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Atl righti c. i ^-^l t«"^ f 1.370 7 '. -^ '\'.» •/, >• . :i.'^ \ Bntared aooordlng to Aol of Parliament of Canada, In tho Offlee of the MinlBter of Agricnlture, by WzUiIAX Brtoi, In the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one. /.••v < 1) -!»: INTEODUGTION -•«»• *E7iio BBiOBTirnBS* is a romance founded on {he Icelandio Sagas. ' What is a saga V ' ' Is it a fable or a true story ? ' The answer is not altogether simple. For such sagas as those of Burnt Njal and Grdttir the Strong partake both of truth and fiction: historians dispute as to the proportions. This was the manner of the saga's growth : In the early days of the Iceland community — that repubho of aristocrats — say, be- tween the dates 900 and 1100 of our era, a quarrel would arise between two great families. As in the case of the Njal Saga, its cause, probably, was the ill doings of some noble woman. This quarrel would lead to manslaughter. Then blood called for blood, and a vendetta was sc on foot that ended only with tlie death by violence of a majority of the actors in the drama and of large n^mibers of their adherents. In the course of the feud, men of heroic strength and mould would come to the front and perform deeds worthy of the iron age which bore them. Women also would help to fashion the tale, for good or ill, according to their natural gifts and characters. At last the tragedy was covered up by death and time, leaving only a few dinted shields and haimted calms to tell of those who had played its leading parts. But its fame lived on in the minds of men. From genera- tion to generation skalds wandered through the winter snows, tiuch as Homer may have wandered in his day across the Chrecian vales and mountains, to find a welcome at every stead, viii Elf/C BRIGHTEYES because of the old-time story they had to tell. Here, night after night, they would sit in the ingle and while away the weariness of the dayles^ dark with histories of tho times when men carried their lives in their hands, and thought them well lost if there might be a song in the ears of folk to come. To alter the tale was one of the greatest of crimes : the skald must repeat it as it came to him ; but l>y degrees undoubtedly the sagas did suffer alteration. The facts remained the same indeed, but around them gathered a mist of miraculous occurrences and legends. To take a single instance : the account of the burning of Bergthorsknoll in the Njal Saga is not only a piece of descriptive writing that for vivid, simple force and insight is scarcely to be matched out of Homer and the Bible, it is also obviously true. We feel as we read, that no man could have invented that story, though some great skald threw it into shape. That the tale is true, the writer of ' Eric ' can testify, for, saga in hand, he has followed every act of the drama on its very site. There he who digs beneath the surface of the lonely mound that looks across plain and sea to Westman Isles may still find traces of the burning, and see what appears to '^c the black sand with which the hands of Bergthora and her women strewed the earthen floor some nine hundred years ago, and even the greasy and clotted remains of the whey that they threw upon the flame to quensh it. He may discover the places where Plosi drew up his men, where Skarphedinn died, singing while his legs were burnt from off him, where Kari leapt from the flaming ruin, and the dell in which he laid down to rest — at every step, in short, the truth of the narrative becomes more obvious. And yet the tale has been added to, for, unless we may belif'^e that some human beings are gifted with second sight, we cannot accept as true the proplietic vision that came io Bunolf, Thorstein's son ; or that of Njal who, on the evening of the onslaught, like Theoclymenus in the Odyssey, saw the whole board and the meats upon it ' one gore of blood.' Thus, in the Norse rDmance now offered to the reader, the tale of Eric and his deeds would be true ; but the dream of Asmund, the witchcraft of Swanhild, the incident of the 0, niglil way the G times thought ears of 3atest of ; but Ijy Ehe facts a mist of instance : ^jal Saga id, simple omer and read, that Dme great 3 writer of I every act }neath the and sea to [g, and see hands of ome nine remains quensh it. his men, vere burnt ruin, and step, in ous. And eli^^^'^e that we cannot ,0 Bunolf, tg of the the whole Reader, the dream of Int of the INTRODUCTION Si speaking head, and the visions of Eric and SkftUagrim, would owe their origin to the imagination of successive generations of skalds ; and, finally, in the fifteenth or sixteenth century, the story would have been written down with all its supernatural additions. The tendency of the human mind — and more especially of the Norse mind — is to supply uncommon and extraordinary reasons for actions and facts that are to be amply accounted for by the working of natural forces. Swanhild would have needed no ' familiar ' to instruct her in her evil schemes ; Eric would have wanted no love-draught to bring about his overthrow. Ou^ common experience of mankind as it is, in opposition to mankind as we fable it to be, is sufficient to f each us that the passion of the one and the human weakness of the other would suffice to these ends. The natural magic, the beauty and inherent power of such a woman as Swanhild, are things more forceful than any spell magicians have invented, or any demon they are supposed to have summoned to their aid. But no saga would be complete without the intervention of such extraneous forces : the need of them was always felt, in order to throw up the acts of heroes and heroines, and to invest their persons with an added importance. Even Homer felt this need, and did not scruple to introduce not only second sight, but gods and goddesses, and to bring their supernatural agency to bear directly on the personages of his chant, and that far more freely than any Norse sagaman. A word may be added in explanation of the appearances of ' familiars ' in the shapes of animals, an instance ci' which will be found in this story. It was believed in Iceland, as now by the Finns and Eskimo, that the passions and desires of sorcerers took visible form in such creatures as wolves or rats. These were called ' sendings,' and there are many allusions to them in the Sagas. Another peculiarity that may be briefly alluded to as em- inently characteristic of the Sagas is their fatefulness. As we read we seem to hear the voice of Doom speaking continually. ' Things will happen as they are fated : ' that is the keynote of them all. The Norse mind had little belief in free will, less even than we have to-day. Men and women were born with PI S E/l/C BRIG HTE YES eniain oharaotera and tendenoies, given to them in order that their lives should run in appointed ohannelB, and their aoti bring about an appointed end. They do not these things of their own desire, though their desires prompt them to the deeds : they do them because they must. The Noms, as they name Fate, have mapped out their path long and long ago ; their feot are set therein, and they must tread it to the end. Suc^ was the conclusion of our ScandinaviaL ancestors— a belief forced upon them by their intense realisation of the futility of human hopes and schemings, of the terror and the tragedy of life, the vanity of its desires, and the untravelled gloom or sleep, dreamless or dreamful, which lies beyond its end. Though the Sagas are entrancing, both as examples of literature of which there is but little in the world and because of their living interest, they are scarcely known to the English- speaking public. This is earty to account for : it is hard to persuade the nineteenth century world to interest itself in people who lived and events that happened a thousand years ago. Moreover, the Sagas are undoubtedly difficult reading. The archaic nature of the work, even in a translation ; the multitude of its actors ; the Norse sagaman's habit of inter- weaving endless side-plots, and the persistence with which he introduces the genealogy and adventures of the ancestors of every unimportant character, are none of them to the taste of the modern reader. * Eric Brighteyes ' therefore, is clipped oi these peculiarities, and, to some extent, is cast in the form of the romance of our own day, archaisms being avoided as much as possible. The author will be gratified should he succeed in exciting interest in the troubled lives of our Norse forefathers, and still more so if his difficult experiment brings readers to the Sagas — to the prose epics of our own race. Too ample, too prolix, too crowded with detail, they cannot indeed vie in art with the epics of Greece ; but in their pictures of life, simple and heroic, they fall beneath no Uterature in the world, save the Iliad and the Odyssey alonet er ihfti ail aots Lings of e deeds: ij name heir fe^t ,uc' WftB ef forced »f human [ Ufe, the or sleep, imples of d because ) Englisb- ,8 hard to it itself in sand years It reading. ation ; the t of inter- 1 which he ttcestors of the taste iculiarities, mce of our jible. The ,ng interest still more Sagas— to prolix, too with the land heroic, te Iliad and CONTENTS -•o* QEArm I. How ASMTTND THX PriEST rOUMD OrOA TBI WlTOR . II. How Ehic told his Love to Oudruda in thr Snow OK COLDBACK UI. How AsMUKO BADK Ehic to his Ydle-Fbabt . . IV. How EltIC CAUE DOWN GoLDKN FAUiS . . • V. How Eric won the Sword Whitefirb . VI. How ASMUND THE P iEST WAS BETROTHED fO VVAK VU. How Erio went ve Mosfell against Skajj^oriu THE BaUESARK How OSPAKAR BlACKTOOTU FOUND FiRIC BrIOHTEYES 9 19 28 38 51 60 vm. AND Skallaorim Lambstail ON Horsk-Head Hkiqhts 72 IX. How Swanhild dealt with Gudruda . . . . 82 X. How AsMUND SPOKE WITH SWANHILD .... 91 XI. How Swanhild bid Farewell to Eric . . . . 100 XII. How Eric was Outlawed and bailed a-Vikinq . .112 XIU. How Hall the Mate cut the Grapnel-Chain . . 124 XIV. How Eric dreamed a Dream 132 XV. How Eric dwelt in London Town 146 XVI. How Swanhild walked the Seas .... 155 XVII. How AsMUND the Priest wedded Unna, Tborod's Daughter 165 XVIII. How Earl Atli found Eric and Skallaorim on the Southern Boci£S of Straumey Isle . . . . 173 XIX. How EoLL THE Half-witted brought Tidinos rkOM lOJtLUXD • • . 18S ?■ ^ " i! ifl XX. XXI. XXII. XXIII. XXIV. XXV. XXVI. XXVII. xxvni. XXIX. XXX. XXXI. XXXII. XXXIII. ERIC BRIGHTEYES How Ebio was Nahxd Anxw ..... 191 How Hxiili or LlTHDALE TOOK TiBINOH TO IcRIAND . 200 How Erio oams Home aoain 208 How Ebio was a Ocbst at thi Wkduinu-Fkabt or GUDRUDA TBS FaZB 917 How THS FXABT WXNT 225 How THI Feast ended .• 288 How Erio tentubxd down to MiDDALBor akd what HE rouND • 241 How QUDRUDA WENT UP TO MosrELL .... 260 How SwANHZLD WON TiDiNos or Ebzc . . . . 260 How WENT THE Bbidal Nioht 271 How the Dawn came * 384 How Eric bent awat hib Men from MosrELL . . 298 How Eric and Skallaorim grew rET . . . . 801 How Erio and Skallaobim iouoht theib Last Obbax ^xoBZ •••••••«• 809 ■■(^. or t »•/— • • •• MST OF ILLUSTRATIONS rBlt Qbbax -•o»< FULL'PAQE ILLUSTRATIONS ' At BIB FiBT — nr a Pooxr— was a dvad Mam ' . • • • • 9 * A MSBTT LXVT ' . ,60 Euo moouNTBBS Skallaobdc 68 * ThZRB SH> HUMQ, ebb FbBT BB8TIM0 OM TBB BBELVIKO BanK * . 88 'Erio and SwanhiziD saw hbb mot' 107 EbIO AMD SEALLAOBIlf BoABDXMO TBB BaTBM . • • • . ISO Swamhild walbb TBB Sbas ...«••.. 162 'BlOHT TBBOnOB BBB HbABT XT SVBD * 172 ' SWAMBXLD 8B0BB TBBOUOB IT WXTB WBITXnRB'a BaZOB-BDOB ' . 190 Erio finds bis Motbbb dbad 216 'MbN TUBNBD AMD LOOKBD * 22'J 'All Niobt lomq Qudbuda sav m tbb Bbxdb's Seat' • • . 24") ' Drbw vobtb BBB Sebabs ' 2CB ' Shb took bib Haxd ' ...••••.. 280 ' " Look upon tbt Wobx, Deumkabd I ** ' 286 ' Hbb wbxtb Bobb was bbd wixb Blood ; a or.EAT Sword was SBT nr BBB Hbabs 806 Tbb Dbaxb ov Ebio • • • 817 WOODCUTS IN TEXT Imitxal Lbrbb 1 Tbb Obbat Haia at Hxddalbov 9 OSPAXAB • 19 (}qu>bm Falls • . 99 Ebio ob Rw»w - fl*«^***-" Boos ••■•••••if ^ ERIC BRIGHTEYES 9xn Tbs WBiRLnro-BHou .88 Thb Babuubk Pbopbssim 60 * FaiiLb ▲ HiiMDBXD Fathoms down * « 67 Imituii Littxb 82 SWANHILD WHISPESINa TO HIB GbsY WoLF 88 Inxtul Littxb 91 ft 91 • • ft • • • • • • ••XX« The Westman Isias 124 LaDT EliFBIDA 146 Hall tee Liab bows ashobb 147 The Ship Gudbuda in the Thames 155 Gboa bbews a Love-potion 167 Ebio and Ssallaorim wabbbd ashore 173 The bboxen Love-token 182 Initial Lettsb 191 » » 200 n n 208 217 SxALLAOBOf OBOUND HIS AZE 220 Initial Letteb 225 „ „ 233 Ospaxab's Caibr 241 BlDINO OVEB THB SnOWS 255 Jon BOUND . . • • 270 Initxal Letteb • • . . . 271 The Ajls cbabhkd thbouoh the Pakkllino 284 Initial Letteb .....*••••. 293 The Ghost ot thb Babksabk 301 InxxAL Lixsn • • • • • • • • • • 809 . » -^» •■».•# ■ *• 88 60 67 82 88 91 112 124 146 147 155 167 173 182 191 , 200 . 208 . 217 . 220 . 225 . 233 . 241 . 255 . 270 . 271 . 284 . 293 . 301 • 809 Eeio Beighteyes -•o*- CHAPTER I HOW ASMUND THB PBIB6T FOUND GIK)A TBB WITCH HEBE lived a man in the south, before Thangbrand, Wihbald's son, preached the White Christ in Iceland. He waa named Eric Brighteyes, Thorgrimor's son, and in those days there was no man like him for strength, beauty and daring, for in all these things he was the first. «C(flBfl|^ But he was not the first in good-luck. WAr T^Q ^omen lived in the south, not far from where the Westman Islands stand above the sea. Gudruda the Fair was the name of the one, and Swanhild, called the Fatherless, Groa's daughter, was the other. They were half-sisters, and there were none like them in those days, for they were the fairest of all women, though they had nothing in common except- iheir blood and hate. Now of Eric Brighteyes, of Gudruda the Fair, and of Swanhild the Fatherless, there is a tale to tell. These two fair women saw the light in the self-same hour. But Eric Brighteyes was their elder by five years. The father of Eric was Thorgrimur Iron-Toe. He had been a mighty man ; but in fightiuj^: with a Baresark,* who fell upon ' The Baresarks were men on whom a pasting fury of battle oame ; they were usually outlawed. 9 ERIC SRIGHTEYES him as he came np from sowing his wheat, his foot was hewn from him, so that afterwards he went upon a wooden leg shod with iron. Still, he slew the Baresark, standing on one leg and leaning against a rock, and for that deed people honoured him much. Thorgrimur was a wealthy yeoman, slow to wrath, just, and rich in friends. Somewhat late in life he took to wife Saevuna, Thoix)d's daughter. She was the best of women, strong in mind and second-sighted, and she could cover herself in her hair. But these two never loved each other overmuch, and they had but one child, Eric, who was bom when Saevuna was well on in years. The father of Gudruda was Asmund Asmundson, the Priest of Middalhof. He was the wisest and the wealthiest of all men who lived in the south of Iceland in those days, owning many farms and, also, two ships of merchandise and one long ship of war, and having much money out at interest. He had won his wealth by viking's work, robbing the Enghsh coasts, and black tales were told of his doings in his youth on the sea, for he was a 'red-hand ' viking. Asmund was a hand- some man, with blue eyes and a large beard, and, moreover, was very skilled in matters of law. He loved money much, and was feared of all. Still, he had many friends, for as he aged he grew more kindly. He had in marriage Gudruda, the daughter of Bjom, who was very sweet and kindly of nature, so that they called her Gudruda the Gentle. Of this marriage there were two children, Bjom and Gudruda the Fair ; but Bjom grew up like his father in his youth, strong and hard, and greedy of gain, while, except for her wonderful beauty, Gudnida was her mother's child alone. The mother of Swanhild the Fatherless was Groa the Witch. She was a Finn, and it is told of her thai; the ship on which she sailed, trying to run under the lee of the West- man Isles in a great gale from the north-east, was dashed to pieces on a rock, and all those on board of her were caught in the net of Ban * and drowned, except Groa herself, who was saved by her magic art. This at the least is true, that, as Asmund the Priest rode down by the sea-shore on the morning after ^ Tilt- Moisc goddess of the sea. 'At her feet— iu a pool — wae a dead man \ 3 SRIC BRIG HTE YES the gale, seeking for some strayed horses, hefonnd a beauti^ woxnan, who wore a porpjie oloak and a great girdle of gold, seated on a rock, oombing her blaok hair and singing the while ; and, at her feet, washing to apd fro in a pool, Tvas a dead man. He asked whence she came, and she answered : till the snake clung about the swan's neck, and presently snake and swan fell into the sea, and far out on the sea there burned a flame of fire. And Asmund awoke trembling and left the Temple. Now as he wont, a woman came running, and weeping as she ran. ' Haste, haste 1 ' she cried ; ' a daughter is bom to thee, and Gudruda thy wife is dying ! ' ' Is it so ? ' said Asmund ; ' after ill dreams ill tidings.' Now in the bed-closet off the great hall of Middalhof lay Gudruda the Gentle and she was dying. * Art thou there, husband ? ' she said. ' Even so, wife.* ' Thou comest in an evil hour, for it is my last. Now hearken. Take thou the new-bom babe within thine arms and ](iss it^ and jpour water over it, and name it with m^ name. ERIC BRIGHTEYES as Id llay This Asmund did. ' Hearken, my husband. I have been a good wife to thee, though thou hast not been all good to me. But thus sbalt thou atone : thou shalt swear that, though she is a girl, thou wilt not cast this bairn forth to perish, but wilt cherish and nurture her.' * I swear it,' he said. * And thou shalt swear that thou wilt not take the witch- woman Groa to wife, nor have anything to do with her, and this for thine own sake : for, if thou dost, she will be thy death. Dost thou swear ? ' * I swear it,' he said. *• It is well ; but, husband, if thou dost break thine oath, either in the words or in the spirit of the words, evil shall over- take thee and all thy house. Now bid me farewell, for I die.' He bent over her and kissed her, and it is said that Asmund wept in that hour, for after his fashion he loved his wife. * Give me the babe,' she said, * that it may lie once upon my breast.' They gave her the babe and she looked upon its dark eyes and said : ' Fairest of women shalt thou be, Gudruda — fair as no woman in Iceland ever was before thee ; and thou shalt love with a mighty love — and thou shalt lose — and, losing, thou shalt find again.' Now, it is said that, as she spoke these words, her fSEtce grew bright as a spirit's, and, having spoken them, she fell back dead. And they laid her in earth, but Asmund mourned her mnch. But, when all was over and done, the dream that he had dreamed lay heavy on him. Now of all diviners of dreams Groa was the most skilled, and when Gudruda had been in earth seven fall days, Asmund went to Groa, though doubtfully, because of his oath. He came to the house and entered. On a couch in the chamber lay Groa, and her babe was on her breast and she ^as very fair to see. ' greeting, lord 1 ' she said. ' Wl^^t wpuld^st thou here 7 7 ERJC BRIGHTEYES * I have dreamed a dream, and thou alone canst read it.* ' That is as it may he/ she answered. ' It is tnie that I have some skill in dreams. At the least I will hear it.* Then he unfolded it to her every word. ' What wilt thou give me if I read thy dream ? ' she said. ' What dost thou ask ? Methinks I have given thee much.' ' Yea, lord,' and she looked at the babe upon her breast. ' I ask but a little thing : that thou shalt take this bairn in thy arms, pour water over it and name it.' ' Men will talk if I do this, for it is the father's part.* ' It is a little thing what men say : talk goes by as the wind. Moreover, thou shalt give them the he in the child's name, for it shall be Swanhild the Fatherless. Nevertheless that is my price. Pay it if thou wilt.' *■ Bead me the dream and I will name the child.* ' Nay, first name thou the babe : for then no harm shall come to her at thy hands. Ro Asmund took the child, poured water over her, and named her. Then Groa spoke : ' This, lord, is the reading of thy dream, else my wisdom is at fault : The silver dove is thy daughter Gudruda, the golden snake is my daughter Swanhild, and these two '^hall hate one the other and strive against each other. But the swan is a mighty man whom both shall love, and, if he love not both, yet he shall belong to both. And thon shalt send him away ; but he shall return and bring bad luck to thee and thy house, and thy daughter shall be blind with love of him. And in the end he shall slay the eagle, a gteat lord from the north who shall seek to wed thy daughter, and many another shall he slay, by the help of that raven with the bill of steel who shall be with him. But Swanhild shall triuDiph over thy daughter Gudruda, and this man, and the two of them, shall die at her hands, and, for the rest, who can say ? But this is true — that the mighty man shall bring idl thy race to an end. Sec now, I have read thy rede.' Then Asmund was very wroth. ' Thou wast wise to be- guile me to name thy bastard brat,' he said; 'else had I been its death witbio this hour,* ERtC BRIG HTE YES 8 * This thou canst not do, lord, seeing that thou hast heid it in thy arms,' Groa answered, laughing. ' Go rather and lay out Gudruda the Fair on Coldback Hill ; so shalt thou make an end of the evil, for Gudruda shall be its very root. Learn this, moreover : that thy dream does not tell all, seeing that thou thyself must play a part in the fate. Go, send forth the babe Gudruda, and be at rest.' ' That cannot be, for I hr ^3 sworn to cherish it, and with an oath that may not be broken.' ' It is well,' laughed Groa. ' Things will befall as they are fated ; let them befall in their season. There is space for oaims on Ooldbaok and the sea can shroud its dead I And Asmund went thence, angered at heart. . ,^.^ / 1^,. ... ,f. ■ ... .^ ERIC BRIGHT EYES CHAPTER II now EBIO TOLD HI3 LOVE TO QUDBUDA IN THE SNOW ON C0LD13ACK NOW, it must "be told that, live years be- fore the day of the death of Gudruda the Gentle, Saevuna, the wife of Thorgrimur Iron-Toe, gave birth to a son, at Coldback in the Marsh, on Ran River, and when his father came to look upon the child he called out aloud : * Here we have a wondrous bairn, for his hair is yellow like gold and his eyes shine EHrC BRIGHTEYES to bright as stars.' And Thorgrimur named liiiii \unc Bright- eyes. Now, Coldback is but an hoar's ride from Middalhof, and it chanced, in after yea.*s, that Thorgrimur went up to Mid- dalof, to keep the Yule feast and worship in the Temple, for he was in the priesthood of Asmund Asmundson, bringing the boy Eric with him. There also was Groa with Swanhild, for now she dwelt at Middalhof ; and the three fair children were set together in the hall to play, and men thought it great sport to see them. Now, Gudruda had a horse of wood and would ride it while Eric pushed the horse along. But Swan- hild smote her from the horse and called to Eric to make it move ; but he comforted Gudruda and would not, and at that Swanhild was angry and lisped out : * Push thou must, if I will it, Eric' Then he pushed sideways and with such good will thftt Swanhild fell almost into the fire of the hearth, and, leaping up, she snatched a brand and threw it at Gudruda, firing her clothes. Men laughed at this ; but Groa, standing apart, frowned and muttered witch-words. * Why lookest thou ^o darkly, housekeeper ? ' said Asmund ; ' the boy is bonny and high of heart.' ' Ah, he is bonny as no child is, and he shall be bonny all ^ his life-days. Nevertheless, he shall not stand against his ill luck. This I prophesy of him : that women shall bring him to his end, and he shall die a hero's death, but not at the hand of his foes.' And now the years went by peacefully. Groa dwelt with her daughter Swanhild up at Middalhof and was the love of Asmund Asmundson. But, though he forgot his oath thus far, yet he would never take her to ^fe. The witchwife was angered at this, and she schemed and plotted much to bring it about that Asmund should wed her. But still he would not, though in all things else she led him as it were by a halter. Twenty fall years had gone by since Gudrada the Gentle ■/ It ERIC BRIGHTEY^S W\ WM laid in earth ; and now Gudruda the Fair and Swanhild the Fatherless were women grown. Eric, too, was a man of five- and- twenty years, and no such man had lived in Iceland. For he was strong and great of stature, his hair was yellow as gold, and his grey eyes shone with the hght of swords. He was gentle and loving as a woman, and even as a lad his strength was the strength of two men ; and there were none in all the quarter who could leap or swim or wrestle against Eric Brighteyes. Men held him in honour and apoke well of him, though as yet he had done no deeds, but Uved at home on Goldback, managing the farm, for now Thorgrimur Iron- Toe, his father, was dead. But women loved him much, and that was his bane— for of all women he loved but one, Gudruda the Fair, Asmund's daughter. He loved her from a child, and her alone till his day of death, and she, too, loved him and him only. For now Gudruda was a maid of maids, most beautiful to see and sweet to hear. Her hair, like the hair of Eric, was golden, and she was white as the snow on Hecla; but her eyes were large and dark, and black lashes drooped above them. For the rest she was tall and strong and comely, merry of face, yet tender, and the most witty of women. Swanhild also was very fiedr; she was slender, small of limb, and dark of hue, having eyes blue as the deep sea, and thrown curling hair, enough to veil her to the knees, and a I mind of which none knew the end, for, though she was open I in her talk, her thoughts were dark and secret. This was her jjoy : to draw the hearts of men to her and then to mock them. \8he beguiled many in this fashion, for she was the cunningest 1^1 in matters of love, and she knew well the arts of women, \ tvith which they bring men to nothing. Nevertheless she ^Vas cold at heart, and desired power and wealth greatly, and jhe studied magic much, of which her mother Groa also had \ store. But Swanhild, too, loved a man, and that was the joint ^ her harness by which the shaft of Fate entered her heart, for ^t man was Eric Brighteyes, who loved her not. But she iesired him so sorely that, without him, aU the world was dark |Q, her, and her soul but as a ship driven rudderless upon a ERIC BRIG HTE YES ft winter night. Therefore she put oat all her strength lo wki him, and bent her witoheries upon him, and they were not few nor small. Nevertheless they went by him like the wind, for ho dreamed ever of Gudruda alone, and he saw no eyes but hers, though as yet they spoke no word of love one to the other. But Swanhild in her wrath took counsel with her mother Groa, though there was little liking between them ; and, when she had heard the maiden's tale, Groa laughed aloud : ' Dost think me blind, girl ? ' she said ; * all of this I have seen, yea and foreseen, and I tell thee thou art mad. Let this yeoman Erie go and I will find thee finer fowl to fly at.' * Nay, that I will not,' quoth Swanhild : ' for I love this man alone, and I would win him ; and GuJruda I hate, and I would overthrow her. Give me of thy counsel.' Groa laughed again. ' Things must be as they are fated. This now is my rede : Asmund would turn Gudruda's beauty to account, and that man must be rich in friends and money who gets her to wife, and in this matter the mind of Bjom is as the mind of his father. Now we will watch, and, when a good time chances, we will bear tales of Gudruda to Asmund and to her brother Bjorn, and swear that she oversteps her modesty with Eric. Then shall Asmund be wroth and 4rive Eric from Gudruda's side. Meanwhile, I will do this : In the north there dwells a man mighty in all things and blown np with pride. He is named Ospakar Blacktooth. His wife is but lately dead, and he has given out tht^t he will wed the fairest maid in Iceland. Now, it is in my mind to send Eoll the Half- witted, my thrall, whom Asmund gave to me, to Ospakar as though by chance. He is a great talker and very clever, for in his half-wits is more cunning than in the brains of most ; and he sha^ll so bepraise Gudruda's beauty that Ospakar will come hither to ask her in marriage ; and in this fashion, if things go well, thou shalt be ric* cf thj rival, and I of one who looks scornfully upon me. But, if this fail, then there are two roads left on which strong feet may travel to their end ; and of these, one is that thou shouldest win Eric away with thine own beauty, and that is not little. AU men we &ail» uldv D \ \ 13 ERIC BRIGHTEYES hATO a draught that will make the heart as wax ; but yet the other path is surer.' * And what is that path, my mother ? * * It runs through blood to blackness. By thy side is a knife and in Gudruda's bosom beats a heart. Dead women are unmeet for love I ' Swanhild tossed her head and looked upon the dark face of Groa her mother. ' Methinks, with such an end to win, I should not fear to tread that path, if there be need, my mother.' * Now I see thou art indeed my daughter. Happiness is to the bold. To each it comes in uncertain shape. Some love power, some wealth, and some— a man. Take that which thou lovest— I say, cut thy path to it and take it ; else shall thy life be but a weariness : for what does it serve to win the wealth and power when thou lovest a man alone, or the man when thou dost desire gold and the pride of place ? This is wisdom : to satisfy the longing of thy youth ; for age creeps on apace and beyond is darkness. Therefore, if thou seekest this man, and Gudruda blocks thy path, slay her, girl — by witchcraft or by steel — and take him, and in his arms forget that thine own are red. But first let us try the easier plan. Daughter, I too hate this proud girl, who scorn j me as her father's light-of-love. I too long to see that bright head of hers dull with the dust of death, or, at the least, those proud eyes weeping tears of shame as the man she hates leads her hence a bride. Were it not for her I should be Asmund's wife, and, when she is gone, with thy help — for he loves thee much and has cause to love thee — this I may be yet. So in this matter, if in no other, let us go hand in hand and match our wit against her innocence.' * So be it,' said Swanhild ; ' fail me not and fear not that I shall fail thee.' % Now, Eoll the Half-witted went upon his errand, and the time passed till it lacked but a month to Yule, and men sat indoors, for the season was dark and much snow fell. At length came frost, and with it a clear sky, and Gudruda, ceas- ip^ from b^ spinning in the hall, wf.nt to the women's porcht ERIC BRIG HTE YES «4 and, looking out, saw that the snow was hard; and a great longing came upon her to breathe the fresh air, for there was still an hour of daylight. So she threw a cloak about her and walked forth, taking the road towards Coldback in the Marsh that is by Ban Biver. But Swanhild watched her till she was over the hill. Then she also took a cloak and followed on that path, for she always watched Gudruda. ' * Gudruda walked on for the half of &^ hour or so, when she became aware that clouds gathered in the sky, and that the air was heavy with snow to come. Seeing this she turned homewards, and Swanhild hid herself to let her pass. Now flakes floated down as big and soft as fifa flowers. Quicker and more quick they came till all the plain was one white maze of mist, but through it Gudruda walked on, and after her crept Swanhild, like a shadow. And now the darkness gathered and the snow fell thick and fast, covering up the track of her footsteps and she wandered from the path, and a:cter her wandered Swanhild, being loath to show herself. For an hour or more Gudruda wandered and then she called aloud and her voice fell heavily against the cloak of snow. At the last she grew weary and frightened, and sat down upon a shelving rock whence the snow had slipped away. Now, a little way behind was another rock and there Sw nhild sat, for she wished to be unseen of Gudruda. So some time passed, and Swanhild grew heavy as though with sleep, when of a sudden a moving thing loomed upon the snowy darkness. Then Gudruda leapt to her feet and called. A man's voice answered : ' Who passes there ? * ' I, Gudruda, Asmund's daughter.' The form came nearer; now Swanhild could hear the snorting of a horse, and now a man leapt from it, and that man was Eric Brighteyes. * Is it thou indeed, Gudruda ! * he said with a laugh, and his great shape showed darkly on the snow mist. * Oh, is it thou, Eric ? ' she answered. * I was never more joyed to see thee ; for of a truth thou dost come in a good hour. A little while and I had seen thee no more, for my eyes grow heavy with the death-sleep.' 