewell! Thus then did Hall fly before Eric and Scalagrim. On the morrow Eric and Scalagrim arose, sick and bruised indeed, but not at all harmed, and went down to the shore. There they found many dead men of their company, but never one in whom the breath of life remained. Scalagrim looked at Eric and spoke. Last night the mist came up against the wind. Last night we saw Swanhild's wreath upon the waves, and there is the path it showed, and there, and he pointed to the dead men, is the witch-seed's flower. Now today we sit in Adlai's hall, and here we must stay this winter at Swanhild's side, and in all this there lies a riddle that I cannot read. But Eric shook his head, making no answer. Then, leaving Scalagrim with the dead, he turned, and starting back alone towards the hall, sat down on a rock in the home meadows and, covering his face with his hands, wept for his comrades. As he wept, Swanhild came to him, for she had seen him from afar, and touched him gently on the arm. "'Why weepest thou, Eric?' she said. "'I weep for the dead, Swanhild,' he answered. "'Weep not for the dead, they are at peace. If thou must weep, weep for the living. Nay, weep not at all. Rejoice, rather, that thou art here to mourn. Hast thou no word of greeting for me, who have not heard thy voice these many months?' "'How shall I greet thee, Swanhild? Who would never have seen thy face again, if I might have had my will? Knowest thou that yesterday night, as we labored in yonder Firth, we saw a shape walking the waters to lead us to our doom? How shall I greet thee, Swanhild, who art a witch and evil?' "'And knowest thou, Eric, that yesterday night I woke from sleep, having dreamed that thou didst lie upon the shore, and thus I saved thee alive, as per chance I saved thee a foretime. If thou didst see a shape walking the waters, it was that shape which led thee here. Hadst thou sailed on, not only those thou mournest, but Scalagrim and thou thyself, had thou been numbered with the lost?' "'Better so than thus,' said bright eyes. Knowest thou also, Swanhild, that when last night my life came back again in Atly's hall, me thought that Atly's wife leaned over me and kissed me on the lips. That was an ill dream, Swanhild.' "'Some have found it none so ill, Eric,' she made answer, looking on him strangely, "'Still, it was but a dream. Thou didst dream that Atly's wife breathed back the breath of life into thy pale lips. Be sure of it, thou didst but dream. Ah, Eric, fear me no more. Forget the evil I have wrought in the blindness and folly of my youth. Now things are otherwise with me. Now I am a wedded wife, and faithful hearted to my Lord. Now, if I still love thee, it is with a sister's love. Therefore forget my sins. Remember only that as children we played upon Iceland's fells. Remember that, as a boy and girl, we rode along the marshes, while the sea-mues clamored round our heads. The world is cold, Eric, and few are the friends we find in it. Many are already gone, and soon the friendless dark draws near. So put me not away, my brother and my friend, but for a little space, whilst thou art here in Atly's hall, let us walk hand in hand, as we walked long years ago in Iceland, gathering up the FIFA bloom and watching the midnight shadows creep up the icy Jokul's crest. Thus Swanhild spoke to him, most sweetly, in a low voice of music, while the tears gathered in her eyes, talking ever of Iceland that he loved, and of the days long dead, till Eric's heart softened in him. Almost do I believe thee, Swanhild, he said, stretching out his hand, but I know thus, that thou art never twice in the same mood, and that is beyond my measuring. Thou hast done much evil, and thou hast striven to do more. Also I love not those who seem to walk the seas of nights. Still hold thou to this last saying of thine, and there shall be peace between us, while I bide here. She touched his hand humbly and turned to go. But as she went, Eric spoke again, Say, Swanhild, hast thou tidings from Iceland yonder? I have heard no word of Asmund, or of Ghudruda for two long years and more. He stood still, in a dark shadow that he could not see, flitted across her face. I have a few tidings, Eric, she said, turning, and those few, if I may trust them, bad enough, for this is the rumour that I have heard, that Asmund the priest, my father is dead, that Groa my mother is dead, how I know not. And lastly, that Ghudruda the fair, thy love, is betrothed to Aspeker Blacktooth, and weds him in the spring. Now Eric sprang up with an oath, and grasped the hilt of white fire. Then he sat down again upon the stone, and covered his face with his hands. Grieve not, Eric, she said gently. I put no faith in this news, for rumour, like the black-backed gull, often changes colour in its flight across the seas. Also I had it but at fifth hand. I am sure of this, at least, that Ghudruda will never forsake thee without a cause. It shall go ill with Aspeker if this be true, said Eric, smiling grimly, for white fire is yet left me, and with it one true friend. Run not to meet the evil, Eric, thou shalt come to Iceland with the summer flowers, and find Ghudruda faithful, and yet fairer than of yore. Knowest thou that Hall of Lithdale, who is thy mate, has sat here these last two months? He is gone but this morning, I know not wither, leaving a message that he returns no more. He did well to go, said Eric, and he told her how Hall had cut the cable. Ah, well indeed, answered Swanhild, had at thy known this, he would have scourged Hall hence with rods of seaweed. And now, Eric, I desire to ask thee one more thing. Why wearest thou thy hair long like a woman's? Indeed, few women have such hair as thine is now. For this cause, Swanhild, I swore to Ghudruda that none shall cut my hair till she cut it once more. It is a great burden to me, surely, for never did hair grow so fast and strong as mine, and once in a fray I was held fast by it and went near to the losing of my life. Still, I will keep the oath, even if it grows on to my feet. And he laughed a little and shook back his golden locks. Swanhild smiled also, and, turning, went. But when her face was hidden from him she smiled no more. As I live, she said in her heart, before spring rains fall, I again will cause thee to break this oath, Eric. I, I will cut a lock of that bright hair of thine and send it for a love token to Ghudruda. But Eric still sat upon the rock, thinking. Swanhild had set an evil seed of doubt in his heart, and already it put forth roots. What, if the tale were true? What if Ghudruda had given herself to Osbecker? Well, if so, she should soon be a widow that he swore. Then he rose and stalked grimly towards the hall. End of chapter. Recording by Brett Downey. Chapter 19 of Eric Brideyes. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Brett Downey. Eric Brideyes by H. Riter Haggard. Chapter 19. How cold the half-witted brought tidings from Iceland. Presently, as Eric walked, he met Atly the Earl seeking him. Atly greeted him. I have seen strange things, Eric, he said, but none more strange than this coming of thine and the manner of it. Swanhild is foresighted, and that was a doomed dream of hers. I think her foresighted also, said Eric, and now, Earl, knowest thou this, that little good can come to thee at the hands of one whom thou hast saved from the sea? I set no faith in such old wives' tales, answered Atly. Here thou art come, and it is my will that thou should sit here. At the least I will give thee no help to go hence. Then we must bide and straw may it seems, said Eric. For of all my goods and gear this alone has left me. And he looked at white fire. Thou hast still a gold ring or two upon thy arm, answered the Earl, laughing, but surely, Eric, thou wouldst not be gone. I know not, Earl. Listen, it is well that I should be plain with thee. Once, before thou didst wed Swanhild, she had another mind. I have heard something of that, and I have guessed more, bright eyes. But me think Swanhild is little given to gadding now. She is as cold as ice, and no good wife for any man. And Atly sighed. Snow melts not if sun shines not, so runs the saw. Thou art an honest man, Eric, and no whisperer in the ears of others' wives. I am not minded indeed to do thee such harm, Earl, but this thou knowest, that woman's guile and beauty are swords few shields can brook. Now I have spoken, and they are hard words to speak, be it as thou wilt. It is my will that thou shouldst sit here this winter, Eric, had I my way, indeed, never wouldst thou sit elsewhere. Listen, things have not gone well with me of late. Age hath a grip of me, and foes rise up against one who has no sons. That was an ill marriage too, which I made with Swanhild yonder, for she loves me not, and I have found no luck since first I saw her face. Moreover, it is in my mind that my days are almost sped. Swanhild has already foretold my death, and, as thou knowest well, she is foresighted. So I pray thee, Eric, bind thou here while thou mayest, for I would have thee at my side. It shall be as thou wilt, Earl, said Eric. So Eric bright eyes and scallogram lamestail sat that winter in the hall of Atly the Earl at Strawmay. For many weeks all things went well, and Eric forgot his fears. Swanhild was gentle to him, and kindly. She loved much to talk with him, even of Godruda, her rival. But no word of love passed her lips. Nevertheless she did but bide her time, for when she struck she determined to strike home. Atly and Eric were ever side by side, and Eric gave the Earl much good counsel. He promised to do this also, for now, being simple-minded, his doubts had passed, and he had no more fear of Swanhild. On the mainland lived a certain chief who had seized large lands of atly's, and held them for a year or more. Now Eric gave his word that, before he sailed for Iceland in the early summer, he would go up against this man and drive him from the lands, if he could. For bright eyes might not come to Iceland till hard upon mid-summer, when his three years of outlawry were spent. The winter wore away, and the spring came. Then Atly gathered his men, and went with Eric in boats, to where the chief dwelt, who held his lands. There they fell on him, and there was a fierce fight. But in the end the man was slain by Scalagrim, and Eric did great deeds, as was his want. Now in this fray Eric was wounded in the foot by a spear, so that he must be born back to Strahmay, and he lay there in the hall for many days. Swanhild nursed him, and most days he sat talking with her in her bower. When Eric was nearly healed of his hurt, the Earl went with all his people to a certain island of the Orkneys to gather scat. Tribute That was unpaid, and Scalagrim went with him. But Eric did not go, because of his hurt, fearing lest the wound should open if he walked over much. Thus it came to pass, except for some women, that he was left almost alone with Swanhild. Now when Atly had been gone three days, it chanced on an afternoon that Swanhild heard how a man from Iceland sought speech with her. She bade them bring him into where she was alone in her bower, for Eric was not there, having gone down to the sea to fish. The man came, and she knew him at once for coal the half witted, who had been her mother Groa's thrall. On his shoulders was the cloak that Ospecker Blacktooth had given him. It was much torn now, and he had a worn and hungry look. Whence comest thou, Coal? She asked. And what are thy tidings? From Scotland last, lady, where I sat this winter, before that, from Iceland. As for my tidings, they are heavy if thou hast not heard them. Asmund the priest is dead, and dead is Una his wife, poisoned by thy mother Groa at their marriage-feast. Dead too is thy mother Groa. Bjorn, Asmund's son, shot her with an arrow, and she lies in Goldfoss pool. Now Swanhild hit her face for a while in her hands. Then she lifted it, and it was white to see. Speakest thou, truth, Fox? If thou liest, this I swear to thee, thy tongue shall be dragged from thee by the roots. I speak the truth, lady, he answered, but still he spoke not all the truth, for he said nothing of the part which he had played in the deaths of Asmund and Una. Then he told her of the manner of their end. Swanhild listened silently, then said, What news of Kudruda, Asmund's daughter? Is she wed? Nay, lady, folks spoke of her and Ospecker. That was all. Hark, and Coal! said Swanhild, bearing such heavy tidings, canst thou not wait the ship a little more? What bright eyes is here? Canst thou not swear to him that, when thou didst leave Iceland, it was said without question that Kudruda had betrothed herself to Ospecker, and that the wedding feast was set for this last yule? Thou hast a hungry look, Coal, and me thinks that things have not gone altogether well with thee of late. Now if thou canst so charge thy memory, thou shalt lose little by it. But if thou canst not, then thou goest hence from Strawberry, with never a luck penny in thy purse, and never a sup to stay thy stomach with. Now of all things Coal least desired to be sent from Strawberry, for, though Swanhild did not know it, he was sought for on the mainland as a thief. That I may do, lady, he said, looking at her cunningly. Now I remember that Kudruda the Fair charged me with a certain message for Eric Brighteyes, if I should chance to see him as I journeyed. Then Swanhild, Atlas's wife, and Coal the half-witted, talked long and earnestly together. At nightfall Eric came in from his fishing. His heart was light, for the time drew near when he should sail for home, and he did not think on evil. For now he feared Swanhild no longer, and, no fresh tidings having come from Iceland about Ospecker and Kudruda, he had almost put the matter from his mind. On he walked to the hall, limping somewhat from his wound, but singing as he came, and bearing his fish, slung upon a pole. At the men's door of the hall, a woman stood waiting. She told Eric that the lady Swanhild would speak with him in her bower. Thither he went and knocked. Getting no answer, he knocked again and entered. Swanhild sat on a couch. She was weeping, and her hair fell about her face. What now, Swanhild, he said. She looked up heavily. Ill news for thee and me, Eric. Cole, who was my mother's thrall, has come hither from Iceland, and these are his tidings, that Asmund is dead, and Una, thy cousin, Thorod of Greenfell's daughter, is dead, and my mother Groa is dead also. Heavy tidings truly, said Eric, and what of Kudruda is she also dead? Nay, Eric, she is wed, wed to Ospecher. Now Eric reeled against the wall, clutching it, and for a space all things swam round him. Where is this Cole, he gasped. Send me Cole hither. Presently he came, and Eric questioned him coldly and calmly, but Cole could lie full well. It is said that in his day there was no one in Iceland who could lie so well as Cole the half-witted. He told Eric how it was said that Kudruda was plighted to Ospecher, and how the match had been agreed on at the all thing in the summer that was gone, and indeed there had been some such talk, and how that the feast was to be at Middelhoff on last Yule Day. Is that all thy tidings? said Eric. If so, I give no heed to them. For ever, Cole, I have known thee for a liar. Nay, Eric, it is not all, answered Cole. As it chanced, two days before the ship in which I sailed was bound, I saw Kudruda the Fair. Then she asked me whither I was going, and I told her that I would journey to London, where men said thou wert, and ask her if she would send a message. Then she alighted from her horse, Blackmayne, and spoke with me apart. Cole, she said, it well may be that thou wilt see Eric bright eyes in London-town. Now, if thou seeest him, I charge thee straightly, tell him this. Tell him that my father is dead, and my brother Bjorn, who rules in his place, is a hard man, and has ever urged me on to wed Ospecker, till at last, having no choice, I have consented to it. And say to Eric that I grieve much and sorely, and that, though we twain should never meet more, yet I shall always hold his memory dear. It is not like Kudruda to speak thus, said Eric. She had ever a stout heart, and these are craven words. Cole, I hold that thou liest, and, if indeed I find it so, I'll ring the head from off thee. Nay, Eric, I lie not. Wherefore should I lie? Harken, thou hast not heard all my tale. When the Lady Kudruda had made an end of speaking, she drew something from her breast, and gave it me, saying, Give this to Eric in witness of my words. Show me the token, said Eric. Now many years ago, when they were yet boy and girl, it chanced that Eric had given to Kudruda the half of an ancient gold piece that he had found upon the shore. He had given her half, and half he had kept, wearing it next to his heart. But he knew not this, for she feared to tell him that Kudruda had lost her half, nor indeed had she lost it, for Swanhild had taken the love token, and hidden it away. Now she brought it forth, for Cole to build his lies upon. Then Cole drew out the half piece from a leather purse, and passed it to him. Eric plunged his hand into his breast, and found his half. He placed the two side by side, while Swanhild watched him. Lo! They fitted well. Then Eric laughed aloud, a hard, bitter laugh. There will be slaying, he cried, before all this tale is told. Take thy fee, and be gone, thou messenger of ill. And he cast the broken piece at Cole. For once thou hast spoken the truth. Cole stooped, found the gold, and went, leaving bright eyes and Swanhild face to face. He hid his brow in his arms, and groaned aloud. Softly Swanhild crept up to him. Suddenly she drew his hands away, holding them between her own. Heavy tidings, Eric, she said. Heavy tidings for thee and me. She is a murderous who gave me birth, and she has slain my own father. My father, and thy cousin Oona also. Gadruda is a traitorous, a traitorous fair and false. I did ill to be born of such a woman. Thou didst ill to put thy faith in such a woman. Together let us weep, for our woe is equal. I, let us weep together, Eric answered. Nay, why should we weep? Together let us be merry, for we know the worst. All words are said, all hopes are sped. Let us be merry, then, for now we have no more tidings to fear. I, Swanhild answered, looking on him darkly, we will be merry, and laugh our sorrows down. Ah, thou foolish Eric. For what unlucky star was thou born, that thou knewest not true from false? And she called the serving women, bidding them bring food and wine. Now Eric sat alone with Swanhild in her bower, and made pretense to eat. But he could eat little, though he drank deep of the southern wine. Close beside him sat Swanhild, filling his cup. She was wondrous fair that night, and it seemed to Eric that her eyes gleamed like stars. She spoke also, and wisely. She told strange tales, and sang strange songs, and ever her eyes shone more and more, and ever she crept closer to him. Eric's brain was a fire, though his heart was cold and dead. He laughed loud and mightily. He told great tales of deeds that he had done, growing boastful in his folly. And still Swanhild's eyes shone more and more, and still she crept closer, wooing him in many ways. Now of a sudden Eric thought of his friend, Earl Atly, and his mind grew clear. �This may not be, Swanhild,� he said. �Yet I would that I had loved thee from the first, and not the false Godruda, for, with all thy dark ways, at least thou art better than she. �Thou speakest wisely, Eric�, Swanhild answered, though she meant not that he should go. The Norns have appointed us an evil fate, giving me as wife to an old man whom I do not love, and thee for a lover to a woman who has betrayed thee. �Ah, Eric� bright eyes, thou foolish Eric! Why newest thou not, the false from the true, while yet there was time? Now are all words said and all things done, nor can they be undone. Go hence, Eric, ere ill come of it, but before thou goest, drink one cup of parting, and then farewell.� And she slipped from him and filled the cup, mixing in it a certain love potion that she had made ready. �Give it me that I may swear an oath on it,� said Eric. Swanhild gave him the cup and stood before him, watching him. �Harken,� he said. �I swear this, that before snow falls again in Iceland, I will see Ospeker dead at my feet, or lie dead at the feet of Ospeker.� �Well spoken, Eric,� Swanhild answered. �Now, before thou drinkest, grant me one little boon. It is but a woman's fancy, and thou can't scarce deny me. The years will be long when thou art gone, for from this night it is best that we should meet no more, and I would keep something of thee to call back thy memory, and the memories of our youth when thou hast passed away, and I grow old.� �What wouldst thou have, then,� Swanhild? �I have nothing left to give except white fire alone.� �I do not ask white fire, Eric. Though white fire shall kiss the gift, I ask nothing but one tress of that golden hair of thine.� �Once I swore that none should touch my hair again except Gadruda's self.� �It will grow long, then, Eric, for now Gadruda tends blacklocks, and thinks little on golden. �Broken are all oaths.� �Eric groaned.� �All oaths are broken in sooth,� he said. �Have then thy will!� And loosing the peace-strings he drew white fire from its sheath, and gave her the great war-sword. Swanhild took it by the hilt, and, lifting a tress of Eric's yellow hair, she shorned through it deftly with white fire's razor-edge, smiling as she shore. With the same war-blade on which Eric and Gadruda had pledged their truth, did Swanhild cut the locks that Eric had sworn no hand should clip except Gadruda's. He took back the sword and sheathed it, and, knotting the long tress, Swanhild hid it in her bosom. �Now drink the cup, Eric,� she said. �Pledge me and go.� Eric drank to the dregs and cast the cup down, and lo, all things changed to him, for his blood was a fire, and seas seemed to roll within his brain. Only before him stood Swanhild, like a shape of light and glory, and he thought that she sang softly over him, always drawing nearer, and that with her came a scent of flowers like the scent of Iceland's meads in May. �All oaths are broken, Eric,� she murmured. �All oaths are broken indeed, and now must new oaths be sworn, for cut is thy golden hair, bright eyes, and not by Gadruda's hand.� �End of Chapter, Recording by Brett Downey,� Eric Breideyes by H. Ryder Haggard, Chapter 20, How Eric Was Named Anew Eric dreamed. He dreamed that Gadruda stood by him, looking at him with soft, sad eyes, while with her hand she pointed to his hair and spake. �Thou hast done ill, Eric,� she seemed to say. �Thou hast done ill to doubt me, and now thou art forever shamed, for thou hast betrayed atly thy friend. Thou hast broken thy oath, and therefore hast thou fallen into this pit, for when Swanhild shoreed that lock of thine by watching spirit past, leaving thee to Swanhild and thy fate. Now I tell thee this, that shame shall lead to shame, and many lives shall pay forfeit for thy sin, Eric.� Eric awoke, thinking that this was indeed an evil dream which he had dreamed. He awoke, and lo, by him was Swanhild, atly's wife. He looked upon her beauty, and fear and shame crept into his heart, for now he knew that it was no dream, but he was lost indeed. He looked again at Swanhild, and hatred and loathing of her shook him. She had overcome him by her arts. That cup was drugged which he had drunk, and he was mad with grief. Yes, she had played upon his woe like a harper on a harp, and now he was ashamed. Now he had betrayed his friend who loved him. Had Whitefire been to his hand at that moment, Eric had surely slain himself. But the great sword was not there, for it hung in Swanhild's bower. Eric groaned aloud, and Swanhild turned at the sound. But he sprang away, and stood over her, cursing her. �Thou witch!