15 ERIC BRIG HTE YES * Nay, say not bo. Art lost, then ? Why, so am I. I came out to seek three horses that are strayed, and was over- taken by the snow. May they dwell in Odin's stables, for tbey have led me to thee. Art thou cold, Gudruda ? ' ' But a little, Erie. Yea, there is place for thee here on ibe rock.' So he sat down by her on the stone, and Swanhild crept nearer; for now all weariness had left her. But still the mow fell thick. * It comes into my mind that we two shall die here,' said Oudruda presently, * Thinkest thou so ? ' he answered. * Well, I will say this, that I ask no better end.' ' It is a bad end for thee, Eric : to be choked in snow, and with all thy deeds to do.' ' It is a good end, Gudruda, to die at thy side, for so I shall die happy ; but I grieve for thee.' * Grieve not for me, Brighteyes, worse things might befall.' He drew nearer to her, and now he put his arm about her and clasped her to his bosom ; nor did she say him nay. Swanhild saw and lifted herself up behind them, but for a while she heard nothing but the beating of her heart.' * Listen, Gudruda,' Eric said at last. ' Death draws near to us, and before it comes I would speak to thee, if speak I may.' ' Speak on,' she whispers from his breast. ' This I would say, then : that I love thee, and that I ask no better fate than to die in thy arms.' * First shalt thou see me die in thine, Eric' ' Be sure, if that is so, I shall not tarry for long. Oh ! Gudruda, since I was a child I have loved thee with a mighty love, and now thou art all to me. Better to die thus than to live without thee. Speak, then, while there is time.' * I will not hldo from thee, Eric, that thy words are sweet in my ears.' And now Gudruda sobs and the tears fiall fast from her dark eyes. ' Nay, weep not. Dost thou, then, love me ? ' ' Ay, sure enough, Erie.' ERIC BRIGHTEYES i6 'Then kiss me before we pass. A man should not did thus, and yet men have died worse.' And so these two kissed, for the first time, out in the snow on Goldback, and that first kiss was long and sweet. Swanhild heard and her blood seethed within her as water seethes in a boiling spring when the fires wake beneath. She put her hand to her kirtle and gripped the knife at her side. She half drew it, then drove it back. *■ Cold kills as sure as steel,' she said in her heart. ' If I slay her I cannot save myself or him. Let us die in peace, and let the snow cover up our troubling.' And once more she hstened. * Ah, sweet,' said Eric, * even in the midst of death there is hope of life. Swear to me, then, that if by chance we Uve thou wilt love me always as thou loveSt me now.' * Ay, Eric, I swear that and readily.' * And swear, come what may, that thou wilt wed no man but me.' *■ I swear, if thou dost remain true to me, that I will wed none but thee, Eric' * Then I am sure of thee.' * Boast not overmuch, Eric : if thou dost live thy days are all before thee, and with times come trials.' Now the snow whirled down faster and more thick, till these two, clasped heart to heart, were but a heap of white, and all white was the horse, and Swanhild was nearly buried. * V/here go we when we die, Eric ? ' said Gudruda ; * in Odin's house there is no place for maids, and how shall my feet fare without thee ? ' *Nay, sweet, my May, Valhalla shuts its gates to me, a deedless man ; up Bifrost's rainbow bridge I may not travel, for I do not die with byr:iie on breast and sword aloft. To Hela shall we go, and hand in hand.' * Art thou sure, Eric, that men find th^se abodes ? To say sooth, at times I misdoubt me of them.' * I am not so sure but that I also doubt. Still, I know this : that where thou goest there I shall be, Gudruda.' < Then things are well, and well work the Noms.^ Still, 1 The Northern Fates. n ERIC BRIG HTE YES Erie, of a sudden I grow fey : for it comes upon me that I shall not die to-night, but that, nevertheless, I shall die with thy arms about me, and at thy side. There, I see it on the snow! I lie by thee, bleeping, and one comes with hands outstretched and sleep falls from them hke a mist — by Freya, it is Swanhild's self ! Oh I it is gone.' * It was nothing, Gudruda, but a vision of the snow — an un- timely dream that comes before the sleep. I grow cold and my eyes are heavy ; kiss me once again.' *■ It was no dream, Eric, and ever I doubt me of Swanhild, for I think she loves thee also, and she is fair and my enemy,' flays Gudruda, laying her snow-cold lips on his lips. * Oh, ErJc, awake ! awake ! See, the snow is done.' He stumbled to his feet and looked forth. Lo ! out artoss the sky flared the wild Northern fires, throwing light upon the darkness. * Now it seems that I know the land,' said Eric. * Look : yonder are Golden Falls, though we did not hear them because of the snow ; and there, out at sea, loom the Westmans ; and that dark thing is the Temple Hof, and behind it stands the stead. We are saved, Gudruda, and thus far indeed thou wast fey. Now rise, ere thy limbs stiffen, and I will set thee on the horse, if he still can run, and lead thee down to Mid- dalhof before the witchlights fail us.' * So it shall be, Eric' Now he led Gudruda to the horse — that, seeing its master, snorted and shook the snow from its coat, for it was not frozen — and set her on the saddle, and put his arm about her waist, and they passed slowly through the deep snow. And Swanhild, too, crept from her place, for her burning rage had kept the life in her, and followed after them. Many times she fell, and once she was nearly swallowed in a drift of snow and cried out in her fear. * Who called aloud ? ' said Eric, turning ; ' I tLcu^Vt I heard a voice.' 'Nay,' answers Gudruda, 'it was but a night-hawk jicreaminor.' ^0 w Swanhild lay ^uiet in the drift, but she said in her heart : \ \ ERIC BRIG HTE YES ra ' Ay, a night-hawk that shall tear out those dark eyes of thine, my enemy I ' The two go on and at length they oome to the hanked roadway that runs past the Temple to Asmund's hall. Here Swanhild leaves them, and, climbing over the turf- wall into the home meadow, passes round the hall by the outbuildings and so comes to the west end of the house, and enters by the men's door unnoticed of any. For all the people, seeing a horse coming and a woman seated on it, were gathered in front of the hall. But Swanhild ran to that shut bed where she slept, and, closing the curtain, threw off her garments, shook the snow from her hair, and put on a linen kirtle. Then she rested a while, for she was weary, and, going to the kitchen, warmed herself at the fire. Meanwhile Eric and Gudruda came to the house and there Asmund greeted them well, for he was troubled in his heart about his daughter, and very glad to know her living, seeing that men had but now begun to search for her, because of the snow and the darkness. Now Gudruda told her tale, but not all of it, and Asmund bade Eric to the house. Then one asked about Swanhild, and Eric said that he had seen nothing of her, and Asmund was sad at this, for he loved Swanhild. But as he told all men to go and search, an old wife came and said that Swanhild was in the kitchen, and while the carline spoke she came into the hall, dressed in white, very pale and with shining eyes and fair to see. 'Where hast thou been, Swanhild?' said Asmund. *I thought certainly thou wast perishing with Gudruda in the snow, and now all men go to seek thee while the witchlights bum.' * Nay, foster-father, I have been to the Temple,' she an- swered, lying. ' So Gudruda has but narrowly escaped the snow, thanks be to Brighteyes yonder! Surely I am glad of it, for we could ill spare our sweet sister,' and, going up to her, she kissed her. But Gudruda saw that her eyes burned like fire and felt that her hps were cold as ice, and ehrajak back wondering. ^'liil •9 ERIC BRIGHTEYES CHAPTER III HOW ASMUND BADE EBIC TO HIB TULB-FEAST |0W it was supper-time and men sat at meat while the women waited upon them. But as she went to and fro, Gudruda always looked at Eric, and Swanhild watched them both. Supper being over, people gathered round the hearth, and, having finished her ser- vice, Gudruda came and sat by Eric, so that her sleeve might touch his arm. They spoke no word, but there they sat and were happy. Swanhild saw and bit her lip. Now, she was ■ seated by Asmund and Bjorn his son. * Look, foster-father,' she said ; * yonder sit a pretty pair ! ' * That cannot be denied,' answered Asmund. * One may ride many days to see such another man as Eric Brighteyes, and no such maid as Gudruda flowers between Middalhof and London town, unless it be thou, Swanhild. Well, so her mother said that it should be, and without doubt she was foresighted at her death.' ' Nay, name me not with Gudruda, foster-father ; I am but a grey goose by thy white swan. But these shall be well wed and that will be a good match for Eric' OS OAPAKAB. ERIC BRIGHTEYES ao ' Let not thy tongue run on so fast/ said Asmund sharply. ' Who told thee that Eric should have Gudruda ? ' ' None told me, but in truth, having eyes and ears, I grew certain of it,' said Swanhild. * Look at them now : sorely lovers wear such faces.' Now it chanced that Gudruda had rested her chin on her hand, and was gazing into Eric's eyes beneath the shadow of her hair. < Methinks my sister will look higher than to wed a simple yeoman, though he is large as two other men,' said Bjorn with a sneer. Now Bjorn was jealous of Eric's strength and beauty, and did not love him. < Trust nothing that thou seest and little that thou hearest, girl,' said Asmund, raising himself from thought : ' so shall thy guesses be good. Eric, come here and tell us how thou didpt chance on Gudruda in the snow.' ' I was not so ill seated but that I could bear to stay,' gnunbled Eric beneath his breath ; but Gudruda said *■ Go.' So he went and told his tale ; but not all of it, for he in- tended to ask Gudruda in marriage on the morrow, though his heart prophesied no luck in the matter, and therefore he was not overswift with it. ' Li this thing thou hast done me and mine good service,' said Asmund coldly, searching Eric's face with his blue eyes. ' It had been sad if my fair daughter had perished in the snow, for, know this : I would set her high in marriage, for her honour and the honour of my house, and so some rich and noble man had lost great joy. But take thou this gift in memory of the deed, and Gudruda's husband shall give thee another such upon the day that he makes her wife,' and he drew a gold ring off his arm. Now Eric's knees trembled as he heard, and his heart grew fSednt as though with fear. But he answered clear and straight : * Thy gift had been better without thy words, ring-giver ; but I pray thee to take it back, for I have done nothing to win it, though perhaps the time will como when I shall ask thee for a richer.' 2T ERIC BRIGHTEYES \\ •Jfy giftfl have never been pit away before,' said Asmuncl, growing angry. • This wealthy farmer holds the good gold of little worth. It is foolish to take fish to the sea, my father,' sneered Bjom. • Nay, Bjom, not so,' Eric answered : ' but, as thou sayest, I am but a farmer, and since my father, Thorgrimur Iron-Toe, died things have not gone too well on Ran River. But at the least I am a free man, and I will take no gifts that I cannot repay worth for worth. Therefore I will not have the ring.' * As thou wilt,' said Asmund. ' Pride is a good horse if thou ridest wisely,' and he thrust the ring back upon his arm. Then people go to rest ; but Swanhild seeks her mother, and tells her all that has befallen her, nor does Groa fail to listen. • Now I will make a plan,' she says, * for these things have chanced well and Asmund is in a ripe humour. Eric shall come no more to Middalhof till Gudruda is gone hence, led by Ospakar Blacktooth.' *■ And if Eric does not come here, how shall I see his face ? for, mother, I long for the sight of it.' * That is thy matter, thou lovesick fool. Know this : that if Eric comes hither and gets speech with Gudruda, there is an end of thy hopes ; for, fair as thou art, she is too fair for thee, and, strong as thou art, in a way she is too strong. Thou hast heard how these two love, and such loves mock at the will of fathers. Eric will win his desire or die beneath the swords of Asmund and Bjom, if such men can prevail against his might. Nay, the wolf Eric must be fenced xrom the lamb till he grows hungry. Then let him search the fold and make spoil of thee, for, when the best is gone, he will desire the good.' ♦ So be it, mother. As I sat crouched behind Gudmda in the snow at Coldback I had half a mind to end her love- words with this knife, for so I should have been free of her.' ERIC BRIGHTEYES 22 ' Yea, and fact in the doom-ring, thou wildcat. The godfl help this Eric, if thou wizmest him. Nay, choose thy time and, if thou must strike, strike secretly and home. Remember also that cunning is mightier than strength, that lies pierce further than swords, and that witchcraft wins where honesty must fail. Now I will go to Asmund, and he shall be an angry man before to-morrow comes.* Then Groa went to the shut bed where Asmund the Priest slept He was sitting on the bed and asked her why she came. ' For love of thee, Asmund, and thy house, though thoi: dost treat me ill, who hast profited so much by me and my foresight. Say now : wilt thou that this daughter of thine, Gudruda the Fair, should be the light May of yonder long- legged yeoman ? * 'That is not in my mind,' said Asmund, stroking his beard. ' Enowest thou, then, that this very day your white Gudruda sat on Eric's lap in the snow, while he fondled her to his heart's content ? ' ' Most likely it was for warmth. Men do not dream on love in the hour of death. Who saw this ? ' * Swanhild, who wa3 behind, and hid herself for shame, and therefore she held that these two must soon be wed I Ah, thou art foolish now, Asmund. Young blood makes light of cold or death. Art thou blind, or dost thou not see that these two turn to each other like birds at nesting-time ? ' ' They might do worse,' said Asmund, ' for they are a proper pair, and it seems to me that each was bom for each.* * Then all goes well. Still, it is a pity to see so fair a maid cast like rotten bait upon the waters to hook this troutlet of a yeoman. Thou hast enemies, Asmund ; thou art too prosperous, and there are many who hate thee for thy state and wealth. Were it not wise to use this girl of thine to build a wall about thee against the evil day ? ' 'I have been more wont, housekeeper, to trust to my own arm than to bought friends. But tell me, for at the least n ERIC BRIGHTEYES thou art far-seeing, how may this be done ? As things are, though I spoke roughly to him this night, I am inchned to let Eric Brighteyes take Gudruda. I have always loved the lad, and he will go far.' * Listen, Asmund ! Surely thou hast heard of Ospakar Blacktooth — the priest who dwells in tho north ? ' * Ay, I have heard of liim, and I know him ; there is no man like him ior ugliness, or strength, or wealth and power. We sailed together on a viking cruise many years ago, and he did things at which my blood turned, and in those days I had no chicken heart.' * With time men change their temper. Unless I am mis- taken, this Ospakar wishes above all to have Gudruda in marriage, for, now that everything is his, this alone is left for him to ask — the fairest woman in Iceland as a housewife. Think then, with Ospakar for a son-in-law, who is there that can stand against thee ? ' * I am not so sure of this matter, nor do I altogether trust thee, Groa. Of a truth it seems to me that thou hast some stake upon the r ce. This Ospakar is evil and hideous. It were a shame to give Gudruda over to him when she looks else- where. Knowest thou that I swore to love and cherish her, and how runs this with my oath ? If Eric is not too rich, yet he is of good birth and kin, and, moreover, a man of men. If he take her good will come of it.' *It is Uke thee, Asmund, always to mistrust those who spend their days in plotting for thy weal. Do as thou wilt : let Eric take this treasure of thine — for w^hom earls would give their state — and Uve to rue it. But I say this : if he have thy leave to roam here with his dove the matter will soon grov/, for these two sicken each to each, and young blood is hot and ill at waiting, and it is not always snow-time. So betroth her or let him go. And now I have said.' * Thy tongue runs too fast. The man is quite unproved and I will try him. To-morrow I will warn him from my door ; then things shall go as they are fated. And now peace, for J weary of thy talk, and, moreover, it is false ; for thou lackesl ERIC BRIG HTE YES 24 one thing — a little honesty to season all thy craft. What fee has Ospakar paid tliee, I wonder. Thou at least hadst never refused the gold ring to-night, for thou wouldst do much for gold.' ' And more for love, and most of all for hate/ Groa said, and laughed aloud ; nor did they speak more on this matter that night. Now, early in the morning Asmund rose, and, going to the hall, awoke Eric, who slept by the centre hearth, saying that he would talk with him without. Then Eric followed him to the back of the hall. * Say now, Eric,' he said, when they stood in the grey light outside the house, ' who was it taught thee that kisses keep out the cold on snowy days ? ' Now Eric reddened to his yellow hair, but he answered : * Who was it told thee, lord, that I tried this medicine ? ' * The snow hides much, but there are eyes that can pierce the snow. Nay, more, thou wast seen, and there's an end. Now know this — I Uke thee well, but Gudruda is not for thee ; she is far above thee, who art but a deedless yeoman.' ' Then I love to no end,' said Eric ; * I long for one thing only, and that is Gudruda. It was in my mind to ask her in marriage of thee to-day.' ' Then, lad, thou hast thy answer before thou askest. Be sure of one thing: if but once again I find thee alone with Gudruda, it is my axe shall kiss thee and not her lips.' * That may yet be put to the proof, lord,' said Eric, and turned to seek his horse, when suddenly Gudruda cpme and stood between them, and his heart leapt at the sight of her. * Listen, Gudruda,' Eric said. * This is thy father's word : that we two speak together no more.' ' Then it is an ill saying for us,' said Gudruda, laying her hand upon her breast. * Saying good or ill, so it surely is, girl,' answered Asmund. ' No more slialt thou go a-kissing, in the wiow or in the flowers.' «5 ERIC BRIG HTE YES 'Now I seem to hear Swanhild's voice/ she said. * Well, flnoh things have happened to better folk, and a father's wish is to a maid what the wind is to the grass. Still, the sun is behind the cloud and it will shine again some day. Till then, Eric, fare thee well I ' ' It is not thy will, lord,' said Eric, ' that I should come to thy Yule -feast as thou hast asked me these ten years gone ? ' Now Asmund grew wroth, and pointed with his hand to- wards the great Golden Falls that thunder down the mountain named Stonefell that is behind Middalhof, and there are no greater water-faUs in Iceland. 'A man may take two roads, Eric, from Ooldback to Middalhof, one by the bridle-path over Coldback and the other down Golden Falls ; but I never knew traveller to choose this way. Now, I bid thee to my feast by the path over Golden Falls ; and, if thou comest that way, I promise thee this : if thou livest I will greet thee well, and if I find thee dead in the great pool I will bind on thy Hell-shoes and lay thee to earth neighbourly fashion. But if thou comest by any other path, then my thralls shall cut thee down at my door.' And he stroked his beard and laughed. Now Asmund spoke thus mockingly because he did not think it possible that any man should try the path of the Golden Falls. Eric smiled and said, ' I hold thee to thy word, lord ; per- haps I shall be thy guest ac Yule.' But Gudruda heard tho thunder of the mighty Falls as the wind turned, and cried * Nay, nay — it were thy death I * Then Eric finds his horse and rides away across the BXIOW* Now it must be told of Eoll the Half-witted that at length he came to Swinefell in the north, having journeyed hard across the snow. Here Ospakar Blacktooth had his great hall, in which day by day a hundred men sat down to meat. Now Eoll entered the hall when Ospakar was at supper, and looked at him with big eyes, for he had never seen so wonderful a man. He was huge in stature — his hair was black, and black ERIC BRIGHTKYES 26 his bcanl, and on liin lower lip there lay a great black fang. Ilia eyoa were small and narrow, but hia ch(3(kLoiiL'S vvcnj set vade apart and high, like those of a horse. KoU thouf^ht him an ill man to deal with and half a troll,' and grew afraid of his errand, since in KoU's halfwittedness there was much cunning — for it was a cloak in which he wrapped himself. But as Ospakar sat in the high seat, clothed in a puride robe, with his sword Whitefire on his knee, he saw Koli, and called out ?n a great voice : * Who is this red fox that creeps into my earth ? ' For, to look at, Koll was very like a fox. * My name is Koll the Half-witted, Groa's thrall, lord. Am I welcome here ? ' he answered. * That is as it may be. Why do they call thee half-witted ? * Because I love not work overmuch, lord.* ' Then all my thralls are fellow to thee. Say, what brings thee here ? ' * This, lord. It was told among men down in the south that thou wouldst give a good gift to hira who should discover to thee the fairest maid in Iceland. So I asked leave of my mistress to come on a journey and tell thee of her.' ' Then a lie was told thee. Still, I love to hear of fair maids, and seek one for a wife if she be but fair enough. So speak on, Koll the Fox, and lie not to me, I warn thee, else I will knock what wits are left there from that red head of thine.' So Koll took up the tale and greatly bepraised Gudruda's beauty ; nor in truth, for all his talk, could he praise it too much. He told of her dark eyes and the whiteness of her skin, of the nobleness of her shape and the gold of her hair, of her wit and gentleness, till at length Ospakar grew afire to see this flower of maids. ' By Thor, thou Koll,' he said, * if the girl be but half of what thou sayest, her luck is good, for she shall be wife to OspaJjar. But if thou hast lied to me about her, beware I for soon there shall be a knave the less in Iceland.' Now a man rose in the hall and said that Koll spoke trntb|for i An able-bodied Goblio. 27 ERIC BRIGHTEYES { !■ he had seen Gudruda the Fair, Asmund's daughter, and there was no maid like her in Iceland. * I will do this now,' said Blacktooth. ' To-morrow I will send a messenger to Middalhof, saying to Asmund the Priest that I purpose to visit him at the time of the Yule-feast ; then I shall see if the girl pleases me. Meanwhile, Eoll, take thou a seat among the thralls, and here is something for thy pains/ and he took off the purple cloak and threw it to him. * Thanks to thee, Gold-scatterer,' said Koll. * It is wise to go soon to Middalhof, for such a bloom as this maid does not lack a bee. There is a youngling in the south, named Eric Brighteyes, who loves Gudruda, and she, I think, loves hir?, though he is but a yeoman of small wealth and is only twenty- five years old.' ' Ho ! ho ! ' laughed great Ospakar, * and I am forty-five. But let not this suckling cross my desire, lest men call him Eric Holloweyes ! ' I ! i !! Now the messenger of Ospakar came to Middalhof, and his words pleased Asmund and he made ready a great feast. And Swanhild smiled, but Gudruda was afraid. ERIC BRIG HTE YES 28 CHAPTER IV HOW ERIC CAME DOWN GOLDEN PALLS NOW Ospakar rode up to Middalhof on the day be- fore the Yule-feast. He was splendidly apparelled, and with him came his two sons, Gizur the Law- man and Mord, young men of promise, and many armed thralls and servants. Gudruda, watching at the women's door, saw his face in the moonlight and loathed him. * What thinkest thou of him who comes to seek thee in marriage, foster-sister ? ' asked Swanhild, watching at her side. ' I think he is like a troll, and that, seek as he will, he shall not find mo. I had rather lie in the pool beneath Golden Falls than in Ospakar's hall.' ' That shall be proved,' said Swanhild. * At the least he is rich and noble, and the greatest of men in size. It would go hard with Eric were those arms about him.' ' I am not so sure of that, Baid Gudruda ; ' but it is not likely to be known.' ' Gomes Eric to the feast by the road of Golden Falls, Gudruda ? ' * Nay, no man may try that path and live.' 'Then he will die, for Eric will risk it.' Now Gudruda thought, and a great fire burned in her hear' and shone through her eyes. * If Eric dies,' she said, ' on thee be his blood, Swanhild — on thee and that dark mother of thine, for ye have plotted to bring this evil on us. How 2g ERIC BRIGHTEYES have I harmed thee that thoushouldst deal thus with me ? ' Swanhild turned white and wicked- looking, for passion mastered her, and she gazed into Gudruda's face and answered : * How hast thou harmed me ? Surely I will tell thee. Thy beauty has robbed me of Eric's love.' * It would be better to prate of Eric's love when he had told it thee, Swanhild.' * Thou hast robbed me and therefore I hate thee, and there- fore I will dehver thee to Ospakar, whom thou dost loath — ay and yet win Bright- eyes to myself. Am I not also fair and can I not also love, and shall I see thee snatch my joy? By the Gods, never ! I will see thee dead, and Eric with thee, ere it shall be so ! but first I will see thee shamed ! ' * Thy words are ill- suited to a maiden's lips, Swanhild ! But of this be sure : I fear thee not, and shall aOLDBN FALLS. i:. ERIC BRIGHTEYES 30 never fear thee. And one thing I know well that, whether thou or I prevail, in the end thou shalt harvest the greatest shame, and in times to come men shall speak of thee with hatred and name thee by ill names. Moreover, Eric shall never love thee ; from year to year he shall hate thee with a deeper hate, though it may well be that thou wilt bring ruin on him. And now I thank thee that thou hast told me all thy mind, show- ing me what indeed thou art ! ' And Gudruda turned scornfully upon her heel and walked away. Now Asniund the Priest went out into the courtyard, and meeting Ospakar Blacktooth, greeted him heartily, though he did not like his looks, and took him by the hand and led him to the hall, that was bravely decked with tapestries, and seated him by his side on the high seat. And Ospakar's thralls brought good gifts for Asmund, who thanked the giver well. Now it was supper time, and Gudruda came in, and after her walked Swanhild. Ospakar gazed hard at Gudruda and a great desire entered into him to make ber his wife. But she passed coldly by, nor looked on him at all. * This, then, is that maid of thine of whom I have heard tell, Asmund ? I will say this ; fairer was never born of woman.' Then men ate and Ospakar drank much ale, but all the while he stared at Gudruda and listened for her voice. " But fis yet he said nothing of what he came to seek, though all laiew his errand. And his two sons, Gizur and Mord, stared also at Gudruda, for they thought her most wonderfully fair. But Gizur found Swanhild also fair. And so the night wore on till it was time to sleep. On this same day Eric rode up from his farm on Ran River and took his road along the brow of Coldback till he came to Stonefell. Now all along Coldback and Stonefell is a steep cliff facing to the south, that grows ever higher till it comes to that point where Golden River falls over it and, parting its waters below, runs east and west — the branch to the east being called Ran River and that to the west Laxa — for these two streams girdle round the rich plain of Middalhof, '{]' 31 ERIC BRIGHTEYES till at length they reach the sea. But in the midst of Golden River, on the edge of the cliff, a mass of rock juts up called Sheep-saddle, dividing the waters of the fall, and over this the spray flies, and in winter the ice gathers, but the river does not cover it. The great fall is thirty fathoms deep, and shaped like a horseshoe, of which the points he towards Middalhof. Yet if he could but gain the Sheep-saddle rock that divides the midst of the waters, a strong and hardy man might climb down some fifteen fathoms of this depth and scarcely wet his feet. Now here at the foot of Sheep- saddle rock the double arches of waters meet, and fall in one torrent into the bottom- less pool below. But, some three fathoms from this point of the meeting waters, and beneath it, just where the curve is deepest, a single crag, as large as a drinking-table and no larger, juts through the foam, and, if a man could reach it, he might leap from it some twelve fathoms, sheer into the spray-hidden pit beneath, there to sink or swim as it might befall. This crag is called Wolf's Fang. Now Eric stood for a long while on the edge of the fall and looked, measuring every thing with his eye. Then he went up above, where the river swirls down to the precipice, and looked again, for it is from this bank that the dividing island-rock Sheep- saddle must be reached. ' A man may hardly do this thing ; yet I will try it,' he said to himself at last. * My honour shall be great for the feat, if I chance to live, and if I die — well, there is an end of troubling after maids and all other things.' So he went home and sat silent that evening. Now, since Thorgrimur Iron-Toe's death, his housewife, Saevuna, Eric's mother, had grown dim of sight, and, though she peered and peered again from her seat in the ingle nook, she could not see the face of her son. ' What ails thee, Eric, that thou sittest so silent ? Was not the meat, then, to thy mind at supper ? ' ' Yes, mother, the meat was well enough, though a Httle under smoked.' * Now I see that thou art not thyself, son, for thou hadst no meat, but only stock-fish -and I never knew a man forget ERIC BRIGHTEYES 3a his supper on the night of its eating, except he was distraught or deep in love.' * Was it so ? ' said Brighteyes. * What troubles thee, Eric ? — that sweet lass yonder ? • * Ay, somewhat, mother.' * What more,> then ? ' ' This, that I go down Golden Falls to-morrow, and I do not know how I may come from Sheep-saddle rock to Wolf's Fang crag and keep my life whole in me ; and now, I pray thee, weary me not with words, for my brain is slow, and I must use it.' When she heard this Saevuna screamed aloud, and threw herself before Eric, praying him to forego his mad venture. But he would not listen to her, for he was slow to make up his mind, but, that being made up, nothing could change it. Then, when she learned that it was to get sight of Gudruda that he purposed thus to throw his hfe away, she was very angry and cursed her and all her kith and kin. * It is likely enough that thou wilt have cause to use such words before all this tale is told,' said Eric; 'nevertheless, mother, forbear to curse Gudruda, who is in no way to blame for these matters.' * Thou art a faithless son,' Saevuna said, * who wilt slay thyself striving to win speech with thy May, and leave thy mother childless.' Eric said that it seemed so indeed, but he was plighted to it and the feat must be tried. Then he kissed her, and she sought her bed, weeping. Now it was the day of the Yule-feast, and there was no sun till one hour before noon. But Eric, having kissed his mother and bidden her farewell, called a thrall, Jon by name, and giving him a sealskin bag full of his best apparel, bade him ride to Middalhof and tell Asmund the Priest that Eric Brighteyes would come down Golden Falls an hour after mid- day, to join his feast ; and thence go to the foot of the Golden Falls, to await him there. And the man went, wondering, for he thought his master mad. 33 ERIC B RIGHTS YES \-\\ ■ I 1' Then Eric took a good rope and a staff tipped with iron, and, so soon as the light served, mounted his horse, forded iian River, and rode along Coldback till he came to the lip of Golden Falls. Here he stayed a while till at length he saw many people streaming up the snow from Middalhof far beneath, and, among them, two women who by their stature should be Gud- ruda and Swanhild, and, near to them, a great man whom he did not know. Then he showed himself for a space on the brink of the gulf and turned his horse up stream. The sun shone bright upon the edge of the sky, but the frost bit like a sword. Still, he must strip off his garments, so that nothing remained on him except his sheepskin shoes, shirt and hose, and take the water. Now here the river runs mightily, and he must cross full thirty fathoms of the swirling water before he can reach Sheep-saddle, and woe to him if his foot shp on the boulders, for certainly he must be swept over the brink. Eric rested the staff against the stony bottom and, leaning his weiglit on it, took the stream, and he was so strong that it could not prevail against him till at length he was rather more than half-way across and the r/ater swept above his shoulders. Now he was lifted from his feet and, letting the staff float, he swam for his life, and with such mighty strokes that he felt little of that icy cold. Down he was swept — now the Hp of the fall was but three fathoms away on his left, and already the green water boiled beneath him. A fathom from him was the corner of Sheep -saddle. K he may grasp it, all is well ; if not, he dies. Three great strokes and he held it. His feet were swept out over the brink of the fall, but he clung on grimly, and by the strength of his arms drew himself on to the rock and rested a while. Presently he stood up, for the cold began to nip him, and the people below became aware that he had swum the river above %e fall and raised a shout, for the deed was great. Now Eric must begin to clamber down Sheep-saddle, and this was no easy task, for the rock is almost sheer, and slippery with ice, and on either side the waters rushed and thundered, throwing their blinding spray about him as they leapt to the depths beneath. He looked down, studying the rock; ERIC BRIGHTEYES 34 then, feeling that he grew afraid, made an end of doubt and, grasping a point with both hands, swung himself down his own length and more. Now for many minutes he climbed down Sheep-saddle, and the task was hard, for he was be- wildered with the booming of the waters that bent out on either side of him Uke the arc of a bow, and the rock was very steep and slippery. Still, he came down all those fifteen fathoms and fell not, though twice he was near to falling, and the watchers below marvelled greatly at his hardihood. ' He will be dashed to pieces where the waters meet,* said Ospakar, ' he can never gain Wolfs Fang crag beneath ; and, if so it be that he come there and leaps to the pool, the weight of water will drive him down and drown him.