� he cried. �What hast thou done? What didst thou mix in that cup yesterday evening? Thou hast brought me to this that I have betrayed atly, my friend. Atly thy lord, who left thee in my keeping!� He seemed so terrible in his woe and rage that Swanhild shrank from him, and, throwing her hair about her face, peeped at him through its meshes, as once she had peeped at Asmund. �It is like a man� she said, gathering up her courage and her wit. �Tis like a man, having won my love, now to turn upon me and abrade me. Fire upon thee, Eric! Thou hast dealt ill with me to bring me to this.� Now Eric ceased his raving and spoke more calmly. �Well, thou knowest the truth, Swanhild,� he said. �Hark in Eric!� she answered. �Let this be secret between us. Atly is old, and me thinks that not long shall he bide here in stromme. Soon he will die. It is upon my mind that he soon will die, and, being childless, his lands and goods pass to me. Then, Eric, thou shalt sit in Atly's hall, and in all honor shall Atly's wife become thy bride. �Eric listened coldly. �I can well believe,� he said, �that thou hast it in mind to slay thy lord, for all evil is in thy heart,� Swanhild. �Now know this, that if in honor or dishonor my lips touch that fair face of thine again, may the limbs rot from thy trunk, and may I lie aloft forever in the halls of Hella. If ever my eyes of their own will look again upon thy beauty, may I go blind and beg my meat from homestead to homestead. If ever my tongue whisper word of love into thy ears, may dumbness seize it and may it wither to the root.� Swanhild heard, and sank upon the ground before him, her head bowed almost to her feet. �Now, Swanhild, fare thee well,� said Eric. �Living or dead, may I never see thy face again.� She gazed up through her falling hair. Her face was wild and white, and her eyes glowed in it as live embers glow in the ashes of burnt wood. �We are not so easily parted, Eric,� she said. �Not for this came I to witchcraft and to sin. Thou fool, hast thou never heard that of all the foes a man may have, none is so terrible as the woman he has scorned. Thou shalt learn this lesson, Eric, bright eyes, Thorgrimmer's son, for here we have but the beginning of the tale. For its end I will write it in runes of blood. �Write on,� said Eric, �thou canst do no worse than thou hast done.� And he passed thence. For a while Swanhild crouched upon the ground, brooding in silence. Then she rose, and, throwing up her arms, wept aloud. �Is it for this that I have sold my soul to the hell-hag?� she cried. �Is it for this that I have become a witch, and sunk so low as I sank last night, to be scorned, to be hated, to be betrayed?� Now Eric will go to Atlai and tell this tale. �Nay, there I will be beforehand with him, and with another story. An ancient wile of women truly, but one that never yet has failed them, nor ever will. And then for vengeance! I will see thee dead, Eric, and dead will I see Gadruda at thy side. Afterward let darkness come. I, though the horror, rides it. �I must be swift!� Eric passed into Swanhild's bower, and, finding white fire, bore it thence. On the table was food, he took it. Then, going to the place where he was want to sleep, he armed himself, girding his bernie on his breast and his golden helm upon his head, and taking shield and spear in his hand. Then he passed out. By the men's door he found some women spreading fish in the sun. Eric greeted them, saying that when the Earl came back, for he was to come on that morning, he would find him on the south-western rocks, night to where the Gadruda sank. This he begged of them to tell Atlai, for he desired speech with him. The women wondered that Brideyes should go forth thus and fully armed. But, holding that he had some deed to do, they said nothing. Eric came to the rocks, and there he sat all day long, looking on the sea, and grieving so bitterly that he thought his heart would burst within him. For of all the days of Eric's life this was the heaviest, except one other only. But Swan held, going to her bower, caused Cole the half-witted to be summoned. To him she spoke long and earnestly, and they made a shameful plot together. Then she bade Cole watch for Atlai's coming, and, when he saw the Earl leave his boats, to run to him and say that she would speak with him. After this, Swan held sent a man across the Firth, to the stead where Hall of Lithdale sat, bidding him to come to her at speed. When the afternoon grew towards the evening, Cole, watching, saw the boats of Atlai draw to the landing-place. Then he went down, and going to the Earl bowed before him. What wouldst thou, fellow, and who art thou? asked Atlai. I am a man from Iceland, for chance, Lord, thou sawst me in Asman's hall at Middlehoff. I am sent here by the lady Swan held to say that she desires speech with thee, and that at once. Then seeing Scalagrim, Cole fled back to the house, for he feared Scalagrim. Now Atlai was uneasy in his mind, and, saying nothing, he hurried up to the hall, and threw it into Swan held's bower. There she sat on a couch, her eyes red with weeping, and her curling hair unbound. But now, Swan held, he asked, why lookest thou thus? Why look I thus, my Lord? she answered heavily, because I have to tell thee that which I cannot find words to fit. And she ceased. Speak on, he said, is ought wrong with Eric? Then Swan held drew near and told him a false tale. When it was done for a moment or so, Atlai stood still, and grew white beneath his ruddy skin, white as his beard. Then he staggered back against the wainscotting of the bower. Woman, thou liest! he said. Never will I believe so vile a thing of Eric Bright-Eyes, whom I have loved! What that I could not believe it! she answered. What that I could think it was but an evil dream, but alas! Nay, I will prove it! Suffer that I summon Cole, the Icelander, who was my mother's all, Grower, who is now dead, for I have that tidings also. He saw something of this thing, and he will bear me witness. Call the man! said Atlai sternly. So Cole was summoned, and told his lies with a bold face. He was so well taught, and so closely did his story tally with that of Swan held, that Atlai could find no flaw in it. Now I am sure, Swan held, that thou speakest truth, said the Earl, when Cole had gone. And now also I have somewhat to say to this Eric. For thee rest thyself. That which cannot be mended must be borne. And he went out. Now when Scalagrim came to the house he asked for Eric. The women told him that Bright-Eyes had gone down to the sea, fully armed, in the morning, and had not returned. Then there must be fighting toward. And that I am loath to rest, said Scalagrim. And, axoloft, he started for the southwestern rocks at a run. Scalagrim came to the rocks. There he found Eric, sitting in his harness, looking out across the sea. The evening was wet and windy. The rain beat upon him as he sat, but Eric took no heed. What seekest thou, Lord? asked the Bezark. Rest, said Eric. And I find none. Thou seekest rest, helm on head, and sword in hand. This is a strange thing, truly. Stranger things have been, Scalagrim. What's thou here a tale? And he told him all. What said I? asked Scalagrim. We had fared better in London-town. Flying from the dove thou has found the Falcon. I have found the Falcon, comrade, and she has pecked out my eyes. Now I would speak with atly, and then I go hence. Let's go the twain of us, Lord. The earl will be here presently, and rough words will fly in this rough weather. Is white fire sharp, bright eyes? White fire was sharp enough to shear my hair, Scalagrim. But if atly would strike, let him lay on. White fire will not be a loft for him. That we shall see, said Scalagrim. At least, if thou art harmed because of this loose queen, my axe will be a loft. Keep thou thy axe in its place, said Eric, and as he spoke atly came, and with him many men. Eric rose and turned to meet the earl, looking on him with sad eyes. For atly his face was as the face of a trapped wolf, for he was mad with rage at the shame that had been put upon him, and the ill tale that swan-ealed had told of Eric's dealings with her. It seems the earl has heard of these tidings, said Scalagrim. And I shall be spared the telling of them, answered Eric. Now they stood face to face, atly leaned upon his drawn sword, and his wrath was so fierce that for a while he could not speak. At length he found words. See ye that man, comrades! he said, pointing at Eric with the sword. He has been my guest these many months. He has sat in my hall and eaten of my bread, and I have loved him as a son, and what ye how he has repaid me. He has put me to the greatest shame, me and my wife the lady swan-ealed, whom I left in his guard. To such shame indeed that I cannot speak it. True words, earl, said Eric, while folk murmured and handled their swords. True, but not all the truth, growled Scalagrim. Me thinks the earl has heard a garbled tale. True words, thyself thou sayest it, went on atly. Thou hound that I saved from the sea. Ran's gift, hella's gift, so runs the saw, and now from ran to hella thou shalt go, thou mishandler of defenseless women. Here is somewhat of which I know nothing, said Eric. And here is something of which thou shalt know, answered atly, and he shook his sword before Eric's eyes. Guard thyself! Nay, earl, thou art old, and I have done the wrong. I may not fight with thee. Thou a coward also? said the earl. Some have deemed otherwise, said Eric, but it is true that heavy heart makes weak hand. Nevertheless, this is my read. With thee are ten men. Stand thou aside, and let them fall on me till I am slain. The odds are too heavy, even for thee, said Scalagrim. Back to back, Lord, as we have stood a foretime, and let us play this game together. Not so, cried atly, this shame is mine, and I have sworn to swan-hill that I will wipe it out in Eric's blood. Stand thou before me, and draw! Then Eric drew white fire, and raised his shield. Atly the earl rushed at him, and smote a great two-handed blow. Eric caught it on his shield, and suffered no harm, but he would not smite back. Atly dropped his point. Nittering art thou, and coward to the last, he cried. See, men, Eric bright eyes fears to fight. I am not come to this that I will cut down a man who is too faint-hearted to give blow for blow. This is my word. Take ye your spear shafts, and push this coward to the shore. Then put him in a boat, and drive him hence. Now Eric grew red as the red light of sunset, for his manhood might not bear this. Take shield, he said, and earl on thy known head be thy blood, for none shall live to call Eric nittering and coward. Atly laughed in his folly and his rage. He took a shield, and, once more springing on bright eyes, struck a great blow. Eric parried, then world-wide fire on high, and smote, once and once only. Down rushed the bright blade like a star through the night. Sword and shield did Atly lift to catch the blow. Through shield it sheared, and arm that held the shield, through burning mail and deep into earl Atly's side. He fell prone to earth, while men held their breath, wondering at the greatness of that stroke. But Eric leaned on white fire, and looked at the old earl upon the rock. Now, Atly, thou hast had thy way, he said, and me thinks things are worse than they were before. But I will say this. Would that I lay there, and thou stood its to watch me die? For as leaf would I have slain my father as thee, earl Atly? There lies Swanhild's work. Atly gazed upwards into Eric's sad eyes, and, while he gazed so, his rage left him, and, of a sudden, a light break upon his mind, as even then the light of the setting sun break through the driving mist. Eric, he said, draw near, and speak with me ere I am sped. He thinks that I have been beguiled, and that thou didst not do this thing that Swanhild said, and coal bore witness to. What did Swanhild say, then, earl Atly? The earl told him. It was to be looked for from her, said Eric, though I never thought of it. Now hearken, and he told him all. Atly groaned aloud, I know this now, Eric, he said, that thou speakest truth, and once more I have been deceived. Eric, I forgive thee all, for no man may fight against woman's witchcraft, and which is wine. Swanhild is evil to the heart, yet Eric, I lay this doom upon thee. I do not lay it of my own will, for I would not harm thee, whom I love, but because of the words that the norns put in my mouth, for now I am fay in this hour of my death. Thou hast sinned, and that thou didst sin against thy will shall avail thee nothing, for of thy sin fate shall fashion a handle to the spear which pierces thee. Henceforth thou art accursed, for I tell thee that this wicked woman, Swanhild, shall drag thee down to death, and worse than death, and with thee those thou lovest. By witchcraft she brought thee to straw-may, by lie she laid me here before thee. Now by hate and might, and cruel deeds, shall she bring thee to lie more low than I do, for, Eric, thou art bound to her, and thou shall never loose the bond. Atlas ceased awhile, then spoke again more faintly. I can come, rads, he cried. My strength is well nigh spent. He shall swear four things to me, that ye will give Eric bright eyes, and Scalagrim lamstail save passage from straw-may, that ye will tell Swanhild the fatherless, Groa's daughter, and Atlas's wife, that at last I know her for what she is, a murderous, a harlot, a witch, and a liar, and that I forgive Eric whom she tricked, but that her I hate and spit upon. That ye will slay cold a half-witted, Groa's thrall, who came hither about two days gone, since by his lies he hath set an edge upon this sword of falsehood. That ye will raise no blood feud against Eric, for this my slaying, when I goaded him to the deed. Do ye swear? WE SWEAR, said the men. Then farewell, and to thee farewell also, Eric bright eyes. Now take my hand, and hold it while I die. Behold, I give thee a new name, and by that name thou shalt be called in story. I name thee Eric the Unlucky. Of all tales that are told, thine shall be the greatest, a mighty stroke that was of thine, a mighty stroke, farewell. Then his head fell back upon the rock, and earl at light died, and as he died the last rays of light went out from the sky. CHAPTER XXI Eric bright eyes by H. Ryder Haggard, Chapter XXI, How Hall of Lithdale Took Tidings to Iceland. Now on the same night that Atly died at the hand of Eric, Swanhild spake with Hall of Lithdale, whom she had summoned from the mainland. She bade him do this, take passage in a certain ship that should sail for Iceland on the morrow from the island that is called Westra, and there tell all these tidings of the ill-doings of Eric, and of the slaying of Atly by his hand. THOU SHALT SAY THIS, she went on, that Eric has been my love for long, but that at length the matter came to the ears of Atly the Earl. Then, holding this the greatest shame, he went on home-gang with Eric, and was slain by him. This shalt thou add to thy tale also, that presently Eric and I will wed, and that Eric shall rule as Earl in Orkneys. Now these tidings must soon come to the ears of Gdruta the Fair, and she will send for thee, and question thee straightly concerning them, and thou shalt tell her the tale as thou toldest it at first. Then thou shalt give Gdruta this packet, which I send her as a gift, saying that I bade her remember a certain oath which Eric took as to the cutting of his hair. And when she sees that which is within the packet is somewhat stained, tell her that it is but the blood of Atly that is upon it, as his blood is upon Eric's hands. Now remember thou this, Hall, that if thou fail in the errand thy life shall pay forfeit, for presently I will also come to Iceland, and hear how thou hast sped. Then Swanhild gave him fairing money and gifts of Wadmal and Gold Rings, promising that he should have so much again when she came to Iceland. Hall said that he would do all these things, and when it wants, nor did he fail in his tasks. Atly being dead, Eric loosed his hand and called to the men to take up his body and bear it to the Hall. This they did. Eric stood and watched them till they were lost in the darkness. Whether now, Lord? said Scalagrim. It matters little, said Eric. What is thy counsel? This is my counsel, that we take ship and sail back to the king in London. There we will tell all this tale. It is a far cry from Stromly to London-town, and there we shall sit in peace, for the king will think little of the slaying of an orcney earl in a brawl about a woman. They have, too. The Lady Elfrida will not set great store by it. Therefore I say, let us fare back to London. In but one place am I at home, and that is Iceland, said Eric. Thither I will go, Scalagrim, though it be but to miss friend from stead and bride from bed. At the least I shall find Ospecker there. Listen, Lord, said Scalagrim. Was it not my reed that we should buy this winter through in London? Thou wouldst none of it, and what came about? Our ship is sunk. Gone are our comrades. Thine honor is tarnished, and dead is thy host at thine own hand. Yet I say all is not lost. Let us hence south, and see no more of Swanhild, of Gadruda, of Bjorn and Ospecker. So shall we break the spell. But if thou goest to Iceland, I am sure of this. That the evil fate which at life were told will fall on thee, and the days to come shall be even more unlucky than the days that have been. It may be so, said Eric. Me thinks indeed it will be so. Henceforth I am Eric the Unlucky. I will go back to Iceland, and there play out the game. I care little if I live, or am slain. I have no more joy in my life. I stand alone, like a fir upon a mountaintop, and every wind from heaven, and every storm of hail and snow beats upon my head. But I say to thee, Scalagrim, show thy road, and leave a luckless man to his ill fate. Otherwise it shall be thine also. Good friend, hast thou been to me. Now let us part, and when south and north, the king will be glad to greet thee yonder in London, lamestale. But one severing shall we know, Lord, said Scalagrim. And that shall be sword's work. Nor will it be for long. It is ill to speak such words as these of the parting of Lord and Thrall. Be think thee of the oath I swore on Mosfell. Let us go north, since it is thy will. In fifty years it will count for little which way we wended from the isles. So they went together down to the shore, and, finding a boat and men, who as yet knew nothing of what a chance to atly, they sailed across the furth at the rising of the moon. Two days afterwards they found a ship at Wick that was bound for ferries, and sailed in her. Eric, buying a passage with half of a gold ring that the king had given him in London. Here at ferries they sat a month or more, but not in the Earl's Hall, as when Eric came with honor in the Gajuda, but in a farmer's stead. For the tale of Eric's dealings with atly and atly's wife had reached ferries, and the Earl there had been a friend of atly's. Moreover, Eric was now a poor man, having neither ship nor goods nor friends. Therefore all looked coldly on him, though they wondered at his beauty and his might. Still they dared not to speak ill or make a mock of him, for two men having done so were nearly slain of Scalagrim, who seized the twain by the throat, one in either hand, and dashed their heads together. After that men said little. They sat there a month, till at length a Chapman put in at ferries bound for Iceland, and they took passage with him. Eric, paying the other half of his gold ring for ship room. The Chapman was not willing to give them place at first, for he too had heard the tale. But Scalagrim offered him choice, either to do so, or to go on home gang with him. Then the Chapman gave them passage. Now it is told that when his thralls and house-calls bore the corpse of atly the Earl to his hall in Straume, Swan held medit and wept over it, and when the spokesman among them stood forward and told her those words that atly had bidden them to say to her, sparing none, she spoke thus. My Lord was distraught and weak with loss of blood when he spoke thus. The tale I told him was true, and now Eric has added to his sin by shedding the blood of him whom he wronged so sorely. And thereafter she spoke so sweetly, and with so much gentleness, craft, and wisdom, that though they still doubted them, all men held her words weighty, for Swan held had this art that she could make the false sound true in the ears of men and the true sound false. Still, being mindful of their oath, they hunted for Cole and found him, and when the thrall knew that they would slay him, he ran thence screaming. Nor did Swan held lift a hand to save his life, for she desired that Cole should die, lest he should bear witness against her. Away he ran towards the cliffs, and after him sped atly's house-carls, till he came to the great cliffs that edge in the sea. Now they were close upon him, and their swords were loft. Then, sooner than know the kiss of steel, the lyre leapt from the cliffs and was crushed, dying miserably on the rocks below. This was the end of Cole the half-witted, Groa's thrall. Swan held sat in straw-me for a while, and took all atly's heritage into her keeping, for he had no male kin, nor did any say her nay. Also she called in the monies that he had out at interest, and that was a great sum, for atly was a careful and a wealthy man. Then Swan held made ready to go to Iceland. Atly had a great dragon of war, and she manned that ship, and filled it with stores and all things needful. This done, she set stewards and grieves over the Orkney lands and farms, and when the Earl was six weeks dead, she sailed for Iceland, giving out that she went thither to set a blood-suit on foot against Eric for the death of atly her lord. There she came in safety, just as folk rode to the all-thing. Now Hall of Lithdale came to Iceland, and told his tale of the doings of Eric, and the death of atly. Offed and loud he told it, and soon people gossiped of it in field and fair and stead. Bjorn, Asmund's son, heard this talk and sent for Hall. To him also, Hall told the tale. Now, said Bjorn, we will go to my sister Gadruda the fair, and learn how she takes these tidings. So they went in to where Gadruda set spinning in the hall, singing as she spun. Greeting, Gadruda, said Bjorn. Say, hast thou tidings of Eric bright eyes thy betrothed? I have no tidings, said Gadruda. Then here is one who brings them. Now for the first time, Gadruda the fair saw Hall of Lithdale, up she sprang. Thou hast tidings of Eric Hall? Ah, thou art welcome, for no tidings have come of him for many a month. Speak on. And she pressed her hand against her heart, and leaned towards him. My tidings are ill, lady. Is Eric dead? Say not that my love is dead. He is worse than dead, said Hall. He is shamed. They are thou liest, Hall, she answered. Shame and Eric are things apart. Mayest thou think so, when thou hast heard my tale, lady, said Hall, for I am sad at heart to speak it of one who was my mate. Speak on, I say, answered Gadruda, in such a voice that Hall shrank from her. Speak on, but of this I warn thee, that if in one word thou liest, that shall be thy death when Eric comes. Now Hall was afraid, thinking of the acts of Scalagrim. Still, he might not go back upon his word. So he began at the beginning, telling the story of how he was wounded in the fight with Osbecker ships, and left fairy isles. And how he came thence to Scotland, and sat and atlas Hall on Orkneys. Then he told how the Gadruda was wrecked on straw-may, and, of all aboard, Eric and Scalagrim alone were saved because