* 'It is certainly so,' quoth Asmund, 'and it grieves me much ; for it was my jest that drove him to this perilous adventure, and we cannot spare such a man as Eric Brighteyes.' Now Swanhild turned white as death ; but Gudruda said : ' If great heart and strength and sldU may avail at all, then Eric shall come safely down the waters.' ' Thou fool ! ' whispered Swanhild in her ear, ' how can these help him? No troll could hve in yonder cauldron. Dead is Eric, and thou art the bait that lured him to his death ! ' ' Spare thy words,' she answered ; ' as the Noms hsTe ordered so it shall be.' Now Eric stood at the foot of Sheep-saddle, and within an arm's length the mighty waters met, tossing their yellow waves and seething furiously as they leapt to the mist-hid gulf beneath. He bent over and looked through the spray. Three fathoms under him the rock Wolfs Fang split the waters, and thence, if he can come thither, he may leap sheer into the pool below. Now he unwound the rope that was about his middle, and made one end fast to a knob of rock — and this was difficult, for his hands were stiff vnth cold — and the other end he passed through his leathern girdle. Then Eric looked again, and his heart sank within him. How might he give himself to this boiling flood and not be shattered ? But as he looked, lo I a rainbow grew upon the face of the water. 35 ERIC BRIGHTEYES i;:'| l'i;i EMC ON BHEKP-SADDLB ROCK. and one end of it lit upon him, and the other, like a glory from the Gods, fell full upon Gudruda as she stood a little way apart, watching at the foot of Golden Falls. * Seest thou that,' said Asmund to Groa, who was at his D 2 ERJC BRIGHTEYES 36 side, ' the Gods build their Bifrost bridge between these two. Who now shall keep them asunder ? ' * Read the portent thus,' she answered : * they shall be nnited, but not here. Yon is a Spirit bridge, and, see : the waters of Death foam and fall between them ! ' Eric, too, saw the omen and it seemed good to him, and all fear left his heart. Eound about him the waters thundered, but amidst their roar he dreamed that he heard a voice calling : * Be of good cheer, Eric Brighteyes ; for thou shalt live to do mightier deeds than this, and in guerdon thou shalt win Gudruda.' So he paused no longer, but, shortening up the rope, pulled on it with all his strength, and then leapt out upon the arch of waters. They struck him and he was dashed out like a stone from a sling ; again he fell against them and again was dashed away, so that his girdle burst. Eric felt it go and clung wildly to the rope and lo ! with the inward swing, he fell on "Wolfs Fang, where never a man has stood before and never a man shall stand again. Eric lay a little while on the rock till his breath came back to him, and he listened to the roar of the waters. Then, rising on his hands and knees, he crept to its point, for he could scarcely stand because of the trembling of the stone beneath the shock of the fall ; and when the people below saw that he was not dead, they raised a great shout, and the sound of their voices came to him through the noise of the waters. Now, twelve fathoms beneath him was the surface of the pool ; but he could not see it because of the wreaths of spray. Nevertheless, he must leap and that swiftly, for he grew cold. So of a sudden Eric stood up to his full height, and, with a loud cry and a mighty spring, hounded out from the point of Wolfs Fang far into the air, beyond the reach of the falling flood, and rushed headlong towards the gulf beneath. Now all men watch- ing held their breath as his body travelled, and so great is the place and so high the leap that through the mist Eric seemed but as a big white stone hurled down the face of the arching waters. 37 ERIC B RIGHTS YES I I'll! He was gone, and the watchers rushed down to the foot of the pool, for there, if he rose at all, he must pass to the BhallowB. Swanhild could look no more, but sank upon the ground. The face of Gudruda was set like a stone with doubt and anguish. Ospakar saw and read the meaning, and he said to himself: 'Now Odin grant that this youngling rise not again 1 for the maid loves him dearly, and he is too much a man to be lightly swept aside.' Eric struck the pool. Down he sank, and down and down — for the water falling from so far must almost reach the bottom of the pool before it can rise again — and he with it. Now he touched the bottom, but very gently, and slowly began to rise, and, as he rose, was carried along by the stream. But it was long before he could breathe, and it seemed to him that his lungs would burst. Still, he struggled up, striking great strokes with his legs. * Farewell to Eric,' said Asmund, * he will rise no more now.' But just as he spoke Gudruda pointed to something that gleamed, white and golden, beneath the surface of the current, and lo I the bright hair of Eric rose from the water, and he drew a great breath, shaking his head like a seal, and, though but feebly, struck out for the shallows that are at the foot of the pool. Now he found footing, but was swept over by the fierce current, and cut his forehead, and he carried that scar till his death. Again he rose, and with a rush gained the bank unaided and fell upon the snow. Now people gathered about him in silence and wondering, for none had known so great a deed. And presently Eric opened his eyes and looked up, and found the eyes of Gudruda fixed on his, and there was that in them which made him glad he had dared the path of Golden Falls. ERIC BRIG HTE YES 38 CHAPTER V HOW ERIC WON THE SWORD WHITEFIRB OW Asmund the priest bent down, and Eric saw him and spoke : * Thou badcst me to thy Yule-feast, lord, by yonder slip- pery road and I have come. Dost thou welcome me well ? ' * No man better,' quoth As- mund. * Thou art a gallant man, though foolhardy ; and thou hast done a deed that shall be told of while skalds sing and men live in Iceland.' * Make place, my father,' said Gudruda, * for Eric bleeds.' And she loosed the kerchief from her neck and bound it about his wounded brow, and, taking the rich cloak from her body, threw it on Lis shoulders, and no man said her nay. Then they led him to the hall, where Eric clothed him- self and rested, and he sent back the thrall Jon to Cold- back, bidding him tell Saevuna, Eric's mother, that he was safe. But he was somewhat weak all that day, and the sound of waters roared in his ears. Now Ospakar and Groa vere ill pleased at the turn things had taken ; but all the others rejoiced much, for Eric was well Ipved of men and they had grieved if the waters had prevailed THE WUES1XING .SH0E3. 39 ERIC BRIG HTE YES 'i'i 'I! % '$' III against his might. But Swanliild brooded bitterly, for Erio never turned to look on her. The hour of the feast drew on and, according to custom, it was held in the Temple, and thither went nil men. When they were seated in the nave of the llof, the fat ox that had been made ready for sacrifice was led in and dragged Ixii'ore the altar on which the holy fire burned. Now Asiiiiind the Priest slew it, amid silence, before the figures of the Gods, and, cakhin^' its blood in the blood-bowl, sprinkled the altar and all tlie worshippers with the blood-twigs. Then the ox was cut up, and the figures of the almighty Gods were anointed with its molten fat and wiped with fair linen. Next the flesh wasi boiled in the cauldrons that were hung over fires lighted all down the nave, and the feast began. Now men ate, and drank much ale and mead, and all were merry. But Ospakar Blacktooth grew not glad, though he drank much, for he saw that the eyes of Gudruda ever watched pjric's face and that they smiled on each other. He was wroth at this, for he knew that the bait must be good and the line strong that should win this fair fish to his angle, and as he sat, un- knowingly his fingers loosed the peace-strings of his sword \\'hiicrire, and he half drew it, so that its brightness flamed in the iii-cli^f;ht. * Thou hast a wondrous blade there, Ospakar! ' said Asmund, ' though this is no place to draw ifc. Whence came it ? Me- thinks no such swoi-ds are fashioned now.' • Ay, Asmund, a wondrous blad;» indeed. There is no other such in the world, for the dwarfs forged it of old, and he shall be unconquered who holds it aloft. This was King Odin's sword, and it is named Whitofire. Ralph the Red took it from King Eric's cairn in Norway, and he strove long with the Barrow- Dweller' before he wrenched it from his grasp. But my father won it and slew Ralph, though he had never done this had "Whitefire been aloft against him. But Ralph the Red, being in drink when the ships met in battle, fought with an axe, and was slain by my father, and since then Whitefire hasi The ghost in the cairn. ERIC BRIG HTE YES 40 been the last light that many a chief's eyes have seen. Ijook at it, Asmund.' Now he drew the great sword, and men were astonished as it flashed aloft. Its hilt \'' is of gold, and blue stones were set therein. It measured two ells and a half from cross- bar to point, and so bright was the broad blade that no one could look on it for long, and all down its length ran runes. * A wondrous weapon, truly I ' said Asmund. * How read the runes?' ' I know not, nor any man — they are ancient.' 'Let me look at them,' said Groa, *I am skilled in runes.' Now she took the sword, and heaved it up, and looked at the runes and said, * A strange writing truly.' * How runs it, housekeeper ? said Asmund. * Thus, lord, if my skill is not at fault : — Whitefire is my name— Dwarf-folk forged me — Odin's sword was I — Eric's sword was I— Eric's sword shall I be— And where I fall there he must follow me.' Now Gudruda looked at Eric Brighteyes wonderingly, and Ospakar saw it and became very angry. 'Look not so, maiden,' he said, * for it shall be another I'ric than yon flapper-duck who holds Whitefire aloft, though it may well chance that he shall feel its edge.' Now Gudruda bit her lip, and Eric burned red to the brow and spoke : * It is ill, lord, to throw taunts like an angry woman. Thou art great and strong, yet I may dare a deed with thee.' ' Peace, boy I Thou canst climb a waterfall well, I gainsay it not ; but beware ere thou settest up thyself against my strength. Say now, what game wilt thou play with Ospakar ? ' ' I will go on holmgang with thee, byrnie-clad or bare- sark,' and fight thee wnth axe or sword, or I will wrestle with thee, and Whitefire yonder shall be the winner's prize.' * Nay, I will have no bloodshed here at Middalhof,' said * To a duel, usually fought, in mail or without it, on an island — ' holm ' —within a circle of hazel-twiga. ii; i ;il 41 ^RIC BRIG HTE YES Asmund sternly. 'Make play with fists, or wrestle if ye will, for thV ifels., I S 'miA- 62 ERIC BRTGMIEYES Now, Swanhild heard something of this speech, and she guessed more ; and it came into her mind that it would be the best of sport to make this old man love her, and then to mock him and say him nay. So she set herself to the task, as it ever was her wont, and she found it easy. For all day long, with downcast eyes and gentle looks, she waited upon the Eforl, and now, at ^.'i bidding, she sing hir; n a voice Foft and low, and now she talked so wisely WiOJ that AlH thought no such maid had trod the earth befo. 3. Bii he checked himself with many learned saws, and on a day v/hen iL weather had grown fair, and they sat alone, he told her that his ship was bound for Orkney Isles. Then, as though by chance, Swanhild laid her white hand in his, and on a sudden looked deep into his eyes, and said with trembling lips, * Ah, go not yet, lord !*-I pray thee, go not yet ! ' — and, turning, she fled away. But Atli was much moved, and he said to himself : * Now a strange thing is come to pass : a fair maid loves an old man ; and yet, methinks, he who looks into those eyes sees deep waters,' and he beat his brow and thought. But Swanhild in her chamber laughed till the tears ran from those same eyes, for she saw that the great fish was hooked and now the time had come to play him. For she did not know that it was otherwise fated. Gudruda, too, saw all these things and knew not how to read them, for she was of an honest mind, and could not under- stand how a woman may love a man as Swanhild loved Eric and yet liiake such play with other men, and that of her free will. For she guessed little of Swanhild's guilefulness, nor of the coldness of her heart to all save Eric ; nor of how this was the only joy left to her : to make a sport of men and put them to grief and shame Atli said to himself that he would watch this maid well before he uttered a word to Asmund, and he deemed himself very cunning, for he was wondrous cautious after the fashion of those about to fall. So he set himself to watching, and Swanhild set herself to smihng, and he told her tales of warfare and of daring, and she clasped her hands and said : ' ^V as there ever such a man since Odin trod the earth ? ' ERIC BRIGHTEYES «3 And BO it went on, till the serving- women laughed at the old man in love and the wit of her that mocked him. No"':v upon a day, Ei-'c having made an end of sowing his corn, b hcught him of !iis vow to go up alone against Skalla- grim t'o Baresark in his den on Mosfell over by Hecla. Now, tb's ^as a heavy task for Skallagrim was held so mighty among men tnat none went up against him any more ; and at times Eric thought of Gudruda, and sighed, for it was likely that she would be a widow before she was made a wife. Still, his oath must be fulfilled, and, moreover, of late Skallagrim, having heard that a younghng named Eric Brighteyes had vowed to slay him single-handed, had made a mock of him i this fashion. For Skallagrim rode down to Coldback on T"^ River and at night-time took a lamb from the fold. Holdmg the lamb beneath his arm, he drew near to the house and sn Aq thrice jn the door with his baUle-axe, and they were thundei.a^ knocks. Then he leapt on to his horse and rode off a space and waited. Presently Eric came out, but half clad, a shield in one hand and Whitefire in the other, and, looking, by the bright moonhght he saw a huge black-bearded man seated on a horse, having a great axe in one hand and the lamb beneath his arm. * Who art thou ? ' roared Eric. * I am called Skallagrim, youngling,' answered th j man on the horse. * Many men have seen me once, none ha.ve wished to see me twice, and some few have never seen aught again. Now, it has been echoed in my ears that thou hast vowed a vow to go up Mosfell against Skallagrim the Baresark, and I am come hither to say that I will make thee right welcome. See,' and with his axe he cut off the lamb's tail on the pommel of his saddle : * of the flesh of this lamb of thine I will brew broth and of his skin I will make me a vest. Take thou this tail and when thou fittest it on to the skin again, Skallagrim will own a lord,' and he hurled the tail towards him. 'Bide thou there till I can come to thee,' shouted Eric; ' it will spare me a ride to Mosfell.' * Nay, nay. It is good for lads to take the mountain air/ and Skallagrim turned his horse away, laughing. 64 ERIC BRIG HTE YES Eric watched Skallagrim vanish over the knoll, and then, though he was very angry, laughed also and went in. But first he picked up the tail, and on the morrow he skinned it. Now the time was come when the matter must be tried, and Eric bade farewell to Saevuna his mother, and Unna his cousin, and girt Whitefire round him and set upon his head a golden helm with wings on it. Then he found the byrnie which his father Thorgrimur had stripped, together with the helm, from that Baresark who cut off his leg — and this was a good piece, forged of the Welshmen — and he put it on his breast, and taking a stout shield of bull's hide studded with nails, rode away with one thrall, the strong carle named Jon. But the women misdoubted them much of this venture ; nevertheless Eric might not be gainsayed. Now, the road to Mosfell runs past Middalhof and thither he came. Atli, standing at the men's door, saw him and cried aloud : * Ho I a mighty man comes here.' Swanhild looked out and saw Eric, and he was a goodly sight in his war-gear. For now, week by week, he seemed to grow more fair and great, as the full strength of his manhood rose in him, like sap in the spring grass, and Gudruda was very proud of her lover. That night Eric stayed at Middalhof, and sat hand in hand with Gudruda and talked with Earl Atli. Now the heart of the old viking went out to Eric, and he took great delight in him and in his strength and deeds, and he longed much that the Gods had given him such a son. 'I prophesy this of thee, Brighteyes,' he cried: 'that it shall go ill with this Baresark thou seekest — yes, and with all men who come within sweep of that great sword of thine. But remember this, lad : guard thy head with thy buckler, cut low beneath his shield, if he carries one, and mow the legs from him : for ever a Baresark r"shes on, shield up.' Eric thanked him for nis good words and went to rest. But, before it was light, he rose, and Gudruda rose also and came into the hall, and buckled his harness on him with her own hands. * This is a sad task for me, Eric ! ' she sighed^ * for how do I know that Baresark's hands shall not loose this helm of thine? ' ERIC DRIGHTEYES 6$ * That is as it may be, sweet,' he said ; ' but I fear not the Baresark or any man. How goes it with Swanhild now ? ' 'I- know not. She makes herself sweet to that old Earl and he is fain of her, and that is beyond my sight.' ' I have seen as much/ said Eric. ' It will be well for us if he should wed her.' *■ Ay, and ill for him ; but it is to be doubted if that is in her mind.' Now Eric kissed her soft and sweet, and went away, bidding her look for his return on the day after the morrow. Gudruda bore up bravely against her fears till he was gonOi but then she wept a little. Now it is to be told that Eric and his thrall Jon rode hard tip Stonefell and across the mountains and over the black sand, till, two hours before sunset, they came to the foot of Mosfell, having Hecla on their right. It is a grim mountain, grey with moss, standing alone in the desert plain ; but between it and Hecla there is good grassland. * Here is the fox's earth. Now to start him,' said Eric. He knows something of the path by which this fortress can be climbed from the south, and horses may be ridden up it for a space. So on they go, till at length they come to a flat place where water runs down the black rocks, and here Eric drank of the water, ate food, and washed- his face and hands. This done, he bid Jon tend the horses — for hereabouts there is a httle grass — and be watchful till he returned, since he must go up against Skallagrim alone. And there with a doubtful heart Jon stayed all that night. For of all that came to pass he saw but one thing, and that was the light of Whitefire as it flashed out high above him on the brow of the mountain when first Brighteyes smote at foe. Eric went warily up the Baresark path, for he would keep his breath in him, and the light shone redly on his golden helm. High he went, till at length he came to a pass narrow and dark and hedged on either side with sheer clififs, such as two armed men might hold against a score. He peered down this path, but he saw no Baresark, though it was worn by 66 ERIC BRIGHTEYES Baresark foet. He crept along its length, moving like a sim- beaiu through the darkness of the pass, for the light gathered on his helm and sword, till suddenly the path turned and he was on the brink of a gulf that seemed to have no bottom, and, looking across and down, he could see Jon and the horses more than a hundred fathoms beneath. Now Erie must stop, for this path leads but into the black gulf. Also he was perplexed to know where Skallagrira had his lair. He crept to the brink and gazed. Then he saw that a point of rock jutted from the sheer face of the cliff and that the point was worn with the mark of feet. ' Where Baresark passes, there may yeoman follow,' said Eric and, sheathinj,' Whitefire, without more ado, though he liked the task little, he grasped the overhanging rock and stepped down on to the point below. Now he was perched Uke an eagle over the dizzy gulf and his brain swam. Backward he feared to go, and forward he might not, for there was nothing but air. Beside him, growing from the face of the cliff, was a birch-bush. He grasped it to steady himself. It bent beneath his clutch, and then he saw, behind it, a hole in the rock through w hich a man could creep, and down this hole ran foot- marks. ' First through air like a bird ; now through earth Uke a fox,' said Eric and entered the hole. Doubhng his body till his helm almost touched his knee he took th?'ee paces and lo ! he stood on a great platform of rock, so large that a hall might be built on it, which, curving inwards, cannot be seen from the narrow pass. This platform, that is backed by the sheer cUff, looks straight to the south, and from it he could search the plain and the path that he had travelled, and there once more he saw Jon and the horses far below him. *A strong place, truly, and well chosen,' said Eric and looked around. On the floor of the rock and some paces from him a turf fire still smouldered, and by it were sheep's bones, and beyond, in the face of the overhanging precipice, was the mouth of a cave. • The wolf is at home, or was but lately,' said Eric ; *now for his lair \ ' and with that he walked warily to the mouth of ERIC BRIGHTEYES 67 the cave and peered in. He coiild see nothing yet a while, but surely he heard a sound of snorinj^ ? Then he crept in, and, presently, by the red light of the burning embers, he saw a great black-bearded man stretched at length upon a rug of sheepskins, and by his side an axe. * Now it would be easy to make an end of this cave-dweller,' thought Eric ; * but that is a deed I will not do — no, not even to a Baresark — to slay him in his sleep,' and therewith he stepped hghtly to the side of Rkallagrim, and was about to prick him with the point of Whitclire, when ! as ho did so, another man sat up behind Skallagrim. ' By Thor ! for two I did not bargain,' said Eric, and sprang from the cave. Then, with a grunt of rage, that Baresark who was behind Skal- lagrim came out like a she -bear robbed of her whelps, and ran straight at Eric, sword aloft. Eric gives before him right to the edge of the cliff. Then the Baresark smites at him and Brighteyes catches the blow on his shield, and smites in turn so well and tn. ly, that the head of the Baresark flies from his shoulders and si)ins along the ground, but his body, with outstretched arms yet ^'ripping at the air, falls over the edge of the gulf sheer into the water, a hundred fathoms down. It was the flash that Whitefire made as it circled ere it smotts that Jon saw while he waited in the dell upon the mountaiB side. But of the Baresark he saw nothing, for he passed d()=?vTj into the great fire-riven cleft and was never seen more, save once only, in a strange fashion that shall be told. This was the first man whom Brighteyes slew. ,4 ■ i f J* ^iM 1^^- / <- ^^ w ^,^^ m^ y .^^jom^B^I'^ mr^M^^m ,r^ •I'AXLJi A HU-NDlUiD FATHOMS DOWN.' f II 68 EJ^/C BRIGHTEYES Now the old tale tells that Eric cried aloud : * Little chance had thiq one,' and that then a :^onderful thing came to pass. For the head on the rock opened its eyes and answered : •Little chance indeed against thee, Eric Brighteyes. Still, I tell thee this : that where my body fell there thou shalt fall, and where it lies there thou shalt Me also.' Now Eric was afraid, for he thought it a strange thing that a severed head should speak to him. * Here it seems I have to deal with trolls,' he said ; * but at the least though he speak, this one shall strike no more,' and he looKed at the head, but it answered nothing. Now Skallagrim slept through it all and the light grew so dim that Eric thought it time to make an end this way or that. Therefore, he took the head of the slain man, though he feared to touch it, and rolled it swiftly into the cave, sayin j, 'Now, being so glib of speech, go tell thy mate that EriC Brighteyes knocks at his door.' Then came sounds as of a man rising, and presently Skallagrim rushed forth with axe aloft and his fellow's head in his left hand. He was clothed in nothing but a shirt and the sMn of Eric's lamb was bound on his chest. * Where now is my mate ? ' he said. Then he saw Eric leaning on Whitefire, his golden helm ablaze with the (jiory of the passing sun. •It seems that thou holdest somewhat of him in thine hand, Skallagrim, and for the rest, go seek it in yonder rift.' * Who art thou ? roared Skallagrim. * Thou mayest know me bj this token,' said Eric, and he threw towards him the skin of that lamb's tail v/hich Skalla- grim had lifted from Coldback. Now Skallagrim knew him and the Baresark fit came on. Tlis eyes rolled, foam flew from his lips, his mouth grinned, and he was awesome to see. He let fall the head, and, sv "-iging the great axe aloft, rushed at Eric. But Brighteyes is too swift for him. It would not be well to let that stroke fall, and it must go hard with aught it struck. He springs forward, he louts low and sweeps upwards with Whitefire. Skallagrim sees the sword flare and drops almost to his knee, guarding his ^j^4.jitea,li H ! ■r,, 1 \ ■ V r : { ;C; ' 1 V f] r . Eric encounters iSkallagrira m 69 ERIC BRIGHTEYES head Tnth the axe ; but Whitefire strikes on the iron haft of the axe and shei-rs it in two, so that the axe-head falls to earth. Now the Baresark is weaponless but unharmed, and it would be an easy task to slay him as he rushes by. But it came into Eric's mind that it is an unwortby deed to slay a swordless man, and this came into his mind also, that ba desired to match his naked might against a Baresark in his rage. So, in the hardihood of his youth and strength, he cast Whitefire aside, and crying * Come, try a fall with me, Baresark,' rushed on Skallagrim. * Thou art mad,' yells the Baresark, and they are at it hard. Now they grip and rend and tear. Ospakar was strong, but the Baresark strength of Skallagrim is more than the strength of Ospakar, and soon Brighteyes thinks longingly on Whitefire that he has cast aside. Eric is mighty beyond the might of men, but he can scarcely hold his own against this mad man, and very soon he knows that only one chance is left to him, and that is to cling to Skallagrim till the Baresark fit be passed and he is once more like other men. But this is easier to tell of than to do, and presently, strive as he will, Eric is on his back, and Skallagrim on him. But still he holds the Baresark as with bands of iron, and Skallagrim may not free his arms, though he strive furiously. Now they roU over and over on the rock, and the gloom gathers fast nbout them till presently Eric sees that they draw near to the brink of that mighty rift down which the severed head of the cave-dweller has foretold his fall. * Then we go together,' says Eric but the Baresark does not heed. Now they are on the very brink, and here as it chanceSj or as the Noins decree, a little rock juts up and this keeps them from falling. Eric is uppermost, and, strive as he will, SkaUd- griii: may not turn him on his back again. Still, Brighteyes* strength may not endure very long, for he grows famt, and his legs shp slowly over the side of the rift till now he clings, as it were, by his ribs and shoulder-blades alone, that rub against the httle rock. The light dies away, and Eric thinks on sweet; Gudruda and makes ready to die also, when suddenly a last ray from the sun falls on the herce £bcc of Skalla- ERIC BRIGHTEYES 70 grim*, and lo 1 Brighteyes sees it change, for the madness goes out of it, and in a moment the Baresark becomes but as a child in his mighty grip. ' Hold I ' said Skallagrim, ' I crave peace ' and he loosed his clasp. * Not too soon, then,' gasped Eric as, drawing his legs from oyer the brink of the rift, he gained his feet and, staggering to his sword, grasped it very thankfully. * I am fordone ! ' said Skallagrim ; ' come, drag me from this place, for I fall ; or, if thou wilt, hew off my head.' * I will not serve thee thus,' said Eric. ' Thou art a gallant foe,' and he put out his hand and drew him into safety. For a while Skallagrim lay panting, then he gained his hands and knees and crawled to where Eric leaned against the rock. ' Lord,' he said, * give me thy hand.