of Swanhild's dream. Herein I see which work, said Gadruda. Then Hall told that Eric became Swanhild's love, but of the other tale which Swanhild had whispered to Atly, he said nothing, for he knew that Gadruda would not believe this, and, moreover, if it were so, Swanhild had not sent the token which he should give. It may well be, said Gadruda proudly. Swanhild is fair and light of mind. Perchance she led bright eyes into this snare. But though she spoke thus, bitter jealousy and anger burned in her breast, and she remembered the sight which she had seen when Eric and Swanhild met on the mourn of Atly's wedding. Then Hall told of the slaying of Atly the Good by Eric, but he said nothing of the Earl's dying words, nor of how he goaded bright eyes with his bitter words. It was an ill deed in sooth, said Gadruda, for Eric to slay an old man whom he had wronged. Still, it may chance that he was driven to it for his own life's sake. Then Hall said that he had seen Swanhild after Atly's slaying, and that she told him that she and Eric should wed shortly, and that Eric would rule in Orkneys by her side. Gadruda asked if that were all his tale. Yes, lady, answered Hall, that is all my tale, for after that I sailed, and know not what happened. But I am charged to give something to thee, and that by the lady Swanhild. She bade me say this also, that when thou lookest on the gift, thou shalt think on a certain oath which Eric took as to the cutting of his hair. And he drew a linen packet from his breast and gave it to her. Thrice Gadruda looked on it, fearing to open it. Then, seeing the smile of mockery on Bjorn's cold face, she took the shears that hung at her side and cut the thread with them. And as she cut, a lock of golden hair rose from the packet, and twisting itself like a living snake. The lock was long, and its end was caked with gore. Whose hair is this? said Gadruda, though she knew the hair well. Eric's hair, said Hall, that Swanhild cut from his head with Eric's sword. Now Gadruda put her hand to her bosom. She drew out a satchel, and from the satchel a lock of yellow hair. Side by side she placed the locks, looking first at one and then at the other. This is Eric's hair in sooth, she said. Eric's hair that he swore none but I should cut. Eric's hair that Swanhild shore with white fire from Eric's head. White fire, whereon we plighted troth. Say now, whose blood is this that stains the hair of Eric? It is Atly's blood, whom Eric first dishonored and then slew with his own hand, answered Hall. Now there burned a fire on the hearth, for the day was cold. Gadruda the fair stood over the fire, and with either hand she let the two locks of Eric's hair fall upon the embers. Slowly they twisted up and burned. She watched them burn, then she threw up her hands, and with a great cry fled from the hall. Bjorn and Hall of Lithdale looked on each other. Thou hadst best go hence, said Bjorn, and of this I warn thee, Hall, though I hold thy tidings good, that if thou hast spoken one false word, that will be thy death, for then it would be better for thee to face all the wolves in Iceland than to stand before Eric in his rage. Again Hall bethaught himself of the axe of Scalagrim, and he went out heavily. That day a messenger came from Gadruda to Bjorn, saying that she would speak with him. He went to where she sat alone upon her bed. Her face was white as death, and her dark eyes glowed. Eric has dealt badly with thee, sister, to bring thee to this sorrow, said Bjorn. Speak no evil of Eric to me, Gadruda answered. The evil that he has done will be paid back to him. There is little need for thee to heap words upon his head. Harken, Bjorn, my brother, is it yet thy will that I should wed Ospecker Blacktooth? That is my will, surely. There is no match in Iceland as this Ospecker, and I should win many friends by it. Do this, then, Bjorn. Send messengers to Swinefell, and say to Ospecker that if he would still wed Gadruda the Fair, Asman's daughter, let him come to Middelhoff when folk ride from there all thing, and he shall not go hence alone. Nay, I have done. Now I pray thee speak no more to me of Eric or of Ospecker. Of the one I have seen and heard enough, and of the other I shall hear and see enough in the years that are to come. End of chapter, recording by Brett Downey. Chapter 22 of Eric Bright Eyes. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Brett Downey. Eric Bright Eyes by H. Ryder Haggard. Chapter 22, How Eric Came Home Again. Swanhild made a good passage from the Orkneys, and was in Iceland 35 days before Eric and Scalagrim set foot there. But she did not land by Westman Isles, for she had no wish to face Gadruda at that time, but by Reginus. Now she rode thence with her company to Thingvala, for here all men were gathered for the all thing. At first, people hung aloof from her, notwithstanding her wealth and beauty. But Swanhild knew well how to win the hearts of men, for now she told the same story of Eric that she had told to Atly, and there were none to say her nay. So it came to pass that she was believed, and Eric Bright Eyes held to be shamed indeed. Now too, she set a suit on foot against Eric for the death of Atly at his hand, claiming that sentence of the greater outlawry should be passed against him, and that his lands at Koldback in the Marsh on Ran River should be given half to her in atonement for the Earl's death, and half to the men of Eric's quarter. On the day of the opening of the all thing, Ospecker Blacktooth came from the north, and with him his son Ghazur, and a great company of men. Ospecker was blithe, for from the all thing he should ride to Middlehoff, there to wed Ghadruda the Fair. Then Swanhild clad herself in beautiful attire, and, taking men with her, went to the booth of Ospecker. Blacktooth sat in his booth, and by him sat Ghazur, his son, the lawman. When he saw a beauteous lady, very richly clad, into the booth, he did not know who it might be, but Ghazur knew her well, for he could never put Swanhild from his mind. Hello, here comes Swanhild the fatherless, atly's widow, said Ghazur, flushing red with joy at the sight of her. Then Ospecker greeted her heartily, and made place for her by him at the top of the booth. Ospecker Blacktooth, she said, I am come to ask this of thee, that thou shalt befriend me in the suit which I have against Eric Brighteyes, for the slaying of Earl Atly, my husband. Thou couldst have come to know man who is more willing, said Ospecker, for if thou has something against Eric, I have yet more. I would ask this too, Ospecker, that thy son Ghazur should take up my suit and plead it, for I know well that he is the most skillful of all lawmen. I will do that, said Ghazur, his eyes yet fixed upon her face. I looked for no less from thee, said Swanhild, and be sure of this, that thou shall not plead for nothing. And she glanced at him meaningfully. Then she set out her case with a lying tongue, and afterwards went back to her booth, glad at heart. For now she learned that Hall had not failed in his errand, seeing that Ghazur was about to wed Ospecker. Ghazur gave warning of the bloodsuit, and the end of it was that, though he had no notice and was not there to answer the charge, against all right and custom, Eric was declared outlaw, and his lands were given, half to Swanhild, and half to the men of his quarter. For now all held that Swanhild's was a true tale, and Eric the most shameful of men, and therefore they were willing to stretch the law against him. Also, being absent, he had few friends, and those men of small account, whereas Ospecker, who backed Swanhild's suit, was the most powerful of the northern chiefs, as Ghazur was the most skilled lawman in Iceland. Moreover, beyond the priest, Asman's son, was among the judges, and though Swanhild's tale seemed strange to him, after that which he had heard from Hall of Lithdale, he loved Eric little. He feared also that if Eric came a free man to Iceland, before Ghazur was wed to Ospecker, her love would conquer her anger, for he could see well that she still loved bright eyes. Therefore he strove with might and main that Eric should be brought in guilty, nor did he fail in this. So the end of it was that Eric bright eyes was outlawed, his lands declared forfeit, and his head a wolf's head, to be taken by him who might, should he set foot in Iceland. Thereafter, the all thing being ended, Bjorn, Ghazur and Ospecker, with all their company, rode away to Middelhoff to sit at the marriage feast, but Swanhild and her folk went by sea in the long warship to Westmans, where this was her plan, to seize on Coldback and to sit there for a while, till she saw if Eric came out to Iceland. Also she desired to see the wedding of Ospecker and Ghazurda, where she had been bitten to it by Bjorn, her half-brother. Now Ospecker came to Middelhoff and found Ghazurda waiting his coming. She stood in the great hall, pale and cold as April snow, and greeted him courteously. But when he would have kissed her, she shrank from him, for now he was more hideous in her sight than he had ever been, and she loathed him in her heart. That night there was feasting in the hall, and at the feast Ghazurda heard that Eric had been made outlaw. Then she spoke, This is an ill deed, thus to judge an absent man. Say, Ghazurda, said Bjorn in her ear, hast thou not also judged Eric who was absent? She turned her head and spoke no more of Eric, but Bjorn's words fixed themselves in her heart like arrows. The tale was strange to her, for it seemed that Eric had been made outlaw at Swanhild's suit, and yet Eric was Swanhild's love, for Swanhild's self had sent the lock of bright eyes' hair by hall, saying that he was her love and soon would wed her. How, then, did Swanhild bring a suit against him who should be her husband? Moreover, she heard that Swanhild sailed down to Koldback and was bitten to the marriage feast that should be on the third day from now. Could it be, then, when all was said and done, that Eric was less faithless than she deemed? Ghazurda's heart stood still and the blood rushed to her brow when she thought on it. Also, even if it were so, it was now too late, and surely it was not so, for had not Eric been made outlaw? Men were not made outlaw for a little thing. Nay, she would meet her fate and ask no more of Eric and his doings. On the morrow, as Ghazurda sat in her chamber, it was told her that Savuna, Thorgrimmer's widow and Eric's mother, had come from Koldback to speak with her, before, after the death of Asmund and of Una, Savuna had moved back to Koldback on the marsh. Nay, how can this be? Said Ghazurda, astonished, for she knew well that Savuna was now both blind and bedridden. She has been born here in a chair, said the woman who told her, and that is a strange sight to see. At first Ghazurda was minded to say her nay, but her heart softened and she bade them bring Savuna in. Presently she came, being set in a chair upon the shoulders of four men. She was white to see, for sickness had aged her much and she stared about her with sightless eyes. But she was still tall and straight and her face was stern to look on. To Ghazurda it seemed like that of Eric when he was angered. Am I nay to Ghazurda the fair, Asmund's daughter? Asked Savuna. Me thinks I hear her breathe. I am here, mother, said Ghazurda. What is thy will with me? Set down, Carls, and be gone. Quoth Savuna. That which I have to say, I would say alone. When I summon you, come. The Carls set down the chair upon the floor and went. Ghazurda, said the dame, I am risen from my deathbed and have caused myself to be born on my last journey here across the Medes, that I may speak with thee and warn thee. I hear that thou hast put away my son, Eric Brighteyes, to whom thou art sworn in marriage and art about to give thyself to Ospeker Blacktooth. I hear also that thou hast done this deed because a certain man, Hall of Lithdale, whom from his youth up I have known for a liar and a knave, and whom thou thyself didst mistrust in years gone by, has come hither to Iceland from Orkneys, bearing a tale of Eric's dealings with thy half-sister Swanhild. This I hear further, that Swanhild, at Lys widow, hath come out to Iceland and laid a suit against Eric for the slaying of Atly the Earl, her husband, and that Eric has been outlawed, and his lands at Koldbeck are forfeit. Tell me now, Ghazurda, Asmond's daughter, if these tales be true. The tales are true, mother, said Ghazurda. Harken to me, girl, Eric sprang from my womb, who of all living men is the best and first, as he is the bravest and most strong. I have reared this Eric from a babe, and I know his heart well. Now I tell thee this, that whatever Eric has done or left undone, not of dishonour is on his hands. May help Swanhild has deceived him. Thou art a woman, and thou knowest well the arts which women have, and the strength that Freya gives them. Well thou knowest also, of what breed this Swanhild came, and perchance thou canst remember how she dealt with thee, and with what mind she looked on Eric. Purchance thou canst remember how she plighted against thee and Eric. I, how she thrust thee from Goldfoss Brink. Say, then, wilt thou take her word? Wilt thou take the word of this witch-daughter of a witch? Wilt thou not think on Groa, her mother, and of Groa's dealings with thy father, and with Oona, my kin's woman? As the mother is, so shall the daughter be. Wilt thou cast Eric aside, and that unheard? There is no more room for doubt, mother, said Gadruda. I have proof of this, that Eric has forsaken me. So thou thinkest, child, but I tell thee that thou art wrong. Eric loves thee now as he loved thee a foretime, and will love thee always. What that I could believe it, said Gadruda. If I could believe that Eric still loved me, I, even though he had been faithless to me, I would die ere I wed Ospecker. Thou art foolish, Gadruda, and thou shalt rue thy folly bitterly. I am outworn, and death draws near to me. Far from me now are hates and loves, hopes and fears. But I know this, that woman is mad, who, loving a man, weds where she loves not. Shame shall be her portion, and bitterness her bread. Unhappy shall she live, and when she comes to die, but as a wilderness, but as the desolate winter snow shall be the record of her days. Now Gadruda wept aloud. What is done is done? She cried. The bridegroom sits within the hall. The bride awaits him in the bower. What is done is done. I may hope no more to be saved from Ospecker. What is done is done, yet it can be brought to nothing. But soon that shall be done which may never be undone. Gadruda, fare thee well. Never shall I listen to thy voice again. I hold thee shameless, thou unfaithful woman, who in thy foolish jealously aren't ready to sell thyself to the arms of one thou hateest. Ho, Carls, come hither, bear me hints. Now the men came in and took up Savuna's chair. Gadruda watched them bear her forth. Then suddenly she sprang from her seat and ran after her into the hall, weeping bitterly. Now as Savuna, Eric's mother, was carried out, she was met by Ospecker and Bjorn. Stay, said Bjorn. What does this Carlin hear? And why weeps Gadruda, my sister? The men halted. Who calls me Carlin? Said Savuna. Is the voice I hear, the voice of Bjorn, Asmin's son? It is my voice truly, said Bjorn. And I would know this, and this would Ospecker, who stands at my side, know also. Why thou comest here, Carlin? And why Gadruda weeps? Gadruda weeps because she has good cause to weep, Bjorn. She weeps because she has betrayed her love, Eric bright eyes, my son, and is about to be sold in marriage, to be sold to thee, Ospecker Blacktooth, like a heifer at a fair. Then Bjorn grew angry and cursed Savuna, nor did Ospecker spare to add his ill words, but the old dame sat in her chair, listening silently till all their curses were spent. You are evil, the twain of you, she said, and ye have told lies of Eric my son, and ye have taken his bride for lust and greed, playing on the jealous folly of a maid, like carpers on a harp. Now I tell you this, Bjorn and Ospecker, my blind eyes are opened, and I see this hall of Middlehoff, and lo, it is but a gore of blood. Blood flows upon the board, blood streams along the floor, and ye, ye twain, lie dead thereon, and about your shapes are shrouds, and on her feet are hellshoon. Eric comes, and white fire is aloft, and no more shall ye stand before him, whom ye have slandered, than stands the birch before the lightning-stroke. Eric comes, I see his angry eyes, I see his helm flash in the door-place. Red was that marriage-feast at which Savuna, my kinswoman, and Asman thy father. Redder shall be the feast, where sit Kajruta thy sister and Ospecker. The wolf howls at the door, Bjorn. The grave worm opens his mouth. Trolls run to and fro upon thy threshold, and the ghosts of men speed hellwards. Ill were the deeds of Groa. Worse shall be the deeds of Groa's daughter. Red is thy hall with blood, Bjorn, for white fire is aloft, and I tell thee, Eric comes. And with one great cry she fell back, dead. Now they stood amazed and trembling in their fear. Savuna hath spoken strange words, said Bjorn. Shall we be frightened by a dead hag? Quoth Ospecker, drawing his breath again. Fellows, bear this carryin' forth, or we fling it to the dogs. Then the men tied the body of Savuna, Thorgrimmer's widow, Eric's mother, fast in the chair, and bore it thence. But when at length they came to Koldback, they found that Swanhild was there with all her following, and had driven Eric's grieve and his folk to the fells. But one old Carlin, who had been nursed to Eric, was left there, and she sat wailing in an outhouse, being too weak to move. Then the men set down the corpse of Savuna in the outhouse, and, having told all their tale to the Carlin, they fled also. That night passed, and passed the morrow, but on the next day at dawn Eric Brideyes and Scalagrim Lamb's tale landed near Westman Isles. They had made a bad passage from fairies, having been beat about by contrary winds, but at length they came safe and well to land. Now this was the day of the marriage feast of Gajrude the fair and Ospecker, but Eric knew nothing of these tidings. Where to now, Lord? said Scalagrim. To Koldback first to see my mother, if she yet lives, and to learn tidings of Gajrude, then as it may chance. Near to the beach was a yeoman's house. Thither they went to hire horses, but none were in the house, for all had gone to Gajrude's marriage feast. In the home meadow ran two good horses, and in the outhouses were saddles and bridles. They caught the horses, saddled them, and rode for Koldback. When they had ridden for something over an hour, they came to the crest of a height, once they could see Koldback in the marsh. Eric drew rain and looked, and his heart swelled within him at the sight of the place where he was born. But as he looked he saw a great train of people right away from Koldback towards Middlehoff, and in the company of a woman wearing a purple cloak. Now, what may this mean? said Eric. Right on, and we shall learn, answered Scalagrim. So they rode on, and as they rode, Eric's breast grew heavy with fear. Now they passed up the banked way through the home meadows of the house, but they could see no one, and now they were at the door. Down sprang Eric and walked into the hall, but none were there to greet him, though a fire yet burned upon the hearth. Only a gaunt hound wandered about the hall, and seeing him sprang towards him growling. Eric knew him for his old wolf hound, and called him by his name. The dog listened, then ran up and smelt his hands, and straight away howled with joy and leapt upon him. For a while he leapt thus, while Eric stared around him, wondering and sad at heart. Then the dog ran to the door and stopped, whining. Eric followed after him. The hound passed through the entrance, across the yard till he came to an outhouse. Here the dog stopped and scratched at the door, still whining. Eric thrust it open. Lo! There before him sat Savuna, his mother, dead in a chair, and at her feet crouched the carlin, she who had been Eric's nurse. Now he grasped the doorpost to steady himself, and his shadow fell upon the white face of his mother and the old carlin at her feet. END OF CHAPTER XXXIII CHAPTER XXIII HOW Eric was a guest at the wedding feast of Gadruda the Fair. Eric looked but said nothing. Who are thou? Wined the carlin, gazing up at him with tear-blinded eyes. But Eric's face was in the shadow, and she only saw the glint of his golden hair and the flash of the golden helm, for Eric could not speak yet a while. Art thou one of the Swanhills folk, come to drive me hence with the rest? Good sir, I cannot go to the fells, my limbs are too weak. Slay me if they are wilt, but drive me not from this! And she pointed to the corpse. Say now, will thou not help me give it burial? It is unmeet that she, who in her time had husband and goods and son, should lie unburied like a dead cow on the fells. I have still a hundred in silver, if I might but come at it. It is hidden, sir, and I will pay thee, if thou wilt help me bury her. These old hands are too feeble to dig a grave, nor could I bear her there alone if it were dug. Thou wilt not help me? Then may thine own mother's bones lie uncovered, and be picked of gulls and ravens. Oh, that Eric Brideyes would come home again! Oh, that Eric was here! There is work to do, and never a man to do it. Now Eric gave a great sob and cried, Nurse, nurse, knowest thou me not? I am Eric Brideyes. She uttered a loud cry, and, clasping him by the knees, looked up into his face. Thanks be to Odin! Thou art Eric! Eric comes home again! But alas! Thou hast come too late! What has happened, then? said Eric. What has happened? All evil things! Thou art outlawed, Eric, at the suit of Swanhild, with a slaying of atly the Earl. Swanhild sits here in coldback, for she hath seized thy lands. Savuna, thy mother, died two days ago in the Hall of Middelhoff, whither she went to speak with Gadruda. Gadruda? What of Gadruda? cried Eric. This Brideyes, today she weds Osbeker Blacktooth. Eric covered his face with his hand. Presently he lifted it. Thou art rich in evil tidings, Nurse, though it would seem poor and all besides. Tell me at what hour is the wedding feast? An hour afternoon, Eric. But now Swanhild has ridden thither with her company. Then room must be found at Middelhoff for one more guest, said Eric, and laughed aloud. Go on, pour out thy evil news, and spare me not, for nothing has any more power to harm me now. Come hither, Scalagrim, and see and harken. Scalagrim came and looked on the face of dead Savuna. I am outlawed at Swanhild's suit, Lamb's tale. My life lies in thy hand, if so be thou wouldst take it. Hew off my head, if thou wilt, and bear it to Gadruda the fair. She will thank thee for the gift. Lay on, Lamb's tale, lay on with that axe of thine. Child's talk, said Scalagrim. Child's talk, but man's work. Thou hast not heard the tale out. Swanhild hath seized my lands, and sits here at Coldback. And what thinkest thou, Scalagrim? But now she has ridden a guesting to the marriage feast of Ospecher Blacktooth, with Gadruda the fair. Swanhild at Gadruda's wedding. The eagle in the wild swan's nest. But there will be another guest, and again, he laughed aloud. Two other guests, said Scalagrim. More of thy tale, old nurse, more of thy tale, quote Eric. No better did thou ever tell me when, as a lad, I sat by thee in the angle of winter nights, and the company is fitting to the tale, and he pointed to dead Savuna. Then the Carlin told on. She told how Hall of Lithdale had come out to Iceland, and of the story that he bore to Gadruda, and of the giving of the lock of hair. What