* Eric stretched forth his left hand, wondering and Skalla- grim took it. He did not stretch out his right, for, fearing guile, he gripped Whitefire in it. * Lord,' Skallagrim said again, * of all men who ever were, thou art the mightiest. Five other men had not stood before me in my rage, but, scorning thy weapon, thou didst overcome me in the noblest fashion, and by thy naked strength alone. Now hearken. Thou hast given me my life, and it is thine from this hour to the end. Here I swear fealty to thee. Slay me if thou wilt, or use me if thou wilt, but I think it will be better for thee to do this rather than that, for th'jre is but one who has mastered me, and thou art he, and it is borne in upon my mind that thou, wilt have need of my strength, and thac shortly." * That may well be, Skallagrim,' said Eric, ' yet I put little trust in outlaws and cave-dwellers. How do I know, if I take thee to me, that thou wilt not murder me in my sleep, as it would have been easy for me to do by thee but now '? ' * What is it that runs from thy arm,' asked Skallagrim. ' Blood,' said Eric. ' Stretch out thine arm, lord.' Eric did so, and the Baresark put his lips to the scratch and sucked the blood, then said 71 ERIC BRIGHTEYES * In thJH ul;.'Ofl of thine I pledge thee, Eric Brighteyes ! May Vallialla reiuse me and Hela take me ; may I be hunted likeafox from earth to earth ; may trolls torment me and wizards sport with me o' nights ; may i ay Umbs shrivel and my heart turn to water ; may my foes overtake me, and my bones be crushed across the doom-stone — if I fail in one jot from this my oath that I have sworn ! I will guard thy back, I will smite thy enemies, thy hearthstone shall be my temple, thy lionour my honour. Thrall am I of thine, and thrt 11 1 will be, and whiles thou wilt we will live one life, and, in the end, we will die one death." ' It seems that in going to seek a foe I have found a friend,' said Eric, * and it is likely enough that I shall need one. Skalla- grim. Baresark and outlaw as thou art, I take thee at thy word. Henceforth, we are master and man and we will do many a deed side by side, and in toKen of it I lengthen thy name and call thee Skallagrim Lambstail. Now, if thou hast it, give me food and driak, for I am faint from that hug of thine, old bear.* I! ::1i- ' BRIC BRIGHT EYES 1^ v„ ! .;!; CHAPTER Vm HOW OSPAKAR BLACKTOOTH FOUND ERIC BRIGHTEYEB AND SKALLAGRIM LAMB ST AIL ON HORSE -HEAD HEIGHTS Now Skallagrim led Eric to his cave and fed the fire, and gave him flesh to eat and ale to drink. When he had eaten his fill Eric looked at the Baresark. He had black hair streaked with grey that hung down upon his shoulders. His nose was hooked like an eagle's beak, his beard was wild and his sunken eyes were keen as a hawk's. He was somewhat bent and not over tall, but of a mighty make, fcj his shoulders mubii pass many a door sideways. ' Thou art a great man,' said Erio, * and ii is somet^iing to have overcome thee. Now tell me what turned thee Baresark.' * A shameful deed that was done against me, lord. Ten years ago I was a yeoman of small wealth in the north. I had but one good thing, and that was the fairest housewife i .hose parts — Thorunna by name — and I loved her much, bu' e had no children. Now, not far from my stead is a place called Swinefell, and there dwells a mighty chief named ipakar Blacktooth ; he is an evil man and a strong ' Eric started at the name and then bade Skall grim take up the tale. 'It chanced that Ospakar saw my wife Thorunna and would take her, but at first she did not listen. Then he pro- mised her wealth and all good things, and she was weary of our hard way of life and hearkened. Still, she woulvl! not go away openly, for that had brought shame on her, bui; plotted with Ospakar that he should ccme and take her as though by force. So it came about, as I lay heavily asleep one night S I) > '-J ff ill,' ! ! ■ t ■ 73 ERIC BRIG HTE YES \\ at Thorunna's side, having drunk somewhat too deeply of the autumn ale, that armed men seized me, bound me, and haled me from my bed. There were eight of them, and with them was Ospakar. Then Blacktooth bid Thorunna rise, clothe herself and come to be his May, and she made pretence to weep at this, but fell to it readily enough. Now she bound her girdle round her and to it a knilo hung. ***Kill thyself, sweet," I cried: "death is better than shame." * "Not so, husband," she answered. "It is true that I love but thee ; yet a woman may ilnd another love, but not another life," and I saw her laugh through her mock tears. Now Ospakar rode in hot haste away to Swinefell and with him went Thorunna, but his men stayed a while and drank my ale, and, as they drank, they mocked me who was bound before them, and little by little all the truth was told o^ the doings of Ospakar and Thorunna my housewife, and I learned that it was she who had planned this sport. Then my eyes grew dark and I drew near to death from very shame and bitterness. But of a sudden something leaped up in my heart, fire raged before my eyes and voices in my ears called on to war and vengeance. I was Baresark — and hke hay bands I burst my cords. My axe hung on the wainscot. I snatched it thence, and of what befell I know this alone, that, when the madness passed, eight men lay stretched out before me, and all the place was but a gore of blood. * Then I drew the dead together and piled drinking-tables over them, and benches, and turf, and anything else that would bum, and put cod's oil on the pile, and fired the stead above them, so that the tale went abroad that all these men were burned in their cups, and I wHh them. * But I took the name of Skallagrim and swore an oath against all men, ay, and women too, and away I went to the wood-folk and worked much mischief, for I spared few, and so on to Mosfell. Here I have stayed these five years, awaiting the time when I shall find Ospakar and Thorunna the harlot, and I have fought many iik n, but, till thou camcst up against me, none could stand before my might* ERIC BRIGHTEYES 74 * A strange tale, tmly,' said Eric ; * but now hearken thou to a stranger, for of a truth it seems that we have not come together by chance,' and he told him of Gudruda and the wrestling and of the overthrow of Blacktooth, and showed him Whitefire which he won out of the hand of Ospakar. Skallagrim hstened and laughed aloud. ' Surely,' he said, * this is the work of the Ncns. See, lord, thou and I will yet smite this Ospakar. He has taken my wife and he would take thy betrothed. Let it be ! Let it be ! Ah, would that I had been there to see the wrestling — Ospakar had never risen from his snow-bed. But there is time left to us, and I shall yet see his head roll along the dust. Thou hast his goodly sword and with it thou shalt sweep Blacktooth's head from his shoulders — or perchance that shall be my lot,' and with this Skallagrim sprang up, gnashing his teeth and clutching at the air. 'Peace,' said Eric. 'Blacktooth is not L.^ro. Save thy rage until it can run along thy sword and strike him.' ' Nay, not here, nor yet so far off, lord. Hearken : I know this Ospakar. If he has set eyes of longing on Gudruda, Asmund's daughter, he will not rest one hour till he have her or is slain ; and if he has set eyes of hate on thee — then take heed to thy going and spy down every path before thy feet tread it. Soon shall the matter come on for judgment and even now Odin's Valkyries' choose their own.' It is well, then,' said Eric. Yea, lord, it is well, for we two have little to fear from any six men, if so be that they fall on us in fair fight. But I do not altogether like thy tale. Too many women are mixed up in it, and women stab in the back. A man may deal with swords aloft, but not with tricks, and lies, and false women's witchery. It was a woman who greased thy wrestling soles ; mayhap it will be a woman that binds on thy Hell-shoes when all is done — ay I and who makes them ready for thy feet.' ' The ' corse-choosing sisters ' who were bidden by Odin to single out those warriors whose hour had come to die in battle and win Valhalla. >\ ''. i, ■ . ) 4 #■ f\ 75 ERIC ERIGHTEYES W 'Of women, as of men,' answered Eric, ' there is this to be said, that some are good and some evil.' ' Yes, lord, and this also, that the evil ones plot the ill of their evil, but the good do it of their blind foolishness. Forswear women and so shalt thou live happy and die in honour — cherish them and live in wretchedness and die an outcast.' * Thy talk is foolish,' said Eric. * Birds must to the air, the sea to the shore, and man must to woman. As thiigs are so let them be, for they will soon seem as though thv^y had never been. I had rather kiss my dear and die, if so it pleases me to do, than kiss her not and live, for at the last the end will be one end, and kisses are sweet ! ' ' That is a good saying,' said Skallagrim, and they fell asl; P Hde by side and Eric had no fear. Now thev awoke and the light was already full, for thev were weary an., their sleep had been heavy. Hard by the mouth of the cave is a little well of water that gathers there from the rocks above and in this Eric washed nimself. Then Skallaffrim showed him the cave and the goodly store of arms thav he had won from those whom he had slain and robbed. ' A wondrous place, truly,' said Eric, * and well fitted to the uses of such a chapman * as thou art ; but, say, how didst thou find it ? ' ' I followed him who was here before me and gave him choice — to go, or to fight for the stronghold. But he needs must fight and that was his bane, for I slew him.' * Who was that, then,' asked Eric, ' whose head lies yonder ? * A cave-dweller, lord, whom I took to me because of the lonesomeriC^ss of the winter tide. He was an evil man, for though it is good to be Baresark from time to time, yet to dwell with one who is always Baresark is not good, and thou didst a needful deed in smiting his head from him— and now let it go to find its trunk,' and ho rolled it over the edge of the great rift, ' Merchant. l\ ERTC BRtGHTEYBS ?6 ' Knowest thou, Skan gained the deep cleft. * Yea, lord, and, till thou came , one that none but wood- folk have trodden.' * I would tread it no more,' said Eric again, * and yet that feliow chief of thine said that I should die licre,' and for a while his heart was heavy. Now Skallagrim Lambstail led him by secret paths to a dell rich in grass, that is hid in the round of the mountain, and here three good horses were at feed. Then, going to a certain rock, he brought out bits and saddles, and they caught the horses, and mounting them, rode away from Mosfell. Now Eric and his henchman Skallagrim the Baresark rode four hours and saw nobody, till at length they came to the brow of a hill that is named Horse-Head Heights, and, crossing it, found themselves almost in the midst of a score of armed men who were about to mount their horses. * Now we have company,' said Skallagrim. ' Yes and bad company,' answered Eric, * for yonder I spy Ospakar Blacktooth, and Gizur and Mord his sons, ay and others. Down, and back to back, for they will show us httle gentleness.' Then they sprang to earth and took their stand upon a mound of rising ground— and the men rode towards them. 'I shall soon know what thy fellowship Is worth,' said Eric. * Fear not, lord,' answered Skallagrim. ' Hold thou thy head and I will hold thy back. We are met in a good hour.' 'Good or ill, it is likely to be a short one. Hearken thoa ; ERTC B RIGHTS YES ft if thou must turn Baresark when swords begin to flash, at the least stand and be Baresark where tliou art, for if thou rushest on the foe, my back will be naked and I must soon be sped.' * It shall be as then sayest, lord.' Now men rode round them, but at first thoy did not know Eric, because of the golden helm that hid his face in shadow. * Who are ye ? * called Ospakar. * I think that thou shouldst know me, Blacktooth,* Eric answered, ' for I set thee heels up in the snow but lately — or, at the least, thou wilt know this,' and he drew great "Whitefire. * Thou mayest know me also, Ospakar,' cried the Baresark. * Skallagrim men called me, Lambstail, ^jHc Brighteyes calla me, but once thou didst call me Ounound. Say, lord, what tidin.rs of Thorunna ? ' Now Ospakar shook his sword, laughing. *I came out to seek one foe, and I have found two,' he cried. * Hearken, Eric : when thou art slain I go hence to burn and kill at Middalhof. Shall I bear thy head as keepsake from thee to Gudruda ? For thee, Ounound, I thought thee dead ; but, being yet alive, Thorunna, my sweet love, sends thee this,' and he hurled a spear at him with all his might. But Skallagrim catches the spear as it flies anl hurls it back. It strikes right on the shield of Ospakar and pierces it, ay and the byrnie, and the shoulder that is ben. ath the bymie, so that Blacktooth was made unmeet for fight, and howled with pain and rage. * Go, bid Thorunna draw that splinter forth,' says Skalla- grim, * and heal the hole with kisses.' Now Ospakar, writhing with his hurt, shouts to his men to slay the two of them, and then the fight begins. One rushes at Eric and smite s at him with an axe. The blow falls on his shield, and shears ofif the side of it, then strikes the byrnie beneath, but Ughtly. In answer Eric sweeps low at him with Whitefire, and cuts his leg from under him between knee and thigh, and he falls and dies. ■if ^ ^ <^^^. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 2? ISA "i 12.2 Its us u 140 2.0 m 1 1.25 1.4 1^ M 6" - ► Va /a ^l w Photographic Sciences Corporation ^v ^ :\ \ ""^^^ ^ ;\ "'^f^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14S80 (716) 872-4503 ) .V %$ \ \ \ 79 ER/C BRIGHTEYES Another rushes in. Down flashes Whitefire before he can smite, and the carle's shield is cloven through. Then he chooses to draw back and fights no more that day. Skallagrim slays a man, and wounds another sore. A tall chief with a red scar on his face comes at Brighteyes. Twice he feints at the head while Eric watches, then lowers the sword beneath the cover of his shield, and sweeps suddenly at Eric's legs. Brighteyes leaps high into the air, smiting downward with Whitefire as he' leaps, and presently that chief is dead, shorn through shoulder to breast. Now Skallagrim slays another man and grows Baresark. He looks so fierce that men fall back from him. Two rush on Eric, one from either side. The sword of him on the right falls on his shield and sinks in, but Bright- eyes twists the shorn shield so strongly that the sword is wrenched from the smiter's hand. Now the other sword is aloft above him, and that had been Eric's bane, but Skallagrim glances round and sees it about to fall. He has no time to turn, but he dashes the hammer of his axe backward. It falls full on the swordsman's heaJ, and the head is shattered. *■ That was well done,' says Eric as the sword goes down. *■ Not so ill but it might be worse,* growls Skallagrim. Presently all men drew back from these two, for they have had enough of Whitefire and the Baresark's axe. Ospakar sits on his horse, his shield pinned to his shoulder ani curses aloud. ' Close in, you cowards I * he yells, ' close in and cut them down \ ' but no man stirs. Then Eric mocks them. ' There are but two of us,' he says, ' will no man try a game with me ? Let it not be sung that twenty were overcome of two.' Now Ospakar's son Mord hears, and he grows mad with rage. He holds his shield aloft and rushes on. But Gizur the Lawman does not come, for Gizur was a coward. Skallagrim turns to meet Mord, but Erirj says : — *■ This one for me, comrade,' and steps forward. Mord strikes a mighty blow. Eric's shield is all shattered and cannot stay it. It crashes through and falls full on the ERIC BRIGHTEYES 80 golden helm, beating Brighteyes to his knee. Now he is up again and blows fall thick and fast. Mord is a strong man, unwearied, and skilled in war, and Eric's arms grow faint and his strength sinks low. Mord smites again and wounds him somewhat on the shoulder. Eric throws aside his cloven shield and, shouting, plies Whitefire with both arms. Mord gives before him, then rushes and smites ; Eric leaps aside. Again he rushes and lo! Brighteyes has diopped his point, and it stands a full span through the back of Mord, and instantly that was his bane. Now men run to their horses, mount in hot haste and ride away, crying that these are trolls whom they have to do with here, not men. Skallagrim sees, and the Baresark fit takes him sore. With axe aloft he charges after them, screaming as he comes. There is one man, the same whom he had wounded. He cannot mount easily, and when the Baresark comes he still Hes on the neck of his horse. The great axe wheels on high and falls, and it is told of this stroke that it was so mighty that man and horse sank dead beneath it, cloven through and through. Then the fit leaves Skallagrim and he walks back, and they are alone with the dead and dying. Eric leans on Whitefire and speaks : ' Get thee gone, Skallagrim Lambstail ! ' he said ; *■ get thee gone ! ' ' It shall be as thou wilt, lord,' answered the Baresark ; ' but I have not befriended thee so ill that thou shouldst fear for blows to come.' * I will keep no man with me who puts my word aside, Skallagrim. What did I bid thee? Was it not that thou shouldst have done with the Baresark ways, and where thou stoodest there thou shouldst bide ? and see : thou didst forget my word swiftly I Now get thee gone I ' ' It is true, lord,' he said. * He who serves must serve wholly,' and Skallagrim turned to seek his horse. ' Stay,' said Eric ; ' thou art a gallant man and I forgive thee : but cross my will no more. We have slain seven men and 8i ERIC BRIGHTEYES Ospakar goes hence wounded. We have pot honour, and they loss and the greatest «hame. Never i.cicss, ill shall come of this to me, for Ospakar has many rrionds and will set a law-suit on foot against me at the Althing,' and thou didst draw the ijrst blood.' ' Vvoiild that the spear had gone more home,' said Skalla- crrini. * Ospykar's time is not yet,' answered Eric ; * still, he ha3 >'^omf'thing by which to bear us in mind.' ' The annual assembly of free men which, in Iceland, performed the functions of a Parliament and Supreme Court of law. BRIC BRIGHTEYES 8a CHAPTER IX HOW BWANHILD DEALT WITH QUDRUDA low Jon, Eric's thrall, watched all night ou Mosfell, hut saw nothing except the light of Whitefire as it smote the Baresark's head from his shoulders. He stayed there till dayhght, much afraid ; then, making sure that Eric was slain, Jon rode hard and fast for Middalhof, whither he came at evening. Gudruda was watching hy the women's door. She strained her eyes towards Mosfell to catch the light gleaming on Eric's golden helm, and presently it gleamed indeed, white not red. ' See,' said Swanhild at her side, ' Eric comes ! ' * Not Eric, hut his thrall,' answered Gudruda, ' i.> tell as that Eric is sped.' They waited in silence while Jon galloped towards them. * What news of Brighteyes ? * cried Swanhild. 'Little need to ask,' said Gudruda, ' look at his face.' Now Jon told his tale and Gudruda Hstened, chnging to the door-post. But Swanhild cursed him for a coward, so that he shrank before her eyes. s^ &RIC BRIG HTE YES :;' \ Guclruda turned and walked into the hall and her face wa9 like the face of death. Men saw her, and Asmiind asked why she wore so strange a mien. Then Gudruda sang this song : Up to Mosfell, battle eager, Bode helmed Brighteyen to the fray. Back from Mosfell, battle shunning, Slunk yon coward thrall I ween. Now shall maid Gudruda never Enow a husband's dear embrace ; Widowed is she — sunk in sorrow* Eric treads Valhalla's halls 1 And with this she walked from the stead, looking neither to the right nor to the left. * Let the maid be,' said Atli the Earl. * Grief fares best alone. But my heart is sore for Eric. It should go ill with that Baresark if I might get a grip of him.' * That I will have before summer is gone,' said Asmund, for the death of Eric seemed to him the worst of sorrows. Gudruda walked far, and, crossing Lax£k. by the stepping stones, chmbed btonefell till she came to the head of Golden Falls, for, like a stricken thing, she desired to be alone in her grief. But Swanhild saw her and followed, coming on her as she sat watching the water thunder down the mighty cleft. Presently Swanhild's shadow fell athwart her, and Gudruda locked up. * What wouldst thou with me, Swanhild ? ' she asked. * Art thou come to mock my grief ? ' ' Nay, foster-sister, for then I must mock my own. I come to mix my tears with thine. See, we loved Eric, thou and I, and Eric is dead. Let our hate be buried in his grave, whence neither may draw him back.' Gudruda looked upon her coldly, for nothing could stir her now. * Get thee gone,' she said. * Weep thine own tears and leave me to weep mine. Not with thee will I mourn Eric' Swanhild frowned and bit upon her lip. * I will not come to thee with words of peace a second time, my rival,' she said. '• Erio 02 ERIC BRIGHTEYES 84 is dead, but my hate that was bom of Eric's love for thee lives on and grows, and its flower shall be thy death, Qudruda I ' < Now that Brighteyes is dead, I would fain follow on his path: so, if thou listest, throw the gates wide,' Godruda answered, and heeded her no more. Swanhild went, but not feur. On the farther side of a knoll of grass she flung herself to earth and grieved as her fierce heart might. She shed no tears, but sat silently, looking with empty eyes adown the past, and onward to the future, and finding no good therein. But Gudruda wept as the weight of her loss pressed in upon her — wept heavy silent tears and cried in her heart to Eric who was gone — cried to death to come upon her and bring her sleep or Eric. ^ So she sat and so she grieved till, quite outworn with sor- row, sleep stole upon her and she dreamed. Gudruda dreamed that she was dead and that she sat nigh to the golden door that is in Odin's house at Valhalla, by which the warriors pass and repass for ever. There she sat from age to age, listening to the thunder of ten thousand thousand tramping feet, and watching the fierce faces of the chosen as they marched out in armies to do battle in the meads. And as she sat, at length a one-eyed man, clad in gleaming garments, drew near and spoke to hAT. He was glorious to look on, and old, and she knew him for Odin the Allfather. < Whom seekest thou, maid Gudruda ? ' he asked, and the voice he spoke with was the voice of waters. *I seek Eric Brighteyes,' she answered, 'who passed hither a thousand years ago, and for love of whom I am heart-broken.' * Eric Brighteyes, Thorgrimur's son?* quoth Odin* * I know him well ; no brisker warrior enters at Valhalla's doors, and none shall do more service at the comiag of grey wolf Fenrir.* Pass on and leave him to his glory and his God.' Then, in her dream, she wept sore, and prayed of Odin by the name of Freya that he would give Eric to her for a little space. * What ^t thou pay, then, maid Gudruda ? ' said Odin. The foe destined io bring destniotion on the Norse gods. 85 ERIC BRIG HTE YES ' My life,* she answered. * Good,' he said ; ' for a night Erie shall be thine. Then die, and let thy death be his cause of death.' And Odin sang this song: Now, oone-ohoosing Daughters, hearken To the dread Allfather'a word : When the gale of spears' breath gathers Count not Eric midst the slain, Till Brigbteyen once hath slnmbered, Wedded, at Gadruda's side — Then, Maidens, scream your battle call; Whelmed with foes, let Eric fall 1 And Gudruda awoke, but in her ears the mighty waters still seemed to speak with Odin's voice, saying : Then, Maidens, scream your battle call; Whelmed with foes, let Eric fall 1 She awoke from that fey sleep and looked upwards, and lo I before her, with shattered shield and all besmeared with war's red rain, stood ;. 'ed on the grass and knew the colour of the c?cak. l^hen Gudruda kissed him for very joy, and they were iappy each with each—for of all things that are 9weet on earth, there is nothing more sweet than this : to find him we loved, and thought dead and cold, alive and at our side. And so they talked and were very glad with the gladness of youth and love, till Eric said he must on to Middalhof before the light failed, for he could not come on horseback the way that Gudruda took, but must ride round the shoulder of the hill ; and, moreover, he was spent with toil and hixnger, and SkaUagrim grew weary of waiting. * G.M ' said Gudruda ; * I will be there presently ! ' So he kissed her and went, and Swanhild saw the kiss and saw liim go. ' Well, lord,' said Skallagrim, ' hast thou had thy fill of kissing ? ' * Not altogether,* answered Eric. They rode a while in silence. *I Uiought the maid seemed very febirt' said Skalla- grim. ' There are women less favoured, Skallagrim.' ' Rich bait for mighty fish I ' said Skallagrim. * This I tell thee : that, strive as thou mayest against thy fate, that maid will be thy bane and mine also.' * Things foredoomed will happen,' said Eric ; * but if thou fearest a maid, the cure is easy : depart from my company.* * Who was the other ? * asked the Baresark — * she who crept and peered, listened, then crept back again, hid her face in her hands, and talked with a grey wolf that came to her like a dog ? * ' That must have been Swanhild,' said Eric, ' but I did not see her. Ever does she hide like a rat in the thatch, and as for •':.-.', ;fS 87 ERIC BRIGHTEYES the wolf, he must be her Familiar ; for, like Groa, her mother, Swanhild plays much with witchcraft. Now I will away back to Gudruda, for my heart misdoubts me of this matter. Stay thou here till I come, Lambstail 1 ' And Eric turns and gallops back to the head of Goldfoss. When Eric left her, Gudruda drew yet iicarer to the edge of the mighty falls, and seated herself on their very brink. Her breast was full of joy, and there she sat and let the splen- dour of the sight and the greatness of the rushing sounds sink into her heart. Yonder shone the setting sun, poised, as it were, on Westman's distant peaks, and here sped the waters, and by that path Eric had come back to her. Yea, and there on Sheep- saddle was the road that he had trod down Gold- foss ; and but now he had slain one Baresark and won another to be his thrall, and they two alone had smitten the company of Ospakar, and come thence with honour and but little harmed. Surely no such man as Eric had ever hved — none so fair and strong and tender ; and she was right happy in his love ! She stretched out her arms towards him whom but an hour gone she had thought dead, but who had lived to come back to her with honour, and blessed his beloved name, and lau^'hed aloud in her joyousness of heart, calling : * Eric I EricT But Sv/anhild, creeping behind her, did not laugh. She heard Gudruda's voice and guessed Gudruda's gladness, and jealousy arose within her and rent her. Should this fair rival live to take her joy from her ? * Grey TFoZ/, Grey Wolf ! what sayest thou ? * See, now, if Gudruda were gone, if she rolled a corpse in those boiling waters, Eric might yet be hers ; or, if he was not hers, yet Gudruda's he could never be. ' Grey Wolf, Grey Wolf ! what is thy counsel ? ' Bight on the brink of the great gulf sat Gudruda. One stroke and all would be ended. Eric had gone ; there was no eye to see — none cave the Grey Wolfs; there was no tongue to tell the deed that might be done. Who could call her to account ? The Gods ! Who were the Gods ? What ERIC B RIGHTS YES were the Gods ? Were they not dreams ? There were no Gods save the Gods of Evil — the Gods she knew and com- muned with. • Grey Wolf, Grey Wolf ! wliut is thy rede ? ' There sat Gudruda, laughing in the triumph of her joy , with the sunset-glow shining on her heauty, and there, hehind her, Swanhild crept— crept like a fox upon his sleeping prey. Now she is there — * J hear thee. Grey Wolf I Back to my breast, Grey Wolfr BWANHH-D TVHKPEniKO TO HER ORET WOLV. Surely Gudruda heard something ? She half turned her head, then again fell to calling aloud to the waters : * Eric ! beloved Eric !— ah ! is there ever a light like the light of thine ayes— is there ever a joy like the joy of thy kiss ? ' Swanhild heard, and her springs of mercy froze. Hate and fury entered into her. She rose upon her knees and gathered up her strength : * Seek, then, thy joy in Goldfoss,' she cried aloud, and with all her force she thrust. Gudruda fell a fathom or more, then, with a cry, ih« !li 'There she hun^. her feet resting on the shelving bank.' ERIC BRIGHTEYES ^ clutched wildly at a little ledge of rock, and hung there, her feet resting on the shelving bank. Thirty fathoms down, swirled and poured and rolled the waters of the Golden Falls. A fathom above, red in the red light of evening, lowered the pitiless face of Swanhild. Gudruda looked beneath her and saw. Pale with agony she looked up and saw, but she said naught. ' Let go, my rival ; let go ! * cried Swanhild : ' there is none to help thee, and none to tell thy tale. Let go, I say, and seek thy marriage-bed in Goldfoss I ' But Gudruda clung on and gazed upwards with white face and piteous eyes. ' What I art thou so fain of a moment's hfe ? ' said Swanhild. 