did I say, Lord? broke in Scalagrim, that in Hall thou hath let a weasel go who would live to nip thee. Him I will surely live to shorten by a head, quote Eric. Nay, Lord, this one for me. Ospecker for thee, Hall for me. As thou wilt, Berserk, among so many there is room to pick and choose. Tell on, nurse. Then she told how Swanhild came out to Iceland, and, having won Ospecker Blacktooth and Gizur to her side, had laid a suit against Eric at the all-thing, and there bore false witness against him, so that bright eyes was declared outlaw, being absent. She told, too, how Gadruda had betrothed herself to Ospecker, and how Swanhild had moved down to Koldback and seized the lands. Lastly, she told of the rising of Savuna from her deathbed, of her going to Middelhoff, of the words she spoke to Bjorn and Ospecker, and of her death in the hall at Middelhoff. When all was told, Eric stooped and kissed the cold brow of his mother. There is little time to bury thee now, my mother, he said. For a chance, before six hours are sped, there will be one to bury at thy side. Nevertheless thou shalt sit in a better place than this. Then he cut loose the cords that bound the body of Savuna to the chair, and, lifting it in his arms, bore it to the hall. There he set the corpse in the high seat of the hall. We need not start yet a while, Scalagrim, said Eric. If thou indeed wouldst go a-guesting with me to Middelhoff. For let us eat and drink, for there are deeds to do this day. So they found meat and mead, and ate and drank. Then Eric washed himself, combed out his golden locks, and looked well to his harness and to Whitefire's edge. Scalagrim also ground his great acts upon the wet stone in the yard, singing as he ground. When all was ready, the horses were caught, and Eric spoke to the carlin. Harken, nurse! If it may be that thou canst find any of our folk, and perchance now that they see that Swanhild has ridden to Middelhoff, some one of them will come down to spy. Thou shalt say this to them. Thou shalt say that. If Eric bright eyes yet lives, he will be at the foot of Mosvel tomorrow before midday, and if, for the sake of old days and fellowship, they are minded to befriend a friendless man, let them come thither with food, for by then the food will be needed, and I will speak with them. And now, farewell! And Eric kissed her and went, leaving her weeping. As enchanced before another hour was sped, John, Eric's thrall, who had stayed at home in Iceland, seeing cold back empty, crept down from the fells and looked in. The carlin saw him and told him these tidings. Then he went thence to find the other men. Having found them, he told them Eric's words, and a great gladness came upon them when they learned that bright eyes still lived, and was in Iceland. Then they gathered food and gear, and rode away to the foot of Mosvel that is now called Eric's fell. Ospeker sat in the hall at Middelhoff, near to the high seat. He was fully armed, and a black helm with a raven's crest was on his head. For, though he said nothing of it, not a little did he fear that Savuna spoke sooth, that her words would come true, and before this day was done, he and Eric should once more stand face to face. At his side sat Gadruder the Fair, robed in white, a worked headdress on her head, golden clasps upon her breast, and golden rings about her arms. Never had she been more beautiful to see, but her face was whiter than her robes. She looked with loathing on black tooth at her side, rough like a bear, and hideous as a troll. But he looked on her with longing, and laughed from side to side of his great mouth when he thought that at last he had got her for his own. Ah! If Eric would but come, faithless though he be, if Eric would but come, thought Gadruder, but no Eric came to save her. The guests gathered fast, and presently Swanfield swept in with all her company, wrapped about in her purple cloak. She came up to the high seat where Gadruder sat, and bent the knee before her, looking on her with lovely mocking face, and hate in her blue eyes. "'Greetings, Gadruder, my sister,' she said. "'When last we met I sat at Liesbride, where today thou sittest the bride of Ospecker. Then Eric Brideyes held thy hand, and little thou didst think of wedding Ospecker. Now Eric is afar, so strangely do things come about, and in black tooth Brideyes foe holds that fair hand of thine.' Gadruder looked on her, and turned whiter yet in her pain, but she answered, never a word. "'What? No word for me, sister,' said Swanfield. "'And yet it is through me that thou comest to this glad hour. It is through me that thou art rid of Eric, and it is I who have given thee to the arms of mighty Ospecker. No words of thanks for so great a service. "'Fie on thee, Gadruder, fie!' Then Gadruder spoke. "'Strange tales are told of thee and Eric grow his daughter. I have done with Eric, but I have done with thee also. Thou hast thrust thyself here against my will, and, if I may, I would see thy face no more. "'Wouldst thou see Eric's face, Gadruder? Say, would see Eric's face? I tell thee it is fair.' But Gadruder answered nothing, and Swanfield fell back, laughing. Now the feast began, and men waxed merry. But ever Gadruder's heart grew heavier, for in it echoed those words that Savuna had spoken. Her eyes were dim, and she seemed to see not but the face of Eric, as it had looked when he came back to her that day on the brink of gold-fossed falls, and she had thought him dead. Oh, what if he still loved her and were yet true at heart?' Swanfield mocked her. What if this was a plot of Swanfield's? Had not Swanfield plotted a four-time, and could a wolf cease from ravening, or a witch from which work? Nay, she had seen Eric's hair. That he had sworn none save she should touch. For chance he had been drugged, and the hair shorn from him in his sleep. Too late to think, of what use was thought. Beside her sat Osbecker. In one short hour she would be his. Ah, that she could see him dead, the troll who had trafficked her to shame, the foe she had summoned in her wrath and jealousy. She had done ill. She had fallen into Swanfield's snare, and now Swanfield came to mock her. The feast went on. Cup followed cup. Now they poured the bride-cup. Before her heart beat two hundred times, she would be the wife of Osbecker. Blocktooth took the cup, plunged her in it, and drank deep. Then he turned and strove to kiss her. But Kudruda shrank from him with horror in her eyes, and all men wondered. Still, she must drink the bridal cup. She took it. Dimly she saw the upturned faces. Faintly she heard the murmur of a hundred voices. What was that voice she caught above the mall? There, without the hall. Holding the cup in her hand, Kudruda bent forward, staring down the scally. Then she cried aloud, pointing to the door, and the cup fell, clattering from her hand, and rolled along the ground. Men turned and looked. They saw this. There on the threshold stood a man, glorious to look at. And from his winged helm of gold, the rays of light flashed through the dusky hall. The man was great and beautiful to see. He had long, yellow hair bound in about his girdle. And in his left hand he held a pointed shield, in his right a spear, and at his thigh there hung a mighty sword. Nor was he alone, for by his side, a broad ax on his shoulder, and a shield in his hand, stood another man, clad in black-hued mail. A man well-nigh as broad and big, with hawk's eyes, eagle beak, and black hair streaked with gray. For a moment there was silence. Then a voice spoke, low, hear be the gods' boulder and thawr, come from Valhalla to grace the marriage feast. Then the man with golden hair cried aloud in a voice that made the rafters ring. Here are Eric Bright-Eyes and Scalagrim Lamstail, his thrall, come from overseas to grace the feast indeed. I could have looked for no worse guest, said Bjorn, beneath his breath, and rose to bid men thrust them out. But before he could speak, low, gold-helmed Eric and black-helmed Scalagrim were stalking up the length of that great hall. Side by side they stalked, with faces fierce and cold. Nor stayed they till they stood before the high seat. Eric looked up and round, and the light of his eyes was as the light of a sword. Men marveled at his greatness and his wonderful beauty, and to Gadruda he seemed like a god. Here I see faces that are known to me, said Eric. Greetings, comrades! Greetings, Bright-Eyes! Shouted the middle-haul folk and the company of Swanhild. But the carls of Ospecker laid hand on sword. They too knew Eric, for still all men loved Eric, and the people of his quarter were proud of the deeds he had done overseas. And Bjorn, Asmund's son, quote Eric, greeting Ospecker Blacktooth. Greetings, Swanhild the fatherless, atly's witch-wife, grow as witch-bearn. Greetings, Hall of Lytdale, Hall the liar, Hall who cut the grapnel chain. And to thee, sweet bride, to thee, Gadruda the fair, greeting. Now Bjorn spoke, I will take no greeting from a shamed and outlawed man. With thee gone, Eric Bright-Eyes, and take thy wolf-hound with thee, lest thou bightest here stiff and cold. Speak not so loud, rat, lest hounds fang worry thee, growed Scalagrim. But Eric laughed aloud and cried, Words must be said, Emperor Chance, men shall die, ere ever I leave this hall, Bjorn. End of chapter, recording by Brett Downey. Chapter 24 of Eric Bright-Eyes. This Librivox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Brett Downey. Eric Bright-Eyes by H. Rider Haggard, chapter 24, How the Feast Went. Harken, all men, said Eric. Thrust him out! Quote Bjorn. Nay, cut him down! Said Ospecker. He is an outlawed man. Words first, then deeds. Answered Scalagrim. Thou shalt have thy fill of both, Blacktooth, before day is done. What Eric say his say? Said Gadruda, lifting her head. He has been doomed unheard, and it is my will that he shall say his say. What hast thou to do with Eric, snarled Ospecker? The bright cup is not yet drunk, Lord. She answered. To thee, then, I will speak, lady. Quote Eric. How comes it that, being betrothed to me, Thou dost sit there, the bride of Ospecker? Ask of Swanhild. Said Gadruda, in a low voice. Ask also of Hall of Lytdell Yonder, who brought me Swanhild's gift from straw-me. I must ask much of Hall, and he must answer much. Said Eric. What tale, then, did he bring thee of straw-me? He said this, Eric, Gadruda answered, that thou wasst Swanhild's love, that for Swanhild's sake thou hast basely killed atly the good, and that thou wasst about to wed Swanhild's self, and take the Earl's seat in Orkney's. And for what cause was I made outlaw at the all thing? For this cause, Eric, said Bjorn, that thou hast dealt evilly with Swanhild, bringing her to shame against her will, and thereafter thou had slain the Earl, her husband. Which, then, of these tales is true, for both cannot be true, said bright eyes. Speak, Swanhild! Thou knowest well that the last is true. And Swanhild boldly, how, then, comes it that thou didst charge Hall with that message to Gadruda? How, then, comes it that thou didst send her the lock of hair, which thou dost cozen me to give thee? I charged Hall with no message. I sent no lock of hair, Swanhild answered. Stand thou forward, Hall, said Eric, and, liar and coward, though thou art, dare not to speak other than the truth. Nay, look not at the door, for, if thou stirrest, this spear shall find thee before thou hast gone apace. Now Hall stood forward, trembling with fear, for he saw the eye of Scalagrim watching him close. And while Lambstale watched, his fingers toyed with the handle of his axe. It is true, Lord, that Swanhild charged me with that message, which I gave to Lady Gadruda. Also, she bade me give the lock of hair. And for this service thou didst take money, Hall? Aye, Lord, she gave me money for my fairing. And all the while thou knewest the tidings false? Hall made