'Then I will save thee from thyself, for it must be ill to suffer thus ! ' and she ran to seek a rock. Now she finds one and, staggering beneath its weight to the brink of the gulf, peers over. Still Gudruda hangs. Space yawns beneath her, the waters roar in her ears, the red sky glows above. She sees Swanhild come and shrieks aloud. Eric is there, though Swanhild hears him not, for the sound of his horse's galloping feet is lost in the roar of waters. But that cry comes to his ears, he sees the poised rock, and all grows clear to him. He leaps from his horse, and even as she looses the stone, clutches Swanhild's kirtle and hurls her back. The rock bounds sideways and presently is lost in the waters. Eric looks over. He sees Gudruda's white face gleaming in the gloom. Down he leaps upon the ledge, though this is no easy thing. * Hold fast ! I come ; hold fast ! ' he cries. * I can no more,' gasps Gudruda, and one hand slips. Eric grasps the rock and, stretching downward, grips her wrist ; just as her hold loosens he grips it, and she swings loose, her weight hanging on his arm. Now he must needs lift her up and that with one hand, for the ledge is narrow and he dare not loose his hold of the rock above. She swings over the great gulf and she is senseless as one dead. He gathers all his mighty strength and lifts. Hia 9» ERIC BRIG HTE YES iiii feet slip a little, then catch, and once more Gudruda fwingg. The sweat bursts out upon his forehead and his blood drums through him. Now it must be, or not at all. Again he lifts and his muscles strain and crack, and she lies beside him on the narrow ledge ! All is not yet done. The brink of the cleft is the height of a man above him. There he must lay her, for he may not leave her to find aid, lest she should wake and roll into the chasm. Loosing his hold of the cHff, he turns, facing the rock, and, ben Jing over Gudruda, twists his hands in her kirtle below the breast and above the knee. Then once more Eric puts out his might and draws her up to the level of his breast, and rests. Again with all his force he lifts her above the crest of his helm and throws her forward, so that now she Ues upon the brink of the great cliflf. He almost fallL' backward at the effort, but, clutching the rock, he saves himself, and with a struggle gains her side, and lies there, panting Uke a wearied hound of chase. Of all trials of strength that ever were put upon his might, Eric was wont to say, this lifting of Gudruda was the greatest ; for she was no hght woman, and there was httle to stand on and almost nothing to cling to. Presently Brighteyes rose and peered at Gudruda through the gloom. She still swooned. Then he gazed about him — but P' ^iihild, the witchgirl, was gone. Then he took Gudruda in his arms, and, leading the horse, stumbled through the darkness, calhng on SkaJlagrim. The Baresark answered, and presently his large form was seen loom- ing in the gloom. Eric told his tale in few words. * The ways of womankind are evil,' said Skallagrim ; *but of all the deeds that I have known done at thp^'^ hands, this is the worst. It had been well to hurl the wolf- witch from the chff.' * Ay, well,' said Eric ; * but that song must yet be sung.' Now dimly hghted of the rising moon by turns they bore Gudruda down the mountain side, till at length, utterly for- done, they saw the fires of Middalhof. ERIC BRIGHTEYES 91 CHAPTER X BOW ASMUND SPOKE WITH SWAKHILD M I ^ OW as the days went, though AtU's ship was bound for sea, she did not sail, and it came about that the Earl sank ever deeper in the toils of Swanhild. He called to mind many wise saws, but these availed him little : for when Love rises Uke the sun, wisdom melts like the mists. So at length it came to this, that on the day of Eric's coming back, Atli went to Asmund the Priest, and asked him for the hand of Swanhild the Fatherless in marriage. Asmund heard and was glad, for he knew well that things went badly between Swanhild and Gudruda, and it seemed good to him that seas should be set between them. Nevertheless, he thought it honest to warn the Earl that S^^^anhild was apart from other women. * Thou dost great honour, earl, to my foster-daughter and my house,' he said. * Still, it behoves me to move gently in this matter. Swanhild is fair, and she shall not go hence a wife undowered. But I must tell thee this : that her ways are dark and secret, and strange and fiery are her moods, and I think that she will bring evil on tie man who weds her. Now, I love theo, Atli, ware it only for our youth'i sake, and thoa i 111 93 E/^IC BRIGHTEYES art not altogether fit to mate with such a maid, for age has met thee on thy way. For, as thou wouldst say, youth dra^ws to youth as the tide to the shore, and falls away from ela ds the wave from the rock. Think, then : is it well that thou shouldst take her, Atli ? ' * I have thought much and overmuch,* answered the Earl, stroking his grey beard ; * but ships old and new drive before a gale.' ' Ay, Atli, and the new ship rides, where the old one founders.' ' A true rede, a heavy rede, Asmund ; yet I am minded to sail this sea, and, if it sink me — well, I have known fair weather I Great longing has got hold of me, and I think the maid looks gently on me, and that things may yet go well between us. I have many things to give such as women love. At the least, if thou givest me thy good word, I will risk it, Asmund : for the bold thrower sometimes wins the stake. Only I say this, that, if Swanhild is unwilling, let there be an end of my wooing, for I do not wish to take a bride who turns from my grey hairs.' Asmund said that it should be so, and they made an end of talking just as the light failed. Now Asmund went out seeking Swanhild, and presently he met her near the stead. He could not see her face, and that was well, for it was not good to look on, but her mien was wondrous wild. ' Where hast thou been, Swanhild ? ' he asked. * Mourning Eric Brighteyes,' she made answer. *It is meeter for Gudruda to mourn over Eric than for thee, for her loss is heavy,' Asmund said sternly. * What hast tho!: to do with Eric ? ' 'Little, or much, or all — read it as thou wilt, foster- father. Still, all wept for are not lost, nor all who are lost wept for.' 'Little do I know of thy dark redes,' said Asmund. * Where is Gudruda now ? ' •Righ is she or low, sleeping or perchance awakened: paught reck I. She also mourned for Eric, and we went nigh ERIC BRIGHTEYES 93 end to mingling tears — near together were brown curls and golden,' and she laughed aloud. * Thou art surely fey, thou evil girl I ' said Asmund. * Ay, foster-father, fey : yet is this but the first of my fey- dom. Here starts the road that I must travel, and my feet shall be red ere ever the journey's done.' * Leave thy dark talk,' said Asmund, * for to me it is as the wind's song, and listen : a good thing has befallen thee — ay, good beyond thy deserving.' * Is it so ? Well, I stand greatly in need of good. What is thy tidings, foster-father ? ' * This : Atli the Earl asks thee in marriage, and he is a mighty man, well honoured in his own land, and set higher, moreover, than I had looked for thee.' * Ay,' answered Swanhild, ' set like the snow above the fells, set in the years that long are dead. Nay, foster-father, this white-bearded dotard is no mate for me. What ! shall I mix my fire with his frost, my breathing youth with the creep- ing palsy of his age ? Never ! If Swanhild weds she weds not so, for it is better to go maiden to the grave than thus to shrink and wither at the touch of eld. Now is Atli's woo- ing sped, and there's an end.' Asmund heard and grew wroth, for the matter seemed strange to him ; nor are maidens wont thus to put aside the word of those set over them. * There is no end,' he said ; * I will not be answered thus by a girl who lives upon my bounty. It is my rede that thou weddest Atli, or else thou goest hence. I have loved thee, and for that love's sake I have borne thy wickedness, thy dark secret ways, and evil words ; but I will be crossed no more by thee, Swanhild.' * Thou wouldst drive me hence with Groa my mother, though perchance thou hast yet more reason to hold me dear, foster-father. Fear not : I will go — perhaps further than thou thinkest,' and once more Swanhild laughed, and passed from him into the darkness. But Asmund stood looking after her. * Truly,' he said in iiis heart, ' ill-deeds are arrows that pierce him who shot them. I"i!: :!' 'i 4 94 ElilC BRIGHTEYES I have sowed evilly, and now I reap the harvest. What means she with her talk of Gudruda and the rest ? ' Now as he thought, he saw men and horses draw near, and one man, whose helm gleamed in the moonlight, hore some- thing in his arms. * Who passes ? ' he called, 'Eric Brighteyes, Sliallagrim Lamhstail, and Gudruda, Asmund's daughter,' answered a voice ; * who art thou ? Then Asmund the Priest sprang forward, most glad at heart, for he never thought to see Eric again. * Welcome, and thrice welcome art thou, Eric,* he cried ; • for, know, we deemed thee dead.' * I have lately gone near to death, lord,' said Eric, for he knew the voice ; * but I am hale and wholo, though somewhat weary.' ' What has come to pass, then ? * asked Asmund, * and why boldest thou Gudruda in thy arms ? Is the maid dead ? ' ' Nay, she does but swoon. See, even now she stirs,' and as he spake Gudruda awoke, shuddering, and with a little cry threw her arms about the neck of Eric. He set her down and comforted her, then once more turned to Asmund : 'Three things have come about,' he said. 'First, I have slain one Baresark, and won another to he my thrall, and for him I crave thy peace, for he has served me well. Next, we two were set on by Ospakar Blacktooth and his fellow- sliip, and, fighting for our hands, have wounded Ospakar, slain Mord his son, and six other men of his following.' ' Thtit is good news and bad,' said Asmund, ' since Ospakar ^v'ill ask a great weregild ' for these men, and thou wilt be outlawed, Eric* ' That may happen, lord. There is time enough to think of it. Now there are other tidings to tell. Coming to the head of Goldfoss I found Gudruda, my betrothed, mourning my death and spoke with her. Afterwards I left her, and presently returned again, to see her hanging over the gulf, and Swanhild hurUng rocks upon her to crush her.' ' The penalty for manslaying. ERIC BRIGHTEYES 9S ' These are tidings in truth,' said Asmimd — ' such tidings ai my heart feared 1 Is this true, Gudruda ? ' ' It is true, my father,' answered Gudruda, trembling. ' As I sat on the brink of Goldfoss, Swanhild crept behind me and thrust me into the gulf. There T clung above the waters, and she brought a rock to hurl upon me, when suddenly I saw Eric's face, and after that my mind left me and lean tell no more.' Now Asmund grew as one mad. He plucked at his beard and stamped on the ground. ' Maid though she be,' he cried, < yet shall Swanhild's back be broken on the Stone of Doom for a witch and a murderess, and her bod]i hurled into the pool of fedthless women, and the earth will be well rid of her 1 ' Now Gudruda looked up and smiled : ' It would be ill to wreak such a vengeance on her, father,' she said ; ' and this would also bring the greatest shame on thee, and all our house. I am saved, by the mercy of the Gods and the might of Eric's arm, and this is my counsel : that nothing be told of this tale, but that Swanhild be sent away where she can harm us no more.' * She must be sent to the grave, then,' said Asmund, and fell to thinking. Presently he spoke again : * Bid yon man fall back, I would speak with you twain,' and Skallagrim went grumbling. ' Hearken now, Eric and Gudruda : only an hour ago hath Atli the Good asked Swanhild of me in marriage. But now I met Swanhild here, and her mien was wild. Still, I spoke of the matter to her, and she would have none of it. Now, this is my counsel : that choice be given to Swanhild, either that she go hence AtU's wife, or take her trial in the Doom- ring.' ' That will be bad for the Earl then,' said Eric. ' Methinka he is too good a man to be played on thus.' * Bairn firsts then friend* answered Asmund. ^Now I will tell thee something that, till this hour, I have hidden from all, for it is my shame. This Swanhild is my daughter, and therefore I have loved her and put away her evil deeds, and she is half-sister to thee, Gudruda. See^ 96 ERIC BRIGHTEYBS ttieiii how sore is my strait, who must ayenge daughter upon daughter.' * Knows thy son Bjdm of this ? ' asked Erio. ' None knew it till this hour, except Groa and I.' * Yet I have feared it long, father,' said Gudruda, ' and therefore I have also borne with Swanhild, though she hates me much and has striven hard to draw mj be- trothed from me. Now thou canst only take one counsel, and it is : to give choice to Swanhild of these two things, though it is unworthy thut AtH should be deceived, and at the best little good can come of it.* ' Yet it must be done, for honour is often slain of heavy need,' said Asmund. ' But we must first swear this Baresark thrall of thine, thougl: little faith lives in Baresark's breast.' Now Eric called to Skallagrim and charged him strictly that he should tell nothing of Swanhild, and of the wolf that he saw by her, and of how Gudruda was found hanging over the gulf. * Fear not,' growled the Baresark, * my tongue is now my master's. What is it to me if women do their wickedness one on another ? Let them work magic, hate and slay by stealth, so f^hall evil be lessened in the world.' ' Peace i ' said Eric ; * if anything of this passes thy Hps thou art no longer a thrall of mine, and I give thee up to the men of thy quarter,* ' And I cleave that wolfs head of thine down to thy hawk's eyes ; but, otherwise, I give thee peace, and will hold thee from harm, wood-dweller as thou art,' said Asmund. The Baresark laughed : ' My hands will hold my head against ten such mannikins as thou art. Priest. There was never but one man who might overcome me in fair fight and there he stands, and his bidding is my law. So waste no words and make not niddering threats against greater folk ' and he slouched back to his horse. ' A mighty man and a rough,' said Asmund, looking after him ; ' I like his looks Uttle.' ' Natheless a strong in battle,' quoth Eric ; ' had he not been at my back some six hours gone, by now the ravAus had torn :! -il ERIC BRIG HTE YES 97 after out these eyes of mine. Therefore, for my sake, bear with him.' Asmund said it should he so, and then they passed on to the stead. Here Erie stripped off his harness, washed, and bound up his wounds. Then, followed by Skallagrim, axe in hand, he came into the hall as men made ready to sit at meat. Now the tale of the mighty deeds that he had done, except that of the saving of Gudruda, had gone abroad, and as Brigbteyes came all men rose and with one voice shouted till the roof of the great hall rocked : ' WeUomR^ Eric Brighteyes, thou glory of the south I ' Only Bjom, Asmund's son, bit his hand,' and did not shout, for he hated Eric because of the fame that he had won. Brighteyes stood still till the clamour died, then said : * Much noise for little deeds, brethren. It is true that I overthrew the Mosfell Baresarks. See, here is one,' and he turned to Skallagrim ; ' I strangled him in my arms on Mos- fell' s brink, and that was something of a deed. Then he swore fealty to me, and we are blood-brethren now, and therefore I ask peace for him, comrades — even from those whom he has wronged or whose kin he has slain. I know this, that when thereafter we stood back to back and met the company of Ospakar Blacktooth, who came to slay us — ay, and Asmund also, and bear away Gudruda to be his wife— he warred right gallantly, till seven of then* band lay stiff on Horse-Head Heights, overthrown of us, and among them Moid, Blacktooth's son ; and Ospakar himself went thence sore smitten of this Skallagrim. Therefore, for my sake, do no harm to this man who was Baresark, but now is my thrall ; and, moreover, I beg the aid and friendship of all men of this quarter in those suits that will be laid against me at the Althing for these slayings, which I hereby give out as done by my hand, and by the hand of Skallagrim Lambstail, the Baresark.' At these words all men shouted again; but Atli the Earl sprang from the high seat where Asmund had placed' him, and, coming to Eric, kissed him, and, drawing a gold chaia from his neok, flung it about the neck of Erici crying : n ! i 98 ERIC BRIGHTEYES " :i!;i ■i''!!" Thou art a glorious mau, Eric Brighteyes. I ihouglit the world had no more of such a breed. Listen to my bidding : come thou to my earldom in Orkneys and be a son to me, and I will give thee all good gifts, and, when I die, thou shalt sit in my seat after me.' But Eric thought of Swanhild, who must go from Iceland as wife to Atli, and answered : < Thou doest me great honour, Earl, but this may not be. Where the fir is planted, there it must grow and fall. Iceland I love, and I will stay here among my own people till I am driven away.* ' That may well happen, then,' said Atli, ' for be sure Os- pakar and his idn will not let the matter of these slayings rest, and I think that it will not avail thee much that thou smotest for thine own hand. Then, come thou and be my man.' * Where the Noms lead there I nust follow,' said Eric, and sat down to meat. Skallagrim sat down also at the side-bench ; but men shi „nk from him, and he glowered on them in answer. Presently Gudruda entered, and she seemed pale and faint. When he had done eating, Eric drew Gudruda on to his knee, and she sat there, resting her golden head upon his breast. Bat Swanhild did not come into the hall, though ever Earl Atli sought her dark face and lovely eyes of blue, and he wondered greatly how his wooing had sped. Still, at this time he spoke no more of it to Asmund. Now Skallagrim drank much ale, and glared about him fiercely ; for he had this fault, that at times he was drunken. In front of him sat two thralls of Asmund's ; they were brothers, and large-made men, and they watched Asmund's sheep upon the fells in winter. These two also grew drunk and jeered at Skallagrim, asking him what atonement he would make for those ewes of Asmund's that he had stolen last Yule, and how it came to pass that he, a B&resark, had been overthrown of an unarmed man. Skallagrim bore their gibes for a space as he drank on, but suddenly he rose and rushed at them, and, seizing a man's throat in either hand, thrust them to the ground beneath him and nearly choked them there. ERIC BRIG HTE YES 99 Then Eric ran down the hall, and, putting out his strength, tore the Baresark from them. 'This then is thy peacefulness, thou wolfl' Eric cried. • Thou art drunk ! ' * Ay,' growled Skallagrim, * ale is many a man's doom.* *■ Have a care that it is not thine and mine, then ! ' said Eric. ' Go, sleep ; and know that, if I see thee thus once more, I see thee not again.' But after this men jeered no more at Skallagrim Lambs* tail, Eric's thralL «9 100 ERIC BRIGHTEYES I I CHAPTER XI BOW SWANHILD BID FABBWSLL TO EBIO Now all this while Asmund sat deep in thought ; but when, at length, men were sunk in sleep, he took a candle of fat and passed to the shut bed where Swanhild slept alone. She lay on her bed, and her curling hair was all about her. She was awake, for the light gleamed in her blue eyes, and on a naked knife that was on the bed beside her, half hidden by her hair. ' What wouldst thou, foster-father ? ' she asked, rising in the couch. Asmund closed the curtains, then looked at her sternly and spoke in a low voice : * Thou art fair to be so vile a thing, Swanhild,* he said. ' Who now would liave dreamed that heart of thine could talk with ,i,'oblin3 anl with were- wolves — that those oyes of thine could bear to loc^k on murder and those white hands find strength to do tbo ;■ j.i ? ' She held up her shai)ely anus and, looking on them, laughed. * Would that they had been fashioned in a stronger mould,' she said. * May they wither in their woman's weakness f else had the deed been done outright. Now my crime is as heavy on me and nothing gained by it. Say what fate for me, foster-father — the Stone of Doom and the pool where faithless women lie ? Ah, then might Gudruda laugh indeed, and I will not Uve to hear that laugh. See,' and she gripped the dagger at her side : ' along this bright edge runs the path to peace and freedom, and, if need be, I will tread it.' * Be silent,' said Asmund. * This Gudruda, my daughter, whom thou wouldst have foully done to death, is thine own ERIC BRIGHTEYES 101 lister, and it is she who, pitying thee, hath pleaded for thy life.' ' I will naught of her pity who have no pity/ she answered ; * and this I eay to thee who art my father : shame be on thee who hast not dared to own thy child I ' ' Hadst thou not been my child, Swanhild, and had I not loved thee secretly as my child, be sure of this, I had long since driven thee hence ; for my eyes have been open to much that I have not seemed to see. But at length thy wickedness has overcome my love, and I will see thy face no more. Listen : none have heard of this shameful deed of thine save those who saw it| and their tongues are sealed. Now I give thee choice : wed Atli and go, or stand in the Doom-ring and take thy fate.' ' Have I not said, father, while death may be sought other- wise, that I will never do this last ? Nor will I do the first. I am not all of the tame breed of you Iceland folk— other and quicker blood runs in my veins ; nor will I be sold in marriage to a dotard as a mare is sold at a market. I have answered.' * Fool ! think again, for I go not back upon my word. Wed Atli or die — by thy own hand, if thou wilt — there I will not gainsay thee ; or, if thou fearest this, then anon in the Doom- ring.' Now Swanhild covered her eyes with her hands and shook the long hair about her face, and she seemed wondrous fair to Asmund the Priest who watched. And as she sat thus, it came into her mind that marriage is not the end of a young maid's life — that old husbands have been known to die, and that she might rule this Atli and his earldom and become a rich and honoured woman, setting her sails in such fashion that when the wind turned it would fill them. Otherwise she must die — ay, die shamed and leave Gudruda with her love. Suddenly she slipped from the bed to the floor of the chamber, and, clasping the knees of Asmund, ^ooked up through the meshes of her hair, while tears streamed from her beautiful eyes : ' I have sinned,' she sobbed — ' I have sinned greatly against thee and my sister. Hearken : I was mad with love of Eric, whom from a child I have turned tO| and Gudruda is fairer thim n ■!! Ib3 ^RIC BRIGHTEYSS I and she took him from me. Most of all was I mad this night when I wrought the deed of shame, for ill things oounBeUed me — things that I did not call ; and oh, I thank the Gods — if there are Gods — that Gudruda died not at my hand. See now, father, J put this evil from me and tear Erio from my heart,' and she made as though she rent her bosom — ' I will wed Atli, and be a good housewife to him, and I crave but this of Gudruda: that she forgive me her wrong; for it was not done of my will, but of my madness, and of the driving of those whom my mother taught me to know.* Asmund listened and the springs of his love thawed within him. ' Now thou dost take good counsel,' he said, * and of this be sure, that so long as thou art in that mood none shall harm thee ; and for Gudruda, she is the most gentle of women, and it may well be that she will put away thy sin. So weep no more, and have no more dealings with thy Finnish witch- craft, but sleep ; and to-morrow I will bear thy word to Atli, for bis ship is bound and thou must swiftly be made a wife.' He went out, bearing the light with him ; but Swanhild rose from the ground and sat on the edge of the bed, staring into the darkness and shuddering from time to time. 'I shall soon be made his wife,' she murmured, 'who would be but one man's wife — and methinks I shall scion be made a VTidow also. Thou wilt have me, dotard — take me and thy fate ! Well, well ; better to wed an Earl than to be shamed and stretched across the Doom-stone. Oh, weak arms that failed me at my need, no more will I put trust in you I When next I wound, it shall be with the tongue ; when next I strive to slay, it shall be by another's hand. Curses on thee, thou ill counseller of darkness, who didst betray me at the last I Is it for this that I worshipped thee and awore the oath?' The morning oame, and at the first light Asmund sought the Earl. His heart was heavy because of the guile that his tongue must practise, and his face was dark as a winter dawn. ' What news, Asmund ? ' asked Atli. * Early tidings (vre hoi ticUngSf so runs the saw, and thy looks give weight to it. ERIC BRIGHTEYES 103 ' Not altogether bad, Earl. Swauhild gives herself to thee.' * Of her own will, Asmund ? ' ' Ay, of her own will. But I have warned thee of her temper.' ' Her temper ! Little hangs to a maid's temper. Once a wife and it will melt in softness Uko the snow when summer comes. These are glad tidings, comrade, and mjthinks I grow young again beneath the breath of them. Why art thou so glum then ? * ' There is something that must yet be told of Swanhild,' said Asmund. ' She is called the Fatherless, but, if thou wilt have the truth, why here it is for thee — she is my daughter, bom out of wedlock, and I know not how that will please thee.' Atli laughed aloud, and his bright eyes shone in his wrinkled ficuie. ' It pleases me well, Asmund, for then the maid is sprung from a sound stock. The name of the Priest of Middalhof is famous far south of Iceland ; and never hath Iceland bred a comeher girl. Is that all ? ' * One more thing, Earl. This I charge thee : watch thy wife, and hold her back from witchcraft and 'rom dealings with evil things and trolls of darkness. She is of Finnish blood and the women of the Finns are much given to such wicked work.* 'I set little store by witchwork, goblins and their kin,' said Atli. *■ I doubt me much of their power, and I shall soon wean Swanhild from such ways, if indeed she practise them.' Then they fell to talking of Swanhild' s dower, and that was not small. Afterwards Asmund sought Eric and Gudruda, and told them what had come to pass, and they were glad at the news, though they grieved for Atli the Earl. And when Swanhild met Gudruda, she came to her humbly, and humbly kissed her hand, and with tears craved pardon of her evil doing, saying that she had been mad ; nor did Gudruda withhold it, for of all women she was the gentlest and the nost forgiving. But to Eric, Swanhild said nothing. The wedding-feast must be held on the third day from this, for Atli would sail on that same day, since his people wearied of waiting and his Sjiip might lie bound no longer. Blithe waa I I04 ERIC BRIGHTEYES T' I Atli the Earl, and Swanhild was all changed, for now she seemed the gentlest of maids, and, as befitted one about to be made a wife, moved through the house with soft words and downcast eyes. But Skallagrim, watching her, bethought him of the grey wolf that he had seen by Goldfoss, and this seemed not weU to him. * It would be bad now,' he said to Eric, as they rode to Cold- back, * to stand in yon old earl's shoes. This woman's weather has changed too fast, and after such a calm there'll come a storm indeed. I am now minded of Thorunna, for she went just so the day before she gave herself to Ospakar, and me to shame and bonds.' * Talk not of the raven till you hear his croak,' said Eric. * He is on the wing, lord,' answered Skallagrim. Now Eric came to Coldback in the Marsh, and Saevuna his mother and Unna, Thorod's daughter, the betrothed of Asmund, were glad to welcome him ; for the tidings of his mighty deeds and of the overthrow of Ospakar and the slaying of Mord were noised far and wide. But at Skallagrim Lambstail they looked askance. Still, when they heard of those things that he had TiTought on Horse-Head Heights, they welcomed him for his deeds' sake. Eric sat two nights at Coldback, and on the second day Saevunp, his mother and Unna rode thence with their servants to the wedding-feast of Swanhild the Fatherless. But Eric stopped at Coldback that night, saying that he would be at MiddalLof within two hours of sunrise, for he must talk with a shepherd who came from the fells. Saevuna and her company came to Middalhof and was asked, first by Gudruda, then by Swanhild, why Brighteyes tarried. She answered that he would be there early on the morrow. Next morning, before it was light, Eric girded on Whitefire, took horse and rode from Coldback alone, for he would not bring Skallagrim, fearing lest he should get drunk at the feast and shed some man's blood. It was Swanhlld's wedding-day; but she greeted it with little lightsomeness of hrrrt, and her eyes knew no sleep that .night, though they were heavy with tears. ERIC BRIGHTEYES 105 At the first light she rose, and, gliding from the house, walked through the heavy dew down the path by which Eric must draw near, for she desired to speak with him. Gudruda also rose a while after, though she did not know this, and followed on the same path, for she would greet her lover at his coming. Now three furlongs or more from the ste^^d stood a vetch stack, and Swanhild waited on the further side of this stack. Presently she heard a sound of singing come from behind the shoulder of the fell and of the tramp of a horse's hoofs. Then she saw the golden wings of Eric's helm all ablaze with the sunlight as he rode merrily along, and great bitterness laid bold of her that Eric could be of such a joyous mood on the day when she who loved him must be made the wife of another man. Presently he was before her, and Swanhild stepped from the shadow of the stack and laid her hand upon his horse's bridle. * Eric,' she said humbly and with bowed head, 'Gudruda sleeps yet. Canst thou, then, find time to hearken to my words ? ' He frowned and said : ' Methinks Swanhild, it would be better if thou gavest thy words to him who is thy lord.' She let the bridle-rein drop from her hands. 'I am answered,' she said ; 'ride on.' Now pity stirred in Eric's heart, for Swanhild's mien was most heavy, and he leaped down from his horse. * Nay,' he said, ' speak on, if thou hast anything to tell me.' * I have this to tell thee, Eric : that now, before we part for ever, I am come to ask thy pardon for my ill-doing — ay, and to wish all joy to thee and thy fair love,' and she sobbed and choked. * Speak no more of it, Swanhild,' he said, * but let thy good deeds cover up the ill, which are not small ; so thou shalt be happy.' She looked at him strangely, and her face was white with pain. * How then are we so differently fashioned that thou, / \m io6 EI^IC BRIGHTEYES Eric, canst prate to me of happiness when my heart is racked with grief ? Oh, Eric, I blame thee not, for thou hast not wrought this evil on me willingly ; but I say this : that my heart is dead, as I would that I were dead. See those flowers : they smell sweet — for me they have no odour. Look on the light leaping from Coldback to the sea, from the sea to Westman Isles, and from the Westman crown of rocks far into the wide heavens above. It is beautiful, is it not ? Yet I tell thee, Eric, that now to my eyes howling winter darkness is every whit as fair. Joy is dead within me, music's but a jangled madness in my ears, food hath no savour on my. tongue, my youth is sped ere my dawn is day. Nothing is left to me, Eric, save this fair body that thou didst scorn, and the dreams which I may gather from my hours of scanty sleep, and such shame as befalls a loveless bride.' ' Speak not so, Swanhild,' he said, and clasped her by the hand, for, though he loathed her wickedness, being soft-hearted and but young, it grieved him to hear her words and see the anguish of her mind. For it is so with men, that they are easily moved by the pleading of a fair woman who loves them, even ?;hough they love her not. * Yea, I will speak out all my mind before I seal it up for ever. See, Eric, this is my state and thou hast set this crown of sorrow on my brows : and thou comest singing down the fell, and I go weeping o'er the sea ! I am not all so ill at heart. It was love of thee that drove me down to sin, as love of thee might otherwise have lifted me to holiness. But, loving thee as thou seest, this day I wed a dotard, and go his chattel and his bride across the sea, and leave thee singing on the fell, and by thy side her who is my foe. Thou hast done great deeds, Brighteyes, and st'U greater shalt thou do ; yet but as echoes they shall reach my ears. Thou wilt be to me as one dead, for it is Gudruda's to bind the byrnie on thy breast when thou goest forth to war, and hers to loose the winged helm from thy brow when thou returnest, battle-worn and conquering.' Now Swanhild ceased, and choked with grief ; then spoka again : Eric and Swauhild saw r-jr not/ >Wr »<'«^ ERIC BRIGHTEYES 105 < So now farewell ; doubtless I weary thee, and — Gndrada waits. Nay, look not on my foolish tears: they are the heritage of woman, of naught else is she sure! While I live, Eric, mom by mom the thought of thee shall come to wake me as the sun wakes yon snowy peak, and night by night thy memory shall pass as at eve he passes from the valleys, but to dawn again in dreams. For, Eric, 'tis thee I wed to-day — at heart I am thy bride, thine and thine only ; and when shalt thou find a wife who holds thee so dear as that Swanhild whom once thou knewest ? So now farewell ! Yes, this time thou shalt kiss away my tears ; then let them stream for ever. Thus, Eric ! and thus ! and thus ! do I take farewell of thee.' And now she clung about his neck, gazing on him with great dewy eyes till things grew strange and dim, and he must kiss her if only for her love and tender beauty's sake. And so he kissed, and it chanced that as they clung thus, Gudruda, passing by this path to give her betrothed greeting, came upon them and stood astonished. Then she turned and, putting her hands to her hoad, fled back swiftly to the stead, and waited there, great anger burning in her heart ; for Gudruda had this fault, that she was very jealous. Now Eric and Swanhild did not see her, and presently they parted, and Swanhild wiped her eyes and glided thence. As she drew near the stead she found Gudruda watching. * Where hast thou been, Swanhild ? * she said. * To bid farewell to Brighteyes, Gudruda.* ' Then thou art fooUsh, for doubtless he thrust thee from him.' 'Nay, Gudmda, he drew me to him. Hearken, I say, thou sister. Vex me not, for I go my ways and thou goest thine. Thou art strong and fair, and hitherto thou hast overcome me. But I am also fair, and, if I find space to strike in, I also have a show of strength. Pray thou that I find not space, Gudruda. Now is Eric thine. Perchance one day he may be mine. It lies in the lap of the Norns.' * Fair words from Atli's bride,' mocked Gudmda. ' Ay, AtU's bride, but never Atli's iove ! ' said Swanhild, and swept on. } I xxo ERIC BRIGHTEYES W. I .>■, ;li She came to bid farewell to and thus ! and thus ! " didst Ay, " thus and thus," with A while after Eric rode up. He was shamefaced and vexed at heart, because he had yielded thus to Swanhild's beauty, and been melted by her tender words and kissed her. Then he saw Gudruda, and at the sight of her all thought of Swanhild passed from him, for he loved Gudruda and her alone. He leapt down from his horse and ran to her. But, drawn to her full height, she stood with dark flashing eyes and fair face set in anger. Still, he would have greeted her loverwise ; but she lifted her hand and waved him back, and fear took hold of him. ' What now, Gudruda ? ' he asked, faltering. * What now, Eric ? ' she answered, faltering not. * Hast seen Swanhild ? ' * Yea, I have seen Swanhild. me. What of it ? ' * What of it ? Why " thus ! thou bid farewell to AtU's bride, clinging lips and twined arms. Warm and soft was thy fare- well kiss to her who would have slain me, Brighteyes ! ' * Gudruda, thou speakest truth, though how thou sawest I know not. Think no ill of it, and scourge me not w^th words, for, sooth to say, I was melted by her grief and the music of her talk.' * It is shame to thee so to speak of her whom but now thou heldest in thine arms. By the grief and the music of the talk of her who would have murdered me thou wast melted into kisses, Eric I — for I saw it with these eyes. Knowest thou what I am minded to say to thee ? It is this : " Go hence and see me no more ; " for I have little wish to cleave to such a feather-man, to one so blown about by the first breath of woman's tempting.' *Yet, methinks, Gudruda, I have withstood some such winds. I tell thee that, hadst thou been in my place, thyself hadst yielded to Swanhild and kissed her in farewell, for she was more than woman in that hour.' * Nay, Eric, I arh no weak man to be led astray thus. Yet she is more than woman — troU is she also, that I know ; but less than man art thou, Eric, thus to fall before her who ERIC BRIGHTEYES I!X hates me. Time may come when she shall woo thee after a stronger sort, and what wilt thou say to her then, thou who art so ready with thy kisses ? ' ' I will withstand her, Gudruda, for I love thee only, and this is well known to thee.' ' Truly I know thou lovest me, Erie ; hut tell me of what worth is this love of man that eyes of heauty and tongue of craft may so readily bewray ? I doubt me of thee, Eric! * * Nay, doubt me not, Gudruda. I love thee alone, but I grew soft as wax beneath her pleading. My heart consented not, yet I did consent. I have no more to say.' Now Gudruda looked on him long and steadfastly. * Thy plight is sorry, Eric,' she said, * and this once I forgive thee. Look to it thai; thou givest me no more cause to doubt thee, for then I shall remember how thou didst bid farewell to Swanhild.' * I will give none,* he answered, and would have embraced her ; but this she would not suffer then, nor for many days after, for she was angry with him. But with Swanhild she was still more angry, though she said nothing of it. That Swan- hild had tried to murder her, Gudruda could forgive, for there she had failed ; but not that she had won Eric to kiss her, for in this she had succeeded well. <^ 113 ERIC BRIG HTE YES CHAPTER XII HOW EBIO WAS OUTLAWED AND SAILED A-VIKINO OW the marriage-feast went on, and Swanhild, draped in white and girt about with gold, sat by Ath's side upon the high oeat. He was fain of her and drew her to him, but she looked at him with cold calm eyes in which hate lurked. The feast was done, and all the company rode to the sea strand, where the Earl's ship lay at anchor. They came there, and Swanhild kissed Asmund, and talked a while with Groa, her mother, and bade farewell to all men. But she bade no farewell to Eric and to Gudruda. * Why sayest thou no word to these two ? ' asked Atli, her hiisband. ERIC BRIGHTEYES "3 < For this reason, Earl/ she answered, ' because ere long we three shall meet again; but I shall see Asmund, my fJEither, and Groa, my mother, no more.' ' That is an ill saying, wife,' said Atli. ' Methinks thou dost foretell their doom.' ' Mayhap 1 And now I will add to my redes, for I foretell ihy doom also : it is not yet, but it draws on.' Then AtU bethouglit him of many wise saws, but spoke no more, for it seemed to tuim this was a strange bride that he had wed. They hauled the anchor home, shook out the great sail, and passed away into the evening Ught. But while land could still be seen, Swanhild stood near the helm, gazing with her blue eyes upon the lessening coast. Then she passed to the hold, and shut herself in alone, and there she stayed, saying that she was sick, till at length, after a fair voyage of twenty days, they made the Orkney Islands. But all this pleased Atli wondrous ill, yet he dared not cross her mood. Now, in Iceland the time drew on when men must ride to the Althing, and notice was given to Eric Brighteyes of many suits that were laid against him, in that he had brought Mord, Ospakar's son, to his death, dealing him a brain or a body or a marrow wound, and others of that company. But no suits were laid against Skallagrim, for he was already out- law. Therefore he must go in hiding, for men were out to slay him, and this he did unwillingly, at Eric's bidding. Asmund took up Eric's case, for he was the most famous of all lawmen in that day, and when thirteen full weeks of summer were done, they two rode to the Thing, and with them a great company of men of their quarter. Now, men go up to the Logberg, and there came Ospakar, though he was not yet healed of his wound, and all his com- pany, and laid their suits against Eric by the mouth of Gizur the Lawman, Ospakar's son. The pleadings were long and cunning on either side ; but the end of it was that Ospakar brought it about, by the help of his friends — and of these he h^ "4 ERIC BRIGHTEYES '!( ' I ' I many—that Eric must go into outlawry for three years. But no weregild was to be paid to Ospakar and his men for those who had been killed, and no atonement for the great wound that Skallagrim Lambstail gave him, or for the death of Mord, his son, inasmuch as Eric fought for his own hand to save his life. The party of Ospakar were ill pleased at this finding, and Eric was not over ^*]ad, for it was little to his mind that he should sail a-warring across the seas, while Gudruda sat at home in Iceland. Still, there was no help for the matter. Now Ospakar spoke with his company, and the end of it was that he called on them to take their weapons and avenge themselves by their own might. Asmund and Eric, seeing this, mustered their array of free-men and thralls. There were one hundred and five of them, all stout men ; but Ospakar Blacktooth's band numbered a hundred and thirty-three, and they stood with their backs to the Bavcn's Bift. 'Now I would that Skallagrim was here to guard my back,' sai 1 Eric, ' for before this fight is done few will be left standing to tell its uale.' ' It is a sad thing,' said Asmund, * that so many men must die because some men are now dead.' 'A very sad thing,' said Eric, and took this counsel. He stalked alone towards the ranks of Ospakar and called in a loud voice, saying : * It would be grievous that so many warriors should fall in such a matter. Now hearken, you company of Ospakar Black- tooth I If there be any two among you who wiU dare to match their might against my single sword in holmgang, here I, Eric Brighteyes, stand and wait them. It is better that one man, pr perchance three men, should fall, than that anon so many should roll in the dust. What say ye ? ' Now all those who watched called out that this was a good offer and a manly one, though it might turn out ill for Eric ; but Ospakar answered : ' Were I but well of my wound I alone would cut that golden comb of thine, thou braggart ; as it is, be sure that two shall be found.' ERIC BRTGHTEYES "5 * Who is the braggart ? * answered Eric. * He wko twice has learned the weight of this arm and yot boasts his strength, or I who stand craving that two should come against me ? Get thee hence, Ospakar ; get thee home and bid Thonmna, thy leman, whom thou didst beguile from that Ounound who now is named Skallagrim Lambstail the Baresark, nurse thee whole of the wound her husband gave thee. Be sure we shall yet stand face to face, and that combs shall be cut then, combs black or golden. Nurse thee ! nurse thee ! cease thy prating —get thee home, and bid Thorunna nurse thee ; but first name thou the two who shall stand against me in holmgang in Oxar^'s stream.' Folk laughed aloud while Eric mooked,but Ospakar gnashed his teeth with rage. Still, he named the two mightiest men in his company, bidding them take up their swords against Brighteyes. This, indeed, they were loth to do ; still, because of the shame that they must get if they hung back, and for fear of the wrath of Ospakar, they made ready to obey his bidding. Then all men passed down to the bank of Oxar^, and, on the other side, people came from their booths and sat upon the slope of All Man's Raft, for it was a new thing that one man should fight two in holmgang. Now Eric crossed to the island where holmgangs are fought to this day, and after him came the two chosen, flourishing their swords bravely, and taking counsel how one should rush at his face, while the other passed behind his back and spitted him, as woodfolk spit a lamb. Eric drew White- fire and leaned on it, waiting for the word, and all the women held him to be wondrous fair as, clad in his bymie and his golden helm, he leaned thus on Whitefire. Presently the word was given, and Eric, standing not to defend him- self as they deemed he surely would, whirled Whitefire round his helm and rushed headlong on his foes, shield aloft. The great carles saw the light that played on Whitefire's edge and the other light that burned in Erie's eyes, and terror got hold of them. Now he was almost come, and Whitefire sprang aloft like a tongue of flame. Then they stt^ed no more, IS Ii6 ERIC BRIG HTE YES I ^1; 1^1 i but, running one this way and one that, cast themselves Into the flood and swam for the river-edge. Now from either bank rose up a roar of laughter, chat grew and grew, till it echoed against the lava rifts and scared the ravens from their nests. Eric, too, stopped his charge and lau^'hed aloud ; then walked back to where Osmund stood, unarmed, to second him in the holmgang. ' I can get Httle honour from such champions as these,' he said. Nay,' answered Asmund, ' thou hast got the greatest honour, and they, and Ospakar, such shame as may not bo wiped out.' Now when Blacktooth saw what had come to pass, he well- nigh choked, and fell from his horse in fury. Still, he could find no stomach for fighting, but, mustering his company, rode straightway from the Thing home again to Swinefell. But he caused those two whom he had put up to do battle with Eric to be set upon with staves and driven from his following, and the end of it was that they might stay no more in Ice- land, but took ship and sailed south, and now they are out of the story. On the next day, Asmund, and with him Eric and all their men, rode back to Middalhof . Gudruda greeted ^-ric well, and for the first time since Swanhild went away she kissed him. Moreover, she wept bitterly when she learned that he must go into outlawry, vhile she must bide at home. * How shall the days pass by, Eric ? ' she said, * when thou art far, and I know not where thou art, nor how it goes with thee, nor if thou livest or art already dead ? ' * In sooth I cannot say, sweet,' he answered ; * but of this I am sure that, wheresoever I am, yet more weary shall be my hours.' * Three years,' she went on — * three long, cold years, and no sight of thee, and perchance no tidings from thee, tiU mayhap I learn that thou art in that land whence tidings cannot come. Oh, it would be better to die than to part thus.' * Well I wot that it is better to die than to live, and better never to have been bom than to live and die,' answered Erie ERIC BRIGHTEYES 117 Badly. ' Here, it would seem, is nothing bat hate and strifoi weariness and bitter envy to fret away our strength, and at last, if we come so far, sorrowful age and death, and thereafter wo know not what. Little of good do we find to our hands, and much of evil ; nor know I for what ill-doing these burdens are laid upon us. Yet must we needs breathe such an air as is blown about us, Gudruda, clasping at that happiness which is given, though we may not hold it. At the worst, the game will soon be played, and others will stand where we have stood, and strive as we have striven, and fail as we have failed, and so on, till man has worked out his doom, and the Gods cease from their wrath, or Ragnarrok come upon them, and they too are lost in the jaws of grey wolf Fenrir.' < Men may win one good thing, and that is fame, Eric' ' Nay, Gudruda, what is it to win fame ? Is it not to raise up foes, as it were, from the very soil, who, mad with secret hate, seek to stab us in the back? Is it not to lose peace, and toil on from height to height only to be hurled down at last ? Happy, then, is the man whom fame flies from, for hers is a deadly gift.' 'Yet there is one thing left that thou hast not num- bered, Eric, and it is love — for love is to our life what the sun is to the world, and, though it seems to set in death, yet it may rise again. We are happy, then, in our love, for there are many who live their lives and do not find it.' So these two, Eric Brighteyes and Gudruda the Fair, talked sadly, for their hearts were heavy, and on them lay the shadow of sorrows that were to come. * Say, sweet,' said Eric at length, * wilt thou that I go not into banishment ? Then I must fall into outlawry, and my life will be in the hands of him who may take it ; yet I think that my foes will find it hard to come by while my strength re- mains, and at the worst I do but turn to meet the fate that dogs me.' * Nay, that I will not suffer, Brighteyes. Now we will go to my father, and he shall give thee his dragon of war — she is a good vessel — and thou shalt man her with the briskest men of oar quarter : for there are many who will be glad to fare abroad i ■1 . ",.' i: r''l 1x8 ERIC BRIGHTEYES with thee, Erio. Soon she shall be bound and thou shalt sail at once, Erio : for the sooner thou art gone the sooner the three years will be sped, and thou shalt come back to me. But, oh I that I might go with thee.' Now Gudruda and Eric went to Asmund and spoke of this matter. *I desired,' he answered, *that thou, Eric, shouldst bide here in Iceland till after harvest, for it is then that I would take Unna, Thorod's daughter, to wife, and it was meet that thou shouldst sit at the wedding-feast and give her to me.' * Nay, father, let Eric go,' said Gudruda, * for well begun is, surely, half done. He must remain three years in outlawry : add thou no day to them, for, if he stays here for long, I know this : that I shall find no heart to let him go, and, if go he must, then I shall go with him.' * That may never be,' said Asmund ; * thou art too young and fair to sail a-viking down the sea-path. Hearken, Eric : I give thee the good ship, and now we will go about to find stout men to man her.' * That is a good gift,' said Eric ; and afterwards they rodo to the seashore and overhauled the vessel as she lay in her shed. She was a great dragon of war, long and slender, and standing high at stem and prow. She was fashioned if oak, all bolted togvjther with iron, and at her prow was a gilded dragon most wonderfully carved. Eric looked on her and his eyes brightened. * Here rests a wave-horse that shall bear a viking well,' he said. * Ay,' answered Asmund, * of all the things I own this ship is the very best. She is so swift that none may catch her, and she can almost go about m her own length. That gale must be hea\y that shall fill her, with thee to steer ; yet I give her to thee freely, Eric, and thou shalt do great deeds «rith this my gift, P^d, if things go well, she shall come back to this shore at lasii, and thou in her.' 'Now I will name this war-gift with a new name,' said Eric. *•* Gudruda," I name her: for, as Gudruda here ERIC BRIGHTEYES "9 is the fairest of all women, so is this the fairest of all war- dragons.' ' So be it,' said Asmund. Then they rode back to Middalhof, and now Erio Bright- eyes let it be known that he needed men to sail the seas -«, Ith him. Nor did he ask in vain, for, when it was told that Eric went a-yiking, so great was his lame grown, that many a stout yeoman and many a great-limbed carle reached down sword and shield and came up to Middalhof to put their hands in his. For mate, he took a certain man named Hall of Lithdale, and this because Bjorn asked it, for Hall was a friend to Bjom, and he had, moreover, great skill in all manner of seamanship, and had often sailed the Northern Seas — ay, and round England to the coast of France. But when Gudruda saw this man, she did not hke him, be- cause of his sharp face, uncanny eyes, and smooth tongue, and she prayed Eric to have nothing to do with him. ' It is too late now to talk of that,' said Eric. *■ Hall is a well-skilled man, anrl, for the rest, fear not : I will watch him.* * Then evil will come of it,' said Gudruda. Skallagrim also liked Hall little, nor did Hall love Skalla- grim and his great axe. At length aU were gathered ; they were fifty in number and it is said that no such band of men ever took ship from Iceland. Now the great dragon was bound and her faring goods were aboard of her, for Eric must sail on the morrow, if the wind should be fair. All day long he stalked to and fro among his men ; he would trust nothing to others, and there was no sword or shield in his company but he himself had proved it. All day long he stalked, and at his back went Skallagrim Lambs- tail, axe on shoulder, for he would never leave Eric if he had his will, and they were a mighty pair. At length all was ready and men sat down to the faring- feast in the hall at Middalhof, and that was a great feast. Erie's folk were gathered on the side-benches, and by the high seau at Asmund's side sat Brighteyes, and near to him were Bjom, Asmand'8 bod, Gudrudai Uxma, Asmund's betrothedt i! ■iiitiii I .r ^''\ »M •il I20 EJ^IC BRIG HTE YES and Saevuna, Eric's mother. For this had been settled between Asmund and Eric, that his mother Saevuna; who was now somewhat sunk in age, should flit from Coldback and come with Unna to dwell at Middalhof. But Eric set a trusty grieve to dwell at Coldback and mind the farm. When the faring- toasts had been drunk, Eric spoke to Asmund and said : * I fear one thing, lord, and it is that when I am gone Ospakar will trouble thee. Now, I pray you all to beware of Blacktooth, for, though the hound is whipped, he can still bite, and it seems that he has not yet put Gudruda from his mind.' Now Bjorn had sat silently, thinking much and drinking more, for he loved Eric less than ever on this day when he saw how all men did him honour and mourLed his going, and his father not the least of them. * Methinks it is thou, Eric,' he said, ' whom Ospakar hates, and thee on whom he would work his vengeance, and that for no light cause.' * When bad fortune sits in thy neighbour's house, she knocks upon thy door, Bjorn. Gudruda, thy sister, is my betrotliei, and thou art a party to this feud,' said Eric. * Therefore it becomes thee better to hold her honour and thy own against this Northlander, than to gird at me for that in which I have no blame.' Bjorn grew wroth at these words. * Prate not to me,' he said. ' Thou art an upstart who wouldst teach their duty to thy betters — ay, puffed up with light-won fame, like a feather on the breeze. But I say this : the breeze shall fail, and thou shalt fall upon the goose's back once more. And I say this also, that, had I my will, Gudruda should wed Ospakar : for he is a mighty chief, and not a long-legged carle, outlawed for man-slaying.' Now Eric sprang from his seat and laid hand upon the hilt of Whitefire, while men murmured in the hall, for they held this an ill speech of Bjorn's. *In thee, it seems, I have no friend,' said Eri' , * and hadst thou been any other man than Gudruda's brother, forsooth thou shouldat answer for thy mocking words. This I tell ivii. ERIC BRIG HTE YES X2X a lit Id st thee, Bjom, that, wert thou twice her brother, if thou plottest with Qspakar when I am gone, thou shalt pay dearly for it when I come back again. I know thy heart well : it is cunning and greedy of gain, and filled with envy as a cask with ale ; yet, if thou lovest to feel it beating in thy breast, strive not to work me mischief and to put Gudruda from me.' Now Bjom sprang up also and drew his sword, for he was white with rage ; but Asmujid his father cried, ' Peace ! ' in a great voice. * Peace ! ' he said. ' Be seated, Eric, and take no heed of this foolish talk. And for rhee, Bjorn, art thou the Priest of Middalhof, and Gudruda's father, or am I ? It has pleased me to betroth Brighteyes to Gudruda, and it pleased me not to betroth her to Ospakar, and that is enough for thee. For the rest, Ospakar would have slain Eric, not he Ospakar, therefore Eric's hands are clean. Though thou art my son, I say this, that, if thou workest ill to Eric when he is over sea, thou shalt rightly leam the weight of Whitefire : it is a nidder- ing deed to plot against an absent man.' Eric sat down, but Bjom strode scowling from the hall, and, taking horse, rode south ; nor did he and Eric meet again till three years were come and gone, and then they met but once. ' Maggots shall be bred of that fly, nor shall they lack flesh to feed on,' said Skallagrim in Eric's ears as he watched Bjom pass. But Eric bade him be silent, and turned to Gudruda. * Look not so sad, sweet,' he said, * for hasty words rise like the foam on mead and pass as soon. It vexes Bjom that thy father has given me the good ship : but his anger will soon pass, or, at the very worst, I fear him not while thou art true to me.' * Then thou hast little to fear, Eric,' she answered. * Look now on thy hair : it grows long as a woman's, and that is ill, for at sea the salt will hang to it. Say, shall I cut it for thee?' * Yes, Gudruda.' So she cut his yellow locks, and one of them lay upon her lieart iat many a day. ii — 11 !i .1 i .■ 11 laa ERIC BRIGHTEYES ' Now thou shalt swear to me/ she whispered m his ear, ' that no other man or woman shall cut thy hair till thou comest back to me and I clip it again.' * That I swear, and readily,' he answered. ' I will go long-haired hke a girl for thy sake, Gudruda.' He spoke low, but Eoll the Half-witted, Groa's thrall, heard this oath and kept it in his mind. Very early on the morrow all men rose, and, taking horse, rode once more to the seaside, till they came to that shed where the Gudruda lay. Then, when the tide was high, Eric's company took hold of the black ship's thwarts, and at his word dragged her with might and main. She ran down the greased blocks and sped on quivering to the sea, and as her dragon-prow dipped in the water people cheered aloud. Now Eric must bid farewell to all, and this he did with a brave heart till at the last he came to Saevuna, his mother, and Gudruda, his dear love. 'Farewell, son,' said the old dame; 'I have little hope that these eyes shall look again upon that bonny face of thine, yet I am weU paid for thy birth-pains, for few have borne such a man as thou. Think of me at times, for without me thou hadst never been. Be not led astray of women, nor lead them astray, or ill shall overtake thee. Be not quarrel- some because of thy great might, for there is a stronger than the strongest. Spare a fallen foe, and take not a poor man's goods or a brave man's sword ; but, when thou smitest, smite home. So shalt thou win honour, and, at the last, peace, that is more than honour. Erio thanked her for her counsel and kissed her, then turned to Gudruda, who stood, white and still, plucking at her golden girdle. < What can I say to thee ? ' he asked. * Say nothing, but go,* she answered : ' go before I weep.* * Weep not, Gudruda, or thou wilt unman me. Say, thou wilt think on me ? ' * Ay, Erio> by day and by night.' . i, ; .il ERIC BRIGHTEYES "3 ' And thou wilt be true to me ? * ' Ay, till death and after, for so long as thou cleavest to me I will cleave to thee. I will first die rather than betray thee. But of thee I am not so sure. Perchance thou mayst find Swanhild in thy journeyings and crave more kisses of her?* * Anger me not, Gudrada I thou knowest well that I hate Swanhild more than any woman. When I kiss her again, then thou mayst wed Ospakar.' ' Speak not so rashly, Eric/ she said, and as she spoke Skallagrim drew near. * If thou lingerest here, lord, the tide will serve us little round Westmans,' he said, eyeing Gudruda as it were with jealousy. * I come,' said Eric. * Gudruda, fare thee well ! * She kissed him and clung to him, but did not answer, for she could not speak. I ■ j , I i i( >mi' 124 ElilC BRIGHTEYES CHAPTER Xm BOW HALL THE MATE CUT THE GRAPNEL CHAIN UDRUDA bent her head hke a drooping flower, and pre- sently sank to earth, for her knees would bear her weight no more ; but Eric marched to the hp of the sea, his head held high and laughing merrily to hide his pain of heart. Here stood Asmund, who gripped him by both hands, and kissed him on the brow, bidding him good luck. * I know not whether we shall meet again,' he said ; * but, if my hours be sped before thou returnest, this I charge thee : that thou mindest Gudruda well, for she is the sweetest of all women that I have known, and I hold her the most deai..' * Fear not for that, lord,' said Eric ; * and I pray thee this, that, if I come back no more, as well may happen, do not force Gudruda into marriage, if she wills it not, and I think she i -A 'I ERIC BRIG HTE YES "5 will have little leaning that way. And I say this also : do not count overmuch on Bjorn thy son, for he has no loyal heart ; and beware of Groa, who was thy housekeeper, for she loves not that Unna should take her place and more. And now I thank thee for many good things, and farewell.' 'Farewell, my son,' said Asmund, 'for in this hour thou seemest as a son to me.' Eric turned to enter the sea and wade to the vessel, but Skallagrim caught him in his arms as though he were but a child, and, wading into the surf till the water covered his waistbelt, bore him to the vessel and Ufted him up so that Eric reached the bulwarks with his hands. Then they loosed the cable and got out the oars and soon were dancing over the sea. Presently the breeze caught them, and they set the great sail and sped away like a gull towards the Westman Isles. But Gudruda sat on the shore watching till, at length, the light faded from Eric's golden helm as he stood upon the poop, and the world grew dark to her. Now Ospakar Blacktooth had news of this sailing and took counsel of Gizur his son, and the end of it was that they made ready two great ships, dragons of war, and, placing sixty fighting men in each of them, sailed round the Iceland coast to the Westmans and waited there to waylay Eric. They had spies on the land, and from them they learned of Brighteyes' coming, and sailed out to meet him in the channel between the greater and the lesser islands, where they knew that he must pass. Now it drew towards evening when Eric rowed down this channel, for the wind had fallen and he desired to be clear at sea. Presently, as the Gudruda came near to the mouth of the channel, that had high cliffs on either hand, Eric saw two long dragons of war — for their bulwarks were shield-hung — glide from the cover of the island and take their station side by side between hira and the open sea. * Now here are vikings,' said Eric to Skallagrim. * Now here is Ospakar Blacktooth,' answered Skallagrim, ' for well I know that raven banner of his. This is a good 'I 111 136 E/a/C BRIGHTEYES ▼oyage, for we must seek but a little while before we oome to fighting.' Eric bade the men lay on their oars, and spoke : ' Before us is Ospakar Blacktooth with two great dragons, and he is here to cut us off. Now two choices are left to us : one is to bout ship and run before him, and the other to row on and give him battle. What say ye, comrades ? ' Hall of Lithdaie, the mate, answered, saying : ' Let us go back, lest we die. The odds are too great, Brie' But a man among the crew cried out, * Vvlion thou didst go on holmgang at Thingvalla, Eric, Ospakar's two chosen champions stood before thee, yet at Whitefire's flash they skurried through the water like startled ducks. It was an omen, for so shall his great ships fly when we swoop on them.' Then the others shouted : * Ay, ay 1 Never let it be said that we fled from Ospakar — ^fie on thy woman's talk, Hall ! ' * Then we are all of one mind, save Hall only,' said Eric. 