no reply. Answer, thundered Eric, answer the truth, Nave, or by every god that passes the hundred gates, I will not spare thee twice. It is so, Lord, said Hall. Thou liest, Fox, cried Swanhild, white with wrath, and casting a fierce look upon Hall. But men took no heed of Swanhild's words, for all eyes were bent on Eric. Is it now your pleasure, comrades, that I should tell you the truth? Said bright eyes. The most part of the company shouted, Yay! But the men of Ospecker stood silent. Speak on, Eric, quote Gadruda. This is the truth, then. Swanhild the fatherless, Atlai's wife, has always sought my love. And she has ever hated Gadruda, whom I loved. From a child she has striven to work mischief between us. Aye, and she did this, though till now it has been hidden. She strove to murder Gadruda. It was on the day that Scalagrim and I overcame Ospecker and his band on horse-head heights. She thrust Gadruda from the brink of golden falls, while she sat looking on the waters. And as she hung there, I dragged her back. Is it not so, Gadruda? It is so, said Gadruda. Now men murmured, and looked at Swanhild, but she shrank back, plucking at her purple cloak. Which was for this cause, said Eric, that Asmund, Swanhild's father, gave her choice to wed Atlai the earl and pass overseas, or to take her trial in the doom-ring. She wedded Atlai and went away. Afterwards, by witchcraft, she brought my ship to Wreck on Straume's Isle. Aye, she walked the waters like a shape of light, and lured us on to ruin, so that all were drowned except Scalagrim and myself. Is it not so, Scalagrim? It is so, Lord. I saw her with my eyes. Again folk murmured. Then we must sit in Atlai's hall, said Eric, and there we dwelt last winter. For a while Swanhild did no harm, till I feared her no more, but some three months ago I was left with her, and a man called Cole, Groa's Thrall, of whom ye know, came out from Iceland, bringing news of the death of Asmund the priest, of Una, my cousin, and of Groa the witch. To these ill tidings, Swanhild bribed him to add something. She bribed him to add this, that Thou, Gadruda, must betrothed to Ospecker, and which wed him on the last Yule day. Moreover, he gave me a certain message from thee, Gadruda, and, in token of its truth, the half of that coin which I broke with thee long years ago. Say now, lady, didst thou send the coin? Nay, never, cried Gadruda. Many years ago I lost the half thou gaveest me. Thou I feared to tell thee. Perchance one stands there who found it, said Eric, pointing with his spear at Swanhild. At the least I was deceived by it. Now the tale is short. Swanhild mourned with me, and in my sorrow I mourned bitterly. Then it was, she asked a boon, that lock of mine, Gadruda, and, thinking thee faithless, I gave it, holding all oaths broken. Then, too, when I would have left her, she drugged me with a witch-draft. Aye, she drugged me, and I woke to find myself false to my oath, false to Atly, and false to thee, Gadruda. I cursed her, and left her, waiting for the earl to tell him all. But Swanhild outwitted me. She told him the other tale of shame that she have heard, and brought coal to him as witness of the tale. Atly was deceived by her, and, not until I cut him down in anger at the bitter words he spoke, calling me cowered and nittering, did he know the truth? But before he died he knew it, and he died, holding my hand, and bidding those about him find coal and slay him. Is it not so, ye who were Atly's men? It is so, Eric, they cried. We heard it with our own ears, and we slew coal. But afterwards Swanhild brought us to believe that Earl Atly was distraught when he spoke thus, and that things were indeed as she had said. Again, men murmured, and a strange light shone in Gadruda's eyes. Now, Gadruda, thou hast heard all my story, said Eric. Say, does thou believe me? I believe thee, Eric. Say, then, wilt thou still wed Yon Osspecker? Gadruda looked on Blacktooth. Then she looked at Golden Eric, and opened her lips to speak. But before a word could pass them, Osspecker rose in wrath, laying his hand upon his sword. Thinkest thou thus to lure away my dove outlaw? First I will see thee, food for crows! Well spoken, Blacktooth, laughed Eric. I waited for such words from thee. Thrice have we striven together, once out yonder in the snow, once on horse-head heights, and once by westmen aisles. And still we live to tell the tale. Come down, Osspecker, come down from that soft seed of thine, and here and now let us put it to the proof who is the better man. When we met before, the stake was white fire, set against my eye. Now the stake is our lives, and fair Gadruda's hand. Talk no more, Osspecker, but fall to it. Gadruda shall never wed thee while I live, said Bjorn. Thou art a landless loon, a brawler, and an outlaw. Get thee gone, Eric, with thy wolfhound. Squeak not so loud, rat! Squeak not so loud lest hounds fang worry thee, said Scalagrim. Whether I wed Gadruda or whether I wed her not is a matter that shall be known in its season, said Eric, for thy words I say this, that it is risky to hurl names that such as I am, Bjorn, lest perchance I answer them with spear thrusts. Thy answer, Osspecker, what need to wait? Thy answer! Now Osspecker looked at bright eyes and grew afraid. He was a mighty man, but he knew the weight of Eric's arm. I will not fight thee, Carle, he said, who has not to lose? Then thou art coward and knittering, said Eric. Osspecker knittering, I name thee here before all men. What, thou couldst plot against me? Thou couldst waylay me ten to one and two ships to one? But face to face with me, alone, thou dost not dare to stand? Comrades, look on your lord. Look at Osspecker the knittering. Now the swarthy brow of Blacktooth grew red with rage, and his breath came in great gasps. Ho men, he cried, drive this nave away, strip his harness off him, and whip him hencewith rods. Let but a man stir towards me, and this spear flies through thy heart, knittering, cried Eric. Gadruda, what thinkest thou of thy lord? I know this, said Gadruda, that I will not wet a man who is named knittering in the face of all and lift snow sword. Gadruda spoke thus, because she was mad with love and fear and shame, and she desired that Eric should stand face to face with Osspecker Blacktooth, for thus alone she might perhaps be rid of Osspecker. Such words do not come well from gentle lips, said Bjorn. Is it to be borne, brother? answered Gadruda, that the man who would call me wife should be named Osspecker the knittering? When that shame is washed away, and then only, can I think on marriage? I will never be knittering, Spride. Thou hearest, Osspecker knittering? said Eric. Then he gave the spear in his hand to Scalagrim, and, gripping Whitefire's hilt, he burst the pea-strings and tore it from the scabbard. Now the great sword shone on high like lightning leaping from a cloud, and as it shone men shouted, Osspecker, Osspecker knittering! Come win back Whitefire from Eric's hand, or before ever shamed! Blacktooth could endure this no more. He snatched sword and shield, and, like a bear from a cave, like a wolf from his lair, rushed roaring from his seat. On he came, and the ground shook beneath his bulk. At last knittering, cried Eric, and sprang to meet him. Back! Omen back! shouted Scalagrim. Now we shall see blows. As he spoke the great swords flashed aloft, and clanged upon the iron shields. So heavy were the blows that Fire leaped out from them. Osspecker reeled back beneath the shock, and Eric was beaten to his knee. Now he was up, but as he rushed, Osspecker struck again, and swept away half of Bright-Eyes' pointed shield, so that it fell upon the floor. Eric smote also, but Osspecker dropped his knee to the earth, and the sword hissed over him. Blacktooth cut at Eric's legs, but Bright-Eyes sprang from the ground and took no harm. Now some cried, Eric, Eric! And some cried, Osspecker, Osspecker! For no one knew how the fight would go. The drudas sat watching in the high seat, and as blows fell her color came and went. Swan-hill drew near, watching also, and she desired in her fierce heart to see Eric brought to shame and death, for, should he win, then the drudas would be rid of Osspecker. Now by her side stood Ghazur, Osspecker's son, and near to her was Bjorn. These two held their breath, for, if Eric conquered, all their plans were brought to nothing. Then as he sprang into the air, Eric smote down with all his strength. The blow fell on Osspecker's shield. It sure threw the shield and struck on the shoulder beneath, but Blacktooth's burny was good, nor did the sword bite into it. Still, the stroke was so heavy that Osspecker staggered back four paces beneath it, and then fell upon the ground. Now folk raised a shout of, Eric, Eric! For it seemed that Osspecker was sped. Bright eyes, too, cried aloud, then rushed forward. Now, as he came, Swanhild whispered an eager word into the ear of Bjorn. By Bjorn's foot lay that half of Eric's shield which had been shorn away by the sword of Osspecker. Ghazruda, watching, saw Bjorn push it with his shoe so that it slid before the feet of Bright Eyes. His right foot caught on it and he stumbled heavily. Stumbled again, then fell prone on his face, and, as he fell, rushed out his sword-hand to save himself, so that Whitefire flew from his grasp. The blade struck its hilt against the ground, then circled in the air and fixed itself, point downwards, in the clay of the flooring. The hand of Osspecker, rising from the ground, smote against the hilt of Whitefire. He saw it, and with a shout, he cast his own sword away and clasp Whitefire. Away circled the sword of Osspecker, and of that cast this strange thing is told, false or true. Far in the corner of the hall lurked Tharuna, she who had betrayed Scalagrim when he was named Unound. She had come with a heavy heart to Middlehoff, in the company of Osspecker. But, when she saw Scalagrim her husband, whom she had betrayed, and who had turned Berserk because of her wickedness, shame smote her, and she crept away and hid herself behind the hangings of the hall. The sword sped along point first, it rushed like a spear through the air. It fell on the hangings, piercing them, piercing the heart of Tharuna, who cowered behind them, so that with one cry she sank dead to earth, slain by her lover's hand. Now when men saw that Osspecker once more held Whitefire in his hand, Whitefire that Brideyes had won from him, they called aloud that it was an omen. The sword of Blacktooth had come back to Blacktooth, and now Eric would surely be slain of it. Eric sprang from the ground. He heard the shouts, and saw Whitefire blazing in Osspecker's hand. Now, though, aren't weaponless! Fly! Brideyes, fly! cried some. Gadruda's cheek grew white with fear, and for a moment Eric's heart failed him. Fly not! roared Scalagrim. You're intripty, yet hast thou half a shield? Osspecker rushed on, and Whitefire flickered over Eric's helm. Down it came, and sure one wing from the helm. Again it shone, and fell, but Brideyes cut the blow on his broken shield. Then, while men waited to see him slain, Eric gave a great warshout, and sprang forward. Thou art mad! shouted the folk. Ye shall see! ye shall see! screamed Scalagrim. Again Osspecker smote, and again Eric caught the blow, and behold, he struck back, thrusting with the point of the shorn's shield, straight at the face of Osspecker. Peck, eagle, peck! cried Scalagrim. Once more Whitefire shone above him. Eric rushed in beneath the sword, and with all his mighty strength, thrust the buckler point at Blacktooth's face. It struck fair and full, and low, the helm of Osspecker burst asunder. He threw wide his giant arms, then fell as a pine falls upon the mountain edge. He fell back, and he lay still. But Eric, stooping over him, took Whitefire from his hand. End of chapter, recording by Brett Downey.