'Let us put Ospakar to the proof.' And while men shouted * Yea 1 ' he turned to speak with Skallagrim. The Baresark was gone, for, wasting no breath in words, already he was fixing the long shields on the bulwark rail. The men busked on their harness and made them fit for fight, and, when all was ready, Eric mounted the poop, and with him Skallagrim, and bade the rowers give way. The Gudruda leapt forward and rushed on towards Ospakar's ships. Now they saw that these were bound together with a cable and yet they must go betwixt them. Eric ran forward to the prow, and with him Skallagrim, and called aloud to a great man who stood upon the ship to starboard, wearing a black helm with raven's wings : * Who art thou that bars the seas against me ? ' *I am named Ospakar Blacktooth,' answered the great man. * And what must we lose at thy hands, Ospakar ? ' 'But one thing — your lives I ' answered Blacktooth. * Thrice have we stood face to face, Ospakar,' said Erie, ERIC BRIG HTE YES 127 * and it seems that hitherto thou hast won no great glory. Now it shall be proved if thy luck has bettered.' ' Art yet healed, lord, of that prick in the shoulder which thou earnest by on Horse-Head Heights ? ' roared Skallagriin. For answer, Oskapar seized a spear and hurled it straight at Eric, and it had been his death had he not caught it in his hand as it flew. Then he cast it back, and that so mightily that it sped right through the shield of Ospakar and was the bane of a man who stood beside him. * A gift for a gift I ' laughed Eric. On rushed the Gudruda, but now the cable was strained six fathoms from her bow that held together the ships of Ospakar and it was too strong for breaking. Eric looked and saw. Then he drew Whitefire, and while all men wondered, leaped over the prow of the ship and, clasping the golden dragon's head with his arm, set his feet upon its claws and waited. On sped the ship and spears flew thick and fast about him, but there Brighteyes hung. Now the Gudruda' 3 bow caught the great rope and strained it taut and, as it rose beneath her weight, Eric smote swift and strong with Whiteflre and clove it in two, so that the severed ends fell with a splash into the quiet water. Eric sprang back to deck while stones and spears hissed about him. * That was well done, lord,* said Skallagrim ; * now we shall be snugly berthed.' * In oars and out grappling-irons,' shouted Eric. Up rose the rowers, and their war-gear rattled as they rose. They drew in the long oars, and not before it was time, for now the Gudruda forced her way between the two dragons of Ospakar and lay with her bow to their stems. Then with a shout Eric's men cast the irons and soon the ships were locked fast and the fight began. The spears flew thick, and on either side some got their death before them. Then the men of that vessel, named the Eaven, which was to larboard of the Gudruda made ready to board. On they came with a rush, and were driven back, though hardly, for they were many, and those who stood against them few. Again they came, scrambling over the bulwarks, and this time a score of them leapt aboard* 138 ERIC BRIG HTE YES illi > I iMii i I '1 ■' ..1 J.. 1 ^i ' il "ili I. Eric turned from the fight against the dragon of Ospakar and saw it. Then, with Skallagrim, he rushed to meet the boarders as they swarmed along the hold, and naught might they withstand the axe and sword. Through and through them swept the mighty pair, now Whitefire flashed, and now the great axe fell, and at every stroke a nan lay dead or wounded. Six of the boarders turned to fly, but just then the grappling-iron broke, and their ship drifted out with the tide towards the open sea, and pre- sently no man of that twenty was left alive. Now the men of the ship of Ospakar and of the Gudruda pressed each other hard. Thrice did Ospakar strive to come aboard and thrice he was pushed back. Eric was ever where he was most needed, and with him Skallagrim, for these two threw themselves about from side to side, and were now here and now there, so that it seemed as though there were not one golden helm and one black, but rather four on board the Gudruda. Eric looked and saw that the other ship was drawing round, though somewhat slowly, to come alongside of them once more. * Now we must make an end of Ospakar, else our hands will be overfull,' he said, and therewith sprang up upon the bulwarks and after him many men. Once tliey were driven back, but came on again, and now they thrust all Ospakar's men before them and passed up his ship on both boards. By the mast stood Ospakar and with him Gizur his son, and Erie strove to come at him. But many men were between them, and he could not do this. Presently, while the fight yet went on hotly and men fell fast, Brighteyes felt the dragon of Ospakar strike, and, looking, saw that they had drifted with the send of the tide on to the rocks of the island. There was a great hole in the hull amid- ships and the water rushed in fast. * Back ! men ; back ! ' he cried, and all his folk that were unhurt, ran, and leapt on board the Gudruda ; but Ospakar and his men sprang into the sea and swam for the shore. Then Skallagrim cut loose the grappling-irons with his axe, and that not too soon, for, scarcely had they poshed clear with great EhJC BRIGHTEYES 129 toll when the long warship slipped from the rock and foundered, taking many dead and wounded men with her. Now Ospakar and some of his people stood safe upon the rocks, and Eric called to him in mockery, bidding him come aboard the Gudruda. Ospakar made no ansv/er, but stood gnawing his hand, while the water ran from him. Only Gizur his son cursed them aloud. Eric was greatly minded to follow them, and land and fight them there ; but he might not do this, because of the rocks and of the other dragon, that hung about them, fearing to come on and yet not willing to go back. ' We will have her, at the least, said Eric, and bade the rowers get out their oars. Now, when the men on board the other ship saw the Gudruda drawing on, they took to their oars at once and rowed swiftly for the sea, and at this a great roar of laughter went down Eric's ship. * They shall not slip from us so easily,' said Eric ; * give way, comrades, and after them.' But the men were much wearied with fighting, and the decks were all cumbered with dead and wounded, so that by the time that the Gudruda had put about, and come to the mouth of the waterway, Ospakar' 3 vessel had shaken out her sails and caught the wind, that now blew strong off shore, and sped away six furlongs or more from Eric's prow * Now we shall see how the Gudruda sails,' said Eric, and they spread their canvas and gave chase. Then Eric bade men clear the deck;« of the dead, and tend the wounded. He had lost seven men slain outright, and three were wounded, one to death. But on board the ship there lay of Ospakar's force twenty and three dead men. When all were cast into the sea, men ate and rested. * We have not done so badly,' said Eric to Skallagrim. * We shall do better yet,' said Skallagrim to Eric ; * rather had I seen Ospakar's head ying in the scuppers than those of all his carles ; for he may get more meny but never another headr ■•i I'll i 1 ':1 4 ■ill 1 130 EI^/C BRIGHTEYES Now the wind freshened till by midnight it blew stronglj. The mate Hall came to Eric and said : ' The Gudruda dips her nose deep in Ban's cup. Say, Eric, shall we shorten sail ? ' ' Nay,' answered Eric, ' keep her full and bail. Whore yon- der Raven flies, my Sea-stag must follow,' ard he pointed lo the warship that rode the waves before them. After midnight clouds came up, with rain, and hid the face of the night-sun and the ship they sought. The wind blew ever harder, till at length, when the rain had passed and the clouds lifted, there was much water in the hold and the bailers could hardly stand at their work. Men murmured, and Hall the mate murmured most of all ; but still Eric held on, for there, not two furlongs ahead of them, rode the dragon of Ospakar. But now, being afraid of the wind and sea, she had lowered her sail somewhat, and made as though she would put about and run for Iceland. *That she may not do,' called Eric to Skallagrim, * if once she rolls side on to those seas Han has her, for she must fill and sink.' * So they hold, lord,' answered Skallagrim ; * see, once more she runs 1 ' * Ay, but we run faster — she is outsailed. Up, men, up : for presently the fight begins.' Stroma, the southernmost of the Orkneys. Iflii'ol j s 137 ^-JP/C BRiGHTEYES * That was a fey dream,' said Skallagrim, * and now we must do as the wraith bade thee.' * Easy to say, but hard to do,' quoth Eric : * this is a great rope that holds us, and a strong.' ' Yes, it is great and strong ; still, we must burst it.* Now Eric and Skallagrim were made fast in this fashion : their hands were bound behind them, and their legs were lashed above the feet and above the knae. Moreover, a thick cord was fixed about the waist of each, and this cord was passed through the iron ring and knotted there. But it chanced that beneath the hollows of their knees ran an oaken beam, which held the forepart of the dragon together. ' We may try this,' said Eric: * to set our feet against the beam, and strain with all our strength upon the rope ; though I think that no two men can part it.' * We shall know that presently,' said Skallagrim, gathering up his legs. Then they set their feet against the beam and pulled till it groaned ; but, though the rope gave somewhat, it would not break. They rested a while, then strained again till the sweat burst out upon them and the rope cut into their flesh, but stili it would not part. * Now we have found our match,' said Eric. * That is not altogether proved yet,' answered the Baresark. • Many a shield is riven at the third stroke.' So once again they set their feet against the beam, and put out all their strength. * The ring bends,' gasped Eric. * Now, when the roll of the ship throws our weight to leeward, in the name of Thor pull!' They waited, then put out their might, and lo! though the rope did not break, the iron ring burst asunder and they rolled upon the deck. * Well pulled, truly,' said Skallagrim as he struprgled to his haunches : ' I am marked about the middle with rope- twists for many a day to come, that I will swear. What next, lord ? ' * Whitefire,' answered Eri(j, m^ ERTC BRICHTEYES 138 Now, their arms were piled a fathom or more from where they sat, and right in the prow of the ship. Hither, then, they must crawl upon their mees, and this was weary work, for ever as the ship rolled vhey fell, and could in no wise save themselves from hurt. Eric was bleeding at the brow, and bloody was the hooked nose of Skallagrim, before they came to where Whitefire was. At length they reached the sword, and pushed aside the bucklers that were over it with their heads. The great war-blade was sheathed, and Erie must needs lie upon his breast and draw the weapon somewhat with his teeth. ' This is an ill razor to shave with/ he said, rising, for the keen blade had cut his chin. * So some have thought and perchance more shall think,* answered Skallagrim. ' Now set the rope on the edge and rub.' This they did, and presently the thick cord that bound them was in two. Then Eric knelt upon the deck ftiid pressed the bonds that bound his legs upon the blade, and after him Skallagrim. They were free now, except for their hands, and it was no easy thing to cut away the bonds upon their wrists. It was done thus : Skallagrim sat. upon the deck, and Eric pushed the sword between his fingers with his feet. Then the Baresark rose, holding the sword, and Eric, turning back to back with him, fretted the cords upon his wrists against the blade. Twice he cut himself, but the third time the cord parted and he was free. He stretched his arms, for they were stiff ; then took Whitefire and cut away the bonds of Skallagrim. * How goes it with that hurt of thine ? ' he asked. * Better than I had thought,' answered Skallagrim ; * the soreness has come out with the bruise.* * That is good news,' said Eric, * for methinks, unless Swan- hild walked the seas for nothing, thou wilt soon need thine arms.' ' They have never failed me yet,' said Skallagrim and took his axe and shield. ' What counsel now ? ' 'This, Skallagnm : that we he down as we were, and put the I »39 ERIC BRIG HTE YES 'm\ i/ I cloaks about us as though we were yet in bonds. Then, if these kntives come, we can take them unawares as l"hey think to take us.' So they went again to where they had been bound, and lay down upon their shields and weapons, drawing cloaks over them. Scarcely had they done this and rested a while, when they saw the mate and all the crew coming along both boards towards them. They bore no weapons in their hands. * None too soon did Swanhild walk,' said Eric ; * now we shall learn their purpose. Be thou ready to leap forth when I give the word.' * Ay, lord,' ansv/ered Skallagrim as he worked his stiff arm to and fro. * In such matters few have thought mo backward.' * What news, friends ? ' cried Eric ae the men drew near. *Bad news for thee, Brighteyes,' answered the mate, *and that Baresark thrall of thine, for we must loose yonr bands.' * That is good news, then,' said Eric, * for our limbs are numb and dead because of the nipping of the cords. Is land in sight ? ' * Nay, nor will be for thee, Eric' * How now, friend ? how now ? Sure, having hand- selled peace to us, ye mean no harm towards two unarmed men?' ' "We swore to do vou no harm, nor will we, Eric ; this only will we do : deUver you, bound, to Kan, and leave her to deal with you as deal she may.' * Bethink you, sirs,' said Eric : * this is a cruel deed and most unmanly. We yielded to you in faith — will ye broak your troth ? ' * War has no troth,' he answered, * ye are too great to le^ alip between our fingers. Shall it be said of us that two men overcame us all ? ' * Mayhap ! ' murmured Skallagrim beneaih his breath. * Oh, sirs. I beseech you,' said Eric ; ' I am young, and there is a maid who waits me out in Iceland, and it is hard to die,' and he U'ado as though he wept, while Skallagrim laughed ERIC BRIGHTEYES 140 within his sleeve, for it was strange to see Erie feigning fear. But the men mocked aloud. ' This is the great man,' they cried, ' this is that Eric of whose deeds folk sing ! Look ! he weeps hke a child when he sees the water. Drag him forth and away with him into the seal ' 'Little need for that,' cried Eric, and lo! the cloaks about him and Skallagrim flew aside. Out they came with a roar ; they came out as a she-bear from her cave, and high above Brighteyes' golden curls Whitefire shone in the pale hght, and nigh to it shone the axe of Skallagrim. Wliitefire flared aloft, then down he fell and sought the false heart of the mate. The great ax3 of Skallagrim shone and was lost in the breast of the carle who stood before him. * Trolls ! ' shrieked one. ' Here are trolls ! ' and turned to fly. But again Whitefire was up and that man flow not far — one pace, no more. Then they fled screaming and after them came axe and sword. They fled, they fell, they leaped into the sea, till none were left to fall and leap, for they had no time or heart to find or draw their weapons, and presently Eric Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail stood alone upon the deck — alone with the dead. * Swanhild is a wise witch,' gasped Eric, * anu, whatever ill she has done, I will remember this to her honour. * Little good comes of witchcraft,' answered Skallagrim, wiping his !)row : * to-day it works for our hands, to-morrow it shall work against them.' ' To the helm,' said Eric ; * the ship yaws and comes side on to the seas.' Skallagrim sprang to the tiller and put his strength on it, and but just in time, for on i big sea came aboard them and left much water in the hold. * We owe this to thy Baresark ways,' said Eric. * Hadst thou not slain the steersman we had not filled with water.' * True, lord,' answered Skallagrim ; * but when once my axe is jiloft, it seems to fly of itself, till nothing is left before it. What co'4irse now ? ' Ill .lilt i ' i n X4X E/i/C BRIGHTEYES * The same on which the Gudruda was laid. Perhaps, if ure may endure till we come to the Farcy Isles, ^ we shall find her in harbour there.* * There is not much chance of that,' said Skallagrim ; * still, the wind is fair and we fiy fast before it.' Then they lashed the tiller and set to bailing. They bailed long, and it was heavy work, but they rid the ship of much water. After that they ate food, for it was now morn- ing, and it came on to blow yet more strongly For three days and three nights it blew thus, and the Raven fled along before the gale. All this time, turn and turn about, Eric and Skallagrim stood at the helm and tended the sails. They had httle time to eat, and none to sleep. Thoy were so hard pressed also, and must harbour their strength so closely, that the bodies of the dead men yet cumbered the hold. Thus they grew very weary and like to fall from faintness, but still they held the Eaven on her course. In the beginning of the fourth night a great sea struck the good ship so that she quivered from stem to stern. * Methinks I hear water bubbling up,' said Skallagrim in a hoarse voice. Eric climbed down into the well and lifted the bottom planks, and there beneath them was a leak through which the water spouted in a inin stream. He stopped up the rent as best he might with garments from the dead men, and placed ballast stones upon them, then clambered on to deck again. * Our hours are short now,* he said, ' the wate*- rushes in apace.' * Well, it is time to rest,' said Skallagrim ; * but see, lord 1 ' and he pointed ahead. ' What land is that ? ' * It must be the Fareys,' answered Eric ; ' now, if we can but keep afloat for three hours more, we may yet die ashore.' After this tks wind began to fall, but still there was enough to drive the Eaven on swiftly. And ever the water gained in the hold. Kow they were not far from land, for ahead of them the > The Faioetf. if Tve it die ir/?/C BRIGHTEYES 142 bleak hills towered up, shining m the faint midnight light, and between the hills was a cleft that seemed to be a i^ord. Another hour passed, and they were no more than ten fur- longs from the mouth of the fjord, when suddenly the wind fell, and they were in calm water under shelter of the land. Thoy went amidships and looked. The hold was half full of water, and in it floated the bodies of Ospakar's men. * She has not long to live,' said Skallagrim, ' but we may still be saved if the boat is not broken.' Now aft, near the tiller, a small boat was bound on the half deck of the Kaven. They went to it and looked ; it was whole, with oars lashed in it, but half full of water, which they must bail out. This they did as swiftly as they might ; then they cut the little boat loose, and, having made it fast with a rope, lifted it over the side -rail and let it fall into the sea, and that was no great way, for the Raven had sunk deep. It fell on an even keel, and Eric let himself down the rope into it and called to Skallagrim to follow. * Bide a while, lord,' he answered ; * there is that which I would bring with me,' and he went. For a space Eric waited and then called aloud, * Swift ! thou fool ; swift ! the ship sinks ! ' And as he called, Skallagrim came, and his arms were full of swords and byrnies, and red rings of gold that he had found time to gather from the dead and out of the cabin. ' Throw all aside and come,' said Eric, laying on to the oars, for the Raven wallowed before she sank. * There is yet time, lord, and the gear is good,' answered Skallagrim, and one by one he threw pieces down into i]\Q boat. As the last fell the Raven sank to her bulwarks. Then Skallagrim stepped from the sinking deck into the boat, and cut the cord, not too soon. Eric gave way with all his strength, and, as he pulled, when he was no more than five fathoms from her, the Raven vanished with a huge swirl. ' Hold still,' ho said, ' or we shall follow.' Bound spun the boat in the eddy, she was sucked down ill 143 ERIC BRIGHTEYES i i till the water trickled over her gunwale, and for a moment they knew not if they were lost or saved. Eric held his breath and watched, then slowly the boat lifted her nose, and they were safe from the whirlpool of the lost dragon. * Greed is many a man's bane,' said Eric, * and it was nearly thine and mine, Skallagrim.' * I had no heart to leave the good gear,' he answered ; * and thou seest, lord, it is safe and we with it.' Then they got the boat's head round slowly into the mouth of the fjord, pausing now and again to rest, for their strength was spent. For two houra they rowed down a gulf, as it were, and on either side of them were barren hills. At length the water-way opened out '\vl\x) a great basin, and there, on the 'urther side of the basin, they saw green slopes running down to the water's edge, strewn with white stock-fish set to dry in the wind and sun, and above the slopes a large hall, and about it booths. Moreover, they saw a long dragon of war at anchor near the shore. For a while they rowed on, easing now and again. Then Eric spoke to Skallagrim. * What thinkest thou of yonder ship, Lambstail ? ' ' I think this, lord : that she is fashioned wondrous like to the Gudruda.' * That is in my mind also,' said Eric, * and our fortune is good if it is she.' They rowed on again, and presently a ray from the sun came over the hills — for now it was three hours past midnight — and, the ship having swung a little with the tide, lit upon her prow, and lo I there gleamed the golden dragon of the Gudruda. * This is a strange thing,' said Eric. * Ay, lord, a strange and a merry, for now I shall talk with Hall the mate,' and the Baresark smiled grimly. * Thou shalt do no hurt to Hall,' said Eric. * I am lord here, and I must judge.' * Thy will is my will,' said Skallagrim ; * but if my will were thine, he should hang on the mast till sea-birds nested amidst his bones.' l^ow they were close to the ship, but they could see no ERTC BRtGHTEYRS 144 to IS man. Skallagrim would have called aloud, but Erie bade bim hold his peace. *■ Either they are dead, and thy calling cannot wako them, or perchance they sleep and will wake of themselves. We will row under the stern, and, having made fast, climb aboard and see with our own eyes.' This, then, they did as silently as might be, and saw that the Qudruda had not been handled gently by the winds and waves, for her shield-rail was washed away. This they found also, that all men lay deep in sleep. Now, amidships a fire still burned, and by it was food. They came there and ate of the food, of which they had great need. Then they took two cloaks that lay on the deck, and, throwing them about them, warmed them- selves over the fire : for tiiey were cold and wet, ay, and utterly outworn. As they sat thus warming themselves, a man of the crew awoke and saw them, and, being amazed, at once called to his fellows, saying that two giants were aboard, warming them- selves at the fire. Now men sprang up, and, seizing their weapons, ran towards them, and among them was Hall the mate. Then suddenly Eric Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail threw aside the cloaks and stood up. They were gaunt and grim to see. Their cheeks were hollow and their eyes stared wide with want of sleep. Thick was their harness with brine, and open wounds gaped upon their faces and their hands. Men saw and fell back in fear, for they held them to be wizards risen from the sea in the shapes of Eric and the Baresark. Then Eric sang this song : Swift and sure across the Swan's Baih Sped Sea-stag on Haven's track, Heav'd Ban's breast in raging billows, Stream'd gale-banners through the sky 1 Yet did Eric the war-eager Leap with Baresark-mate aboard. Fierce their onset on the foemen I Wherefore brake the grapnel-chain? 36 no Hall heard and slunk back, for now he saw that these were ^45 BRIC BRIGHTEYES ] ! ! I I <«■! indeed Eric and Skallagriin come up alive from the sea, and that they knew his baseness. Eric looked at him and sang again : Swift away sped ship Gudruda, Left her lord in foeman's ring ; Brighteyes back to back with Baresark Held his head 'gainst mighty odds. Down amidst the ballast tumbling, Ospakar's shield-carles were rolled. Holy peace at length they handselled, Eric must in bonds be laid I Came the Grey Rat, came the Earl's wife, Came the witch-word from afar ; Cag'd wolves roused them, and with struggling Tore their fetter from its hold. Now they watch upon their weapons ; Now they weep and pray for life ; Now they leap forth like a torrent — Swept away is foeman's strength I Then alone upon the Baven Three long days they steer and sail, Till the waters, welling upwards, Wash dead men about their feet. Fails the gale and sinks the dragon, Barely may the^ win the boat : Safe they stand on ship Gudruda— Say, who cut the giapnel-chain ? \ MRJC BRIG HTE YES 146 CHAPTER XV HOW EKIC DWELT IN LONDON TOWN LAST ELFliIDA. EN stood astonished, but Hall the mate slunk back. ' Hold, comrade,' said Eric, *! have something to say that songs cannot carry. Hearken, my shield-mates : we swore to be true to each other, even to death : is it not so ? What then shall be said of that man who cut loose the Gudruda and left us two to die at the foeman'a hand ? ' * Who was the man ? ' asked a voice. * That man was Hall of Lithdale,' said Eric. * It is false ! ' said Hall, gatherini^ up his courage ; the cable parted beneath the straining of the ship, and afterwards we could not put about because of the great sea.' * Thou .rt false ! ' roared Skallagrim. ' With my eyes I saw thee let thine axe fall upon the cable. Liar art thou and dastard ! Thou art jealous also of Brighteyes thy lord, and this was in thy mind : to let him die upon the Raven and then to bind his shoes upon thy cowardly feet. Though none else saw, I saw ; and I say this : that if 1 may have my will, *l'i| H7 ERIC BRIG HTE YES I will string thee, living, to the prow in that same ca^ie till gulls tear out thy fox-heart ! ' Now Hall grew very white and his knees trembled beneath him. ' It is true,' he said, * that I cut the chain, but not from any thought of evil. Had I not cut it the vessel must have sunk and all been lost.' ' Did we not swear. Hall,' said Eric sternly, * together to fight and together to fall — together to fare and, if need be, together to cease from faring, and dost thou read the oath thus? Say, mates, what reward shall be paid to this man HALL THE LL/IR ROWS ASHORE, for his good fellowship to us |ind his tenderness for your lives ? ' As with one voice the men answered ' Death / ' *Thou hearcst, Hall?' said Eric. 'Yet I would deal more gently with one to whom I swore fellowship so lately. Get thee gone from our company, ; nd let us see thy cur's face no more. Get thee gone, I say, before I repent of my mercy.' Then amidst a loud hooting, Hall took his weapons and without a word slunk into the boat of the Raven that lay astern, and rowed ashore ; nor did Eric see his face for many months. * Thou hast done foolishly, lord, to let that weasel go,' said Skallagrim, * for he will live to nip thy hand.' l2 mur tely. lur's my land lay lany go,' ERIC BRIG HTE YES * For good or ill, he is gone,' said Eric, worn out and desire to sleep.' 148 'and now I am After this Eric and Skallagrim rested three full days, and they were so weary that they were awake for Uttle of this time. But on the third day they rose up, strong and well, except for their hurts and soreness. Then they told the men of that which had come to pass, and all wondered at their might and hardi- hood. To them indeed Eric seemed as a God, for few such deeds as his had been told of since the God-kind were on earth. But Brighteyes thought little of his deeds, and much of Gudruda. At times also he thought of Swanhild, and of that witch-dream she sent him : for it was wonderful to him that she should have saved him thus from Ban's net Eric was heartily welcomed by the Earl of the Farey Isles, for, when he heard his deeds, he made a feast in his honour, and set him in the high seat. It was a great feast, but Skallagrim became drunk at it and ran down the chamber, axe aloft, roaring for Hall of Lithdale. This angered Eric much and he would scarcely speak to Skallagrim for many days, though the great Baresark slunk about after him like his shadow, or a whipped hound at its master's heel, and at length humbled his pride so far as to ask pardon fcr his fault. * I grant it for thy deeds' sake,' said Eric shortly; 'but this is upon my mind : that thou wilt err thus again, and it shall be my cause of death — ay, and that of many more.' * First may my bones be white,' said Skallagrim. * They shall be white thereafter,' answered Eric. At Fareys Eric shipped twelve good men and true, to take the seats of those who had been .dain by Ospakar's folk. Afterwards, when the wounded were wc^il of their hurts (except one man who died), and the (judruda was made fit to take the sea again, Brighteyes bade farewell to the Earl of thjse Isles, who gave him a good cloak and a gold ring at parting, and sailed away. Now, it were too long to teU 01 all the deeds that Eric and his r n 'iii'lWI ml |i||B ft 'SB ill ill 1 149 ERIC BRIGHTEYES "■::# men did. Never, so scalds sing, was there a viking like him for strength and skill and hardihood, and, in those days, no such war-dragon as the Gudruda had been known upon the sea. Wherever Eric joined battle, and that was in many places, he conquered, for none prevailed against him, till at last foes would fly before the terror of his name, and earls and kings would send from far uiaving the aid of his hands. Withal he was the best and gentlest af men. It is said of Eric that in all his days he did no base deed, nor hurt the weak, nor refused peace to him who prayed it, nor lifted sword against prisoner or wounded foe. From traders he would take a toll of their merchandise only and let them go, and whatever gains he won he would share equally, asking no larger part than the meanest of his band. All men loved Eric, and even his foes gave him honour and spoke well of him. Now that Hall of Lithdale was gone, there was no man among his mates who would not have passed to death for him, for they held him dearer than their lives. Women, too, loved h:im much ; but his heart was set upon Gudruda, and he seldom turned to look on them. The first summer of his outlawry Eric warred along the coast of Ireland, but in the winter he came to Dublin, and for a while served in the body-guard of the king of that town, who held him in honour, and would have had binn stay there. But Eric would not bide there, and next spring, the Gudruda being ready for sea, he sailed for the shores of England. There he gave battle to two vikings' ships of war, and took them after a hard fight. It was in this fight that Skallagrim Lambstail was wounded almost to death. For when, having taken one ship, Eric boarded the other with but few men, he was driven back and fell over a beam, and would have been slain, had not Skallagrim thrown himself across his body, taking on his own back that blow of a battle-axe which was aimed at Eric's head. This was a great wound, for the axe shore through the steel of the bymie and sank into the flesh. But when Eric's men saw their lord down, and Skallagrim, as they deemed, dead atliwart him, they made so fierce a rush that the foomen foil before them hke leaves ERIC BRIGHTEYES 150 before a winter gale, and the end of it was that the vikings prayed peace of Eric. Skallagrim lay sick for many days, but he was hard to kill, and Erie nursed him back to Ufe. After this these two loved each other as brother loves twin brother, and they could scarcely bear to be apart. But other people did not love Skallagrim, nor he them. Eric sailed on up the Thames to London, bringing the viking ships with him, and he deUvered their captuins bound to Edmund, Edward's son, the king who was called Edmund the Magnificent. These captains the King hung, for they had wrought damage to his ships. Eric found much favour with the King, and, indeed, his fame had gone before him. So when he came into the court, bravely clad, with Skallagrim at his back, who was now almost recovered of his wound, the King called out to him to draw near, saying that he desired to look on the bravest viking and most beauteous man who sailed the seas, and on that fierce Baresark whom men called ' Eric's Death-shadow.* So Eric came forward up the long hall that was adorned with things more splendid than ever his eyes had seen, and stood before the King. With him came Skallagrim, driving the two captive viking chiefs before him with his axe, as a flesher drives lambs. Now, during these many months Brighteyes had grown yet more great in girth and glorious to look on than he was before. Moreover, his hair was now so long that it flowed Hke a flood of gold down towards his girdle, for since Gudruda trimmed it no shears had come near his head, and his locks grew fast as a woman's. The King looked at him and was astonished. * Of a truth,' he said, ' men have not lied about thee, Ice- lander, nor concerning that great wolf-hound of thine,' and he pointed at Skallagrim with his sword of state. ' Never saw I such a man ; ' and he bade all the mightiest men of his body-guard stand forward that he might measure them against Eric. But Brighteyes was an inch taller than the tallest, and measured half a span more round the chest than the biggest. ' What wouldst thou of me, Icelander 1 ' aaked the King. 'ili'i 151 ERIC BRIGHTEYES \ I mil * This, lord,' said Eric : * to serve thee a while, and all my men with me.' ' That is an offer that few would turn from,' answered the King. * Thou shalt go into my body-guard, and, if I have my will, thou shalt be near me in battle, and thy wolf-dog also.' Eric said that he asked no better, and thereafter he went up with Edmund the King to make war on the Danes of Mercia, and he and Skallagrim did great deeds before the eyes of the Englishmen. That winter Eric and his company came back to London, and abode with the King in much state and honour. Now, there was a certain lady of the court named Elfrida. She was both fair and wealthy, the sweetest of women, and of roj^al blood by her mother's side. So soon as her eyes fell on Eric she loved him, and no one thing did she desire more than to bo his wife. But Brighteyes kept pJoof from her, fcr he loved Gudruda alone ; and so the winter wore away, and in the spring he went away warring, nor did he come back till autumn was at hand. The Lady Elfrida sat at a window when Eric rode through London Town in the King's following, and as he passed she threw him a wreath of flowers. The King saw it and laughed. •My cold kinswoman seems to melt before those bright eyes of thine, Icelander,' he said, ' as my foes melt before Whitefire's flame. Well, I could wish her a worse mate,' and he looked on him strangely. Eric bowed, but made no answer. That night, as they sat at meat in the palace, the Lad} Elfrida, being bidden in jest of Edmund the King to fill the cup of the bravest, passed down the board, and, before all men, poured wine into Eric's cup, and, as she did so, welcomed him back with short sweet words. Eric grew red as dawn, and thanked her graciously ; but after the feast he spoke with Skallagrim, asking him of the Gudruda, and when she could be ready to take the sea. *In ten days, lord,' said Skallagrim; 'but stay we not here with the King this winter ? It is late to sail.' ERIC BRIGHTEYES 152 I my I the Bmy so.' went es of 5 eyes ndon, , there 3 both blood ic she to be ! loved in the ,utumn rode as he saw it bright before te,' and Lad} ill the In men, 3d him but I of the not * Nay,' said Eric, ' we bide not here. I would winter this year in Fareys, for they are the nighest place to Iceland that I may reach. Next summer my three years of outlawry are over, and I would fare back homewards.' ' Now, I see the shadow of a woman's hand,' said Skalla- grim. * It is very late to face the northern seas, and we may sail to Iceland from London in the spring.' * It is my will that we should sail,' answered Eric. * Past Orkneys runs the road to Fareys,' said Skallagrim, ' and in Orkneys sits a hawk to whom the Lady Elfrida is but a dove. In faring from ill we may hap on worse.' * It is my will that we sail,' said Eric stubbornly. ' As thou wilt, and as the King wills,' answered Skalla- grim. On the morrow Eric went in before the King and craved a boon. ' There ifi little that thou canst ask, Brighteyes,' said the King, * that I will not give thee, for, by my troth, I hold thee dear.' * I am come to seek no gTeat thing, lord,' answered Eric, ' but this only : leave to bid thee farewell. I would wend homeward.' ' Say, Eric,' said the King, ' have I not dealt well with thee?' * Well, and overwell, lord.' * Why, then, wonldst thou leave me ? I have this in my mind — to bring thee to great honour. See, now, there is a fair lady in this court, and in her veins runs blood that even an Ice' and viking might be proud to mate with. She has great lands, and, mayhap, she shall have more. Canst thou not find a home on them, thinkest thou, Brighteyes ? ' * In Iceland only I am at home, lord,' said Eric. Then the King w£ s wroth, and bade him begone when it pleased him, and Eric bowed before him and went out. Two days afterwards, while Eric was walking in the Palace gardens he met the Lady Elfrida face to face. She held white flowers in her hand, and she was fair to see and pale as the flowers she bore. 153 ERIC BRIGHTEYES He greeted her, and, after a while, she spoke to him in a gentle voice : ' They say that thou goeet from England, Bright- eyes ? ' she said. ' Yes, lady ; I go,* he answered. She looked on him once and twice and then burst out- weeping. * Why goest thou hence to that cold land of thine ? ' she sobbed — *■ that hateful land of mow and ice ! Is not Englc*id good enoiv.i Toi ■ *^ v ' I am at home therf), ir'Aly^ uA there my mother waits xne.' * " There thy mother waits thee," Eric ? — say, does a maid called Gudruda the Fair wait thee there also ? ' ' There is such a maid in Iceland,' said Eric. * Yes ; I know it — I know it all,' she answered, drying her tears, and of a sudden growing cold and proud : ' Eric, thou art betrothed to this Gudruda; and, for thy welfare, somewhat overfaithful to thy troth. For hearken, Eric Brighteyes. I know this : that little luck shall come to thee from the maid Gudruda. It would become me ill to say moro ; nevertheless, this is true — that here, in England, good fortune vvaits thy hand, and there in Iceland such fortune as men mete to their foes. Knowest thou this ? * Eric looked at her and answered: 'Lady,' he said, * men are not bom of their own will, they live and do Httle that they will, they die and go, perchance, whither they v,-ould not. Yet it may happen to a man that one meets him whose hand he fain would hold, if it be but for an hour's travel over icy ways ; and it is better to hold that hand for this short hour than to wend his life through at a stranger's side.' * Perhaps there is wisdom in thy folly,' said the Lady Elfrida. ' Still, I tell thee this : that no good luck waits thee there in Iceland.' ' It well may be,' said Eric : ' my days have been stormy, and the gale is still brewing. But it is a poor heart that fears the storm. Better to sink ; for, coward or hero, all must sink at last.' ' Say, Eric,' said the lady, ' if that hand thou dost desire to hold is lost to thee, what then ? ' ERIC BRIG HTE YES 154 'If that band is col'^ in deu.tb, then henceforth I wend my V." ys plone.' * And if it be lield of ano her > .and than thine ? ' * Then I will journey back to England, lady, and here in tlJ3 fair garden I may crave speech of thee again.' They looV\ i Oi*e on another. ' Fare thee well, Eric I ' said the Lady Ell'rida. ' Here in this garden we may talk again ; and, if we talk no more — why, fare thee well ! Days come and go ; the swallow takes flight at winter, and lo ! at spring it twitters round the eaves. And if it come not again, the. ^ar well to that swallow. The world is a great house, Ei \ a :- there is room for many swallows. But alas ! for her wh •> it left desolate — alas, alas I ' And she turned and went. It is told of this Lady Elfrida that she became very wealthy and was much honoured for her gentleness and wise .i , and k,hat, when she was old, she built a great church and named it Erioskirk. It is also told that, though many sought her in marriage, she wedded nond. 11^ t ■ ! ■11 155 ERIC BRIGHTEYES CHAPTER XVI HOW SWANUILD WALJLED THE SEAS THE SHIP GUDRUDA IN THE TUA.MliS. ITHIN two days afterwards, tlio Gudruda being bound for sea, Eric went up to bid farewell to the Kiiicf. But Edmund was so angry with him because of his going that he would not see hira. Thereon Eric took horse and rode down sadly from the Palace to the river-bank where the Gudruda lay. But when he was about to give the word to get out the oars, the King himself rode up, and with him men bearing costly gifts. Eric went ashore to speak with him. * I am angry with thee, Brighteyes,' said Edmund, ' yet it is not in my heart to let thee go without words and gifts of farewell. This only I ask of thee now, that, if things go not well with thee there, out iu Iceland, thou wilt come back tome,' ERIC DRIGHTEYES 156 < I will — that I promise thee, King/ said Eric, ' for I shall never find a better lord.' • Nor I a braver servant,' said the King. Then he gave him the gifts and kissed him before all men. To Skallagrim also he gave a good bymie of Welsh steel coloured black. Then Eric went aboard again and dropped down the river with the tide. For five days all went well with them, the sea being calm and the winds light and favourable. But on the fifth night, as they sailed slowly along the coasts of East Anglia over against Yarmouth sands, the moon rose red and ringed and the sea fell dead calm. 'Yonder hangs a storm-lamp, lord,' said Skallagrim, pointing to the angry moon. ' We shall soon be bailing, for the autumn gales draw near.' * Wait t'.U they come, then speak,' said Eric. ' Thou croak- est ever like a raven.' ' And ravens croak before foul weather,' answered Skalla- grim, and just as he spoke a sudden gust of wind came up from the south east and laid the Gudruda over. After this it came on to blow, and so fiercely that for whole days and eights their clothes were scarcely dry. They ran northwards before the storm and still northward, sighting no land and seeing no stars. And ever as they scudded on the gale grew fiercer, till at length the men were worn out with bailing and starved with wet and cold. Three of their number also were washed away by the seas, and all were in sorry plight. • It was the fourth night of the gale. Eric stood at the helm, and by him Skallagrim. They were alone, for their comrades were spent and lay beneath decks, waiting for death. The ship was half full of water, but they had no more strength to bail. Eric seemed grim and gaunt in the white light of the moon, and his long hair streamed about him wildly. Grimmer yet was Skallagrim as he clung to the shield-rail and stared across the deep. ' She rolls heavily, lord,' he shouted, ' and the water gains fast.' •i ^57 ERIC BRIGHT EYES ' GaD the men bail no more ? ' asked Eric. * Nay, they are outworn and wait for death.' * They need not wait long/ said Erio. ' What do they say of me ? • * Nothing.' Then Eric groaned alond. ' It was my stubbornness that brought us to this pass,' he said ; ' I care little for myself, but it is ill that all should die for one man's folly.' ' Grieve not, lord,' answered Skallagrim, * that is the world's way, and there are worse things than to drown. Listen I methinks I hear the roar of breakers yonder,' and he pointed to the left. ' Breakers they surely are,' said Eric. ' Now the end is near. But see, is not that land looming up on the right, or is it cloud ? ' ' It is land,' said Skallagrim, ' and I am sure of this, that we run into a firth. Look, the seas boil like a hot spring. Hold on thy course, lord, perchance we may yet steer between rocks and land. Already the wind falls and the current lessens the seas * Ay,' said Eric, * already the fog and rain come up,* and he pointed ahead where dense clouds gathered in the shape of a giant, whose head reached to the skies and moved towards them, hiding the moon. Skallagrim looked, then spoke: *Now here, it seems, is witchwork. Say, lord, hast thou ever seen mist travel against wind as it travels now ? ' ' Never before,' said Eric, and as he spoke the light of the moon went out. 1 1 Swanhild, Atli's wife, sat in beauty in her bower on Straumey Isle and looked with wide eyes towards the sea. It was midnight. None stirred in Atli's hall, but still Swan- hild looked out towards the sea. Now she turned and spoke into the darkness, for there was no hght in the bower save the light of her great eyes. * Art thou there ? ' she said. ' I have summoned thee thrice in the words thou knowest. Say, Toad, art there ? ' ERIC BRIC.HTEYES 158 LS, 18 i;aiust )ftbe \x on sea. iwan- * Ay, Swanhild the Fatherless I Swanhild, Groa's daughter ! Witcli-mother's witch-child 1 I am here. What is thy will with me ? ' piped a thin voice hke the voice of a dyiug babe. Swanhild shuddered a little and her eyes grew brighter— as bright as the eyes of a cat. ' This first/ she said : ' that thou show thyself. Hideons as thou art, I had rather see thee, than speak with thee seeing thee not.* * Mock not my form, lady,* answered the thin voice, * for it is as thou dost fashion it in thy thought. To the good I am fair as day ; to the evil, foul as their heart. Toad thou didst call me : look, now I come as a toad 1 * Swanhild looked, and behold ! a ring of the darkness grew white with light, and in it crouched a thing hideous to see. It was shaped as a great spotted toad, and on it was set a hag's face, with white locks hanging down on either side. Its eyes were blood-red and sunken, black were its fangs, and its skin was dead yellow. It grinned horribly as Swanhild shrank from it, then spoke again : * Qrey Wolf thou didst call me once, Swanhild, when thou wouldst have thrust Gudruda down Goldfoss gulf, and as a grey wolf I came, and gave thee counsel that thou tookest but iU. Bat didst thou call me once, when thou wouldst save Brighteyes from the carles of Ospakar, and as a rat I came and in thy shape I walked the seas. Toad thou callest me now, and as a toad I creep about thy feet. Name thy will, Swanhi d, and I will name my price. But be swift, for there are other fair ladies whose wish I must do ere dawn.* * Thou art hideous to look on I * said Swanhild, placing hl ;, i ■ 164 EXIC BRIGHTEYES IFere-wolf thou didst call me once, and as a wolf I came. Bat thou didst call me once, and as a rat I came. Toad didst thou call me once, and as a toad I came. Say, at the last, what wilt thou call me and in what shape shall I come, Blood- sister ? Till then farewell ! ' And all was gone and all was fltilL ":1i|iiiJlN L^\ . ERIC BRIGHTEYES i6S CHAPTER XVn HOW ASMUND THE PRIEST WEDDED UNNA, fTHOEOD'S DAUQHTEB Now the story goes back to Iceland, When Brighteyes was gone, for a while Gudruda the Fair moved sadly about the stead, like one new- widowed. Then came tidings. Men told how Ospakar BlacI loclh had way- laid Eric on the seas with two long ships, drago; of war, and how Eric had given him battle and sunk one dragon with great loss to Ospakar. They told also how Blacktooth's other dragon, the Kaven, had sailed away before the wind, and Eric had sailed after it in a rising gale. But of what befell these ships no news came for many a month, and it was rumoured that this had befallen them — that both had sunt in the gale, and that Eric was dead. But Gudruda would not beheve this. When Asmund the Priest, her father, asked her why she did not believe it, she answered that, had Eric been dead, her heart would surely have spoken to her of it. To this Asmund said that it might be so. Hay-harvest being done, Asmund made ready for his wedding with Unna, Thorod's daughter and Eric's cousin. Now it was agreed that the marriage -feast should be held at Middalhof ; for Asmund wished to ask a great company to the wedding, and there was no place at Coldback to hold so many. Also some of the kin of Thorod, Unna's father, were bidden to the feast from the east and north. At length all was prepared and the guests came in great companies, for no such feast had been made in this quarter for many year& i66 ERIC r^RFGHTFA'ES I On the evo of the niarriap:c Asinund spoke with Groa. The witch-wifi) had horno liei'seh' hujiibly Hince she was recovered from her Hicknesa. She passed about the stead hke a rat at night, speaking tew words and with downcast eyes. She was busy also making all things ready for tlie feasting. Now as Asmund went up the hall seeing that everything was in order, Groa drew near to him and touched him gently on the shoulder. ' Are things to thy mind, lord ? ' she said. * Yes, Groa,' be answered, * more to my mii'd than to thine I fear.' * Fear not, lord ; thy will is my will.* ' Say, Groa, is it thy wish to bide here in Middalhof when Unna is my housewife ? ' * It is mv wish to serve thee as aforetime,' she answered S'oniy, * if so be that Unna wills it.' * Th.?^^ is her desire,' said Asmund and went his ways. But Gioa sto(jd looking after him and her face was fierce and evil. * While bane has virtue, while runes have power, and while hand has cun .ing, never, Unna, shalt thou take my place at Asmund' s skI^ ! Out of the water I came to thee, Asmund ; into the water I go again. Unquiet shall I lie there — unquiet shall I wend through Hela's halls ; but Unna shall rest at Asmund's side — in Asmund's cairn ! ' Then again she moved about the hall, making all things ready for the feast. But at midnight, when the light was low and folk slept, Groa rose, and, veiled in a black robe, with a basket in her hand, passed like a shadow through the hall out upon the meads. Thence she glided into the mists that hang about the river's edge, and in silence, always looking be- hind her, like one who fears a hidden foe, culled flowers of the noisome plants that grow in the marsh. Her basket being filled, sl.\e passed round the stead to a hiddon dell upon the mour.tain side. Hero a man stood waiting, and near him burned a fire of turf. In his hand he held an iron-pot. It was Koli the Half-witted, Groa's thrall. * Are all things ready, Koll ? ' she said. ERIC BRIGHTEYES 167 ' Yes,' ho answered ; * but I like not these tasks of th.lno, mistress. Say now, what wouldst thou with the fire and the pot ?' * This, then, Koll. I would brew a love-potion for Asraund the Priest as he has bidden me to do.' * I have done many an ill deed for thee, mistress, but of all of them I love this the least,' said the thrall, doubtfully. ' I have done many a good deed for thee, Koll. It was I who saved thee from the Doom-stone, seem- ing to prove thee inno- cent — ay, even when thy back was stretched on it, because thou hadst slain a man in his sleep. Is it not so ? ' ' Yea, mistress.' ' And yet thou wast guilty, Koll. And I have given thee many good gifts, is it not so ? ' ' Yes, ij is so.' 'Listen then: serve me this once and I will give thee one last gift — thy freedom, and with it two hundred in sil- ver.' Koll's eyes glistened. * Whao must I do, mistress ? ' * To-day at the wedding-feast it will be thy part to pour the cups while Asmund calls the toasts. liast of all, when men are merry, thou wilt mix that cup in which Asmund shall pledge Unna his wife and I/nna must pledge Asmund. Now, when thou hast poured, thou slialt pass the cup to me, as I stand at the foot of the higli scat, waiting to give the bride greeting on behalf of the serving-women of the household. Tiiou shalt hand the cup to me as though in error, and that is but a little thing to ask of thee.' GiiOA nui:wH A Lo^^:-po'rlON. ,6 iM 11 « i68 ERIC BRIGHTEYES * A little thing indeed,' said KoU, staring at her, and pulling with his hand at his red hair, ' yet I Hke it not. What if I say no, mistress ? ' ' Say no or speak of this and I will promise thee one thing only, thou knave, and it is, hefore winter comes, that the crows shall pick thy bones ! Now, brave me, if thou darest,' and straightway Groa began to mutter witch-words. * Nay,' said Koll, holding up his hand as though to ward away a blow. ' Curse me nr ^ will do as thou wilt. But when shall I touch the two hundred in silver ? ' * I will give thee half before the feast begins, and half when ft is ended, and with it freedom to go where thou wilt. And now leave me, and on thy life see that thou fail me not.* *I have never failed thee yet,' said Koll, and went his ways. Now Groa set the pot upon the fire, and, placing in it the herbs that she had gathered, poured water on them. Pre- sently they began to boil and as they boiled she stirred them with a peeled stick and muttered spells over them. For long she sat in that dim and lonely place stirring the pot and muttering spells, till at length the brew was done. She lifted the pot from the fire and smelt at it. Then drawing a phial from, her robe she poured out the Hquor and held it to the sky. The witch-water was white as milk, but presently it grew clear. She looked at it, then smiled evilly. * Here is a love- draught for a queen — ah, a lovcrdraught for a queen I * she said, and, still smiling, she placed the phial in her breast. Then, having scattered the fire with her foot, Groa took the pot and threw it into a deep pool of water, where it could not be found readily, and crept back to the stead before men were awake. Now the day wore on and all the company were gathered at the marriage-feast to the number of nearly two hundred. Unna sat in the high seat, and men thought her a bonny bride, and by her side sat Asmund the Priest. He was a hale, strong man to look on, though he had seen gome three -score winters j y 1 ERIC BRIG HTE YES 169 but his mien was sad, and his hoart heavy. He drank cup after cup to cheer him, but. all without avail. For his thought sped back across the years and once more Lo seemed to see the face of Gudruda the Gentle as she lay dying, and to hear her voice when she foretold evil to him if he had aught to do with Groa the Witch- wife. And now it seemed to him that the evil was at hand, though whence it should come he knew not. He looked up. There Groa moved along the hall, ministering to the guests ; but he saw as she moved that her eyes were always fixed, now on him and now on Unna. He remembered that curse also which Groa had called down upon him when he had told her that he was betrothed to Unna, and his heart grew cold with fear. 'Now I will change my counsel,' Asmund said to himself : ' Groa shall not stay here in this stead, for I will look no longer on that dark face of hers. She goes hence to-morrow.' Not far from Asmund sat Bjcim, his son. As Gudruda the J'air, J is sister, brought him mead he caught her by the sleeve, whispering in her ear. * Methinks our father is sad. What weighs upon his heart ? ' ' I know not,' said Gudruda, but as she spoke she looked first on Asmund, then at Groa. *It is ill that Groa should stop here,' whispered Bjom again. ' It is ill,' answered Gudruda, and ghded away. Asmund saw their talk and guessed its purport. Bousing himself he laughed aloud and called to KoU the Half-witted to pour the cups that he might name the toasts. Koll filled, and, as Asmund called the toasts one by one, Koll handed the cups to him. Asmund drank deep of each, till at length his sorrow passed from him, and, together with all who sat there, he grew merry. Last of all came the toast of the bride's cup. But before Asmund called it, the women of the household drew near the high seat to welcome Unna, when she should have drunk. Gudruda stood foremost, and Groa was next to her. Now Eoll filled as before, and it was a great cup 6f gold that he filled. ^1 f*' IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // ^ .5i^4fc> 1.0 I.I Ui IM 12.2 SB4 ■ US 2.0 1.8 ^ IIIM IIIIM 6" y] / r 7: ^ /A 7 PhotDgiaphic Sciences Corporatkii 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 k^ 4^ %" ^ s \ •\ 'I ■ ( -I t ,' I I! ^ 1 i ,1 1 ^ ■J ■I ! < I I 170 ^;?/c: BRIG HTE YES Asmund rose to call the toast, and with him all who were in the hall. Eoll brought up the cup, and handed it, not to Asmund, but to Groa ; but there were few who noted this, for all were listening to Asmund 's toast and most of the guests were somewhat drunken. ' The cup,' cried Asmund — * give me the cup that I may drink.' Then Groa started forward, and as she did so she seemed to stumble, so that for a moment her robe covered up the great bride-cup. Then sjie gathered herself together slowly, and, smiling, passed up the cup. Asmund hfted it to his lips and drank deep. Then he turned and gave it to Unna his wife, but before she drank he kissed her on the lips. Now while all men shouted such a welcome that the hall shook, and as Unna, smiling, drank from the cup, the eyes of Asmund fell upon Groa who stood beneath him, and lo ! her eyes seemed to flame and her face was hideous as the face of a troll. Asmund grew white and put his hand to his head, as though to think, then cried aloud : ' Drink, not, Unna ! the draught is drugged ! ' and he struck at the vessel with his hand. He smote it indeed, and so hard that it flew from her hand far d^wn the hall. But Unna had already drunk deep. ' The draught is drugged ! ' Asmund cried, and pointed to Groa, while all men stood silent, not knowing what to do. * The draught is drugged I ' he cried a third time, * and that witch has drugged it ! ' And he began to tear at his breast. Then Groa laughed so shrilly that men trembled to hear her. * Yea, lord,' she screamed, * the '""raught is drugged, and Groa the Witch-wife hath drugged it ! Ay, tear thy heart out, Asmund, and, Unna, grow thou white as snow— soon, if my medicine has virtue, thou shalt be whiter yet ! Hearken all men. Asmund the Priest is Swanhild's father, and for many ERIC BRIGHTEYES 171 a year I have been Asmund's mate. What did I tell thee, lord ? — that I would see the two of you dead ere Unna should take my place ! — ay, and on Gudruda the Fair, thy daughter, and Bjorn thy son, and Eric Brighteyes, Gudruda's love, and many another man— on them too shall my curse fall! Tear thy heart out, Asmund ! Unna, grow thou white as snow ! The draught is drugged and Groa, Kan's gift ! Groa the witch-wife ! Groa, Asmund's love ! hath drugged it ! ' And ere ever a man might lift a hand to stay her Groa glided past the high seat and was gone. For a space all stood silent. Asmund ceased clutching at his breast. Rising he spoke heavily : 'Now I learn that sin is a stone to smite him who hurled it. Gudruda the Gentle spoke sooth when she warned me against this woman. New wed, new dead ! Unna, fare thee well ! ' And straightway Asmund fell down and died there by the high seat in his own hall. Unna gazed at him with ashen face. Then, plucking at her bosom she sprang from the dais and rushed along the hall, screaming. Men made way for her, and at the door she also fell dead. «: m -\V:t m This then was the end of Asmund Asmundson the Priest, and Unna, Thorod's daughter, Eric's cousin, his new-made wife. For a moment there was silence in the hall. But before the echoes of Unna's screams had died away, Bjorn called aloud : * The witch ! where is the witch ? ' Then with a yell of rage, men leaped to their feet, seizing their weapons, and rushed from the stead. Out they ran. There, on the hill-side far above them, a black shape chmbed and leapt swiftly. They gave tongue like dogs set upon a wolf and sped up the hill. They gained the crest of the hill, and now they were at Goldfoss brink. Lo ! the witch-wife had crossed the bed of the torrent} for little rain had fallen and the river was low. 'm f ■;m 172 ERIC BRIGHTBYES ! 'I I:' ii i I ' )| ;l ! n ;iii \t % 1 1 ' i ■' She stood on Sheep-saddle, the water running from her rohes. On Sheep-saddle she stood and cursed them. Bjom took a bow and set a shaft upon the string. He drew it and the arrow sung through the air and smote her, speeding through her heart. With a cry Groa threw up her arms. Then down she plunged. She fell on Wolfs Fang, where Eric once had stood and, bounding thence, rushed to the boiling deeps below and was no more seen for ever. Thus, then, did Asmund the Priest wed Unna, Thorod's daughter, and this was the end of the feasting. Thereafter Bjom, Asmund's son, ruled at Middalhof, and was Priest in his place. He sought for Koll the Half-witted to kill him, but Eoll took to the fells, and after many months he found passage in a ship that was bound for Scotland. Now Bjom was a hard man and a greedy. He was no friend to Eric Brighteyes, and always pressed it on Gudruda that she should wed Ospakar Blacktoouh. But to this counsel Gudruda would not listen, for day and night she thought upon her love. Next summer there came tidings that Eric was safe in Ireland, and men spoke of his deeds, and of how he and Skallagrim had swept the ship of Ospakar single-handed. Now after these tidings, for a while Gudruda walked singing through the meads, and no flower that grew in them was half so fair as she. That summer also Ospakar Blacktooth met Bjorn, Asmund's son, at the Thing, and they talked much together in secret. ^ It h 'Bi^lat through her hatrt it aptd.' ll im 1^ 'f'p :?» f ■'! h:"^ J ii ,4K ^■^'; P .a 1 f^ V: 1 ■\ 1 ,1, 1 ! J rJ i ■» '( I -t i. ! |- ■i' 3: if 173 £/?/C BRIG HTE YES CHAPTER XVm HOW EABL ATLI FOUND ERIC AND SKALLAGRIM ON THE SOUTHERN ROCKS OF STRAUMEY ISLE -'^^^g^li. '^ WANHILD, robed in white, as though new risenfrom sleep, stood, candle in hand, by the bed of Atli the Earl, her lord, crying * Awake ! ' * What passes now ? * said Atli, hfting himself upon his arm, 'What passes, Swanhild, and why dost thou ever wander alone at nights, looking so strangely ? I love not thy dark witch-ways, Swanhild, and I was wed to thee in an ill hour, wife who art no wife.' * In an ill hour indeed, Earl Atli,' she answered, ' an ill hour for thee and me, for, as thou hast said* eld and youth are strange ERIC AND SEALLAGRIM WASHED ASHORE. ^1--'7JT1 nRTC BRIG HTE YES 174 yokefellows and pull different paths. Arise now, Earl, for I have dreamed a dream.' * Tell it to me on the morrow, then,' quoth Atli ; ' there is small joyousness in thy dreams, that always point to evil, and I must bear enough evil of late.' * Nay, lord, my rede may not be put tiside so. Listen now : I have dreamed that a gteat dragon of war has been cast away upon Straumey's south-western rocks. 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 oold. Arise, therefore, take men and go down to the rocks.' * I will go at daybreak,' said Atli, letting his head fall upon the pillow. * I have Hide faith in such visions, and It is too late for long ships of war to try the passage of the Firth.' * Arise, I say,' answered Swanhild sternly, * and do my bidding, else I will myself go to search the rocks.* Then Atli 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 called was Hall of Lithdale, Hall the mate who had cut the grapnel-chain. For this Hall, fearing to return to Iceland, had come hither saying that he had been wounded off Fareys, in the great fight between Eric and Ospakar's men, and left there to grow well of his hurt or die. Then Atli, not knowing that the carle lied, had bid him wel- come for Eric's sake, for he still loved Eric above all men. But Hall loved not labour and nightfarings to search for shipwrecked men of whom the Lady Swanhild had chanced to dream. So he turned himself upon his side and slept again. Still, certain of AtU's folk rose at his bidding, and they went together down to the aouth- western rocks. But Swanhild, a cloak thrown over her night-gear, sat her- self down 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 Atli and his people ii [:'■' il : i->'f|r"' i:: H ,1^ M« c 175 £";?/(: BRIG HTE YES made their way to the south-western rocks, on which the sea beat madly. What lies yonder ? * said Atli, pointing to some black thing that lay beneath them upon the rock, cast there by the waves. A man climbed down the cUfTs side that is here as thougli it were cut in steps, and then cried aloud : * A ship's mast, new broken, lord.' 'It seems that Swanhild dreams true,' muttered Atli; ' 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 'he two great men, locked in each other's arms. They seem to be deaa.' Now all the men climb down the slippery rocks as best they may, though the spray wets them, and with them goes Atli. 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, bat his face wsfl hid by the thick golden hair that flowed across it. ' Man's body mdeed, but woman's locks/ said Atli 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 hes the corpse of Eric Bright- eyes ! ' and Atli wrung 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 carle move but now.' * He is Skallagrim Lambstail, Eric's Death-shadow,' said Atli again. ' Up with them, lads — see, yonder lies a plank— and away to the hall. I will give twenty in silver to each of you if Eric lives,' and he unclasped his cloak and threw it over both of them. Then with much labour they loosed the grip of the two men one from the other, and they set Skallagrim on the plank. But eight men bore Eric up the cliff between them, and the task was not hght, though the Earl held his head, from which the golden hair hung like seaweed from a rock. ERIC BRIGHTF.YES 176 inc At length they came to the hall and carried them m. Swan- hild, seeing them come, moved down from the high seat. * Bring lamps, and pile up the fires,' cried Atli. * A strango thing has come to pass, Swanhild, and thou dost dream wisely, indeed, for here we have b? ric Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail. They were locked Uke 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 Gudruda 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 cloths, and make water hot,' and, kneeling down, she loosed Eric's helm and harness and ungirded Whitefire from his side. For long Swanhild and Ath tended Eric at one fire, and the serving women tended Skallagrim at the other. Presently there came a cry that Skallagrim stirred, and x\tli with others ran to see. At this moment also the eyes of Eric were unsealed, and Swanhild saw them looking at her dimly from beneath. Then, moved to it by her passion and her joy that he yet lived, Swan- hild 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 Atli, who sat watching at his side, gave him hot mead to drirk. ' Do I dream ? ' said Eric, * or is it Earl Atli 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 hast been cast away here on my isle of Straumey.' • * And Skallagrim— where is Skallagrim ? * * Skallagiim Uves — fear not ! ' ' And my comrades, how went it with them ?* * But ill, Eric. Ran has them all. Now sleep I' Eric groaned aloud. ' I had rather died also than live to hear such heavy tidings,' he said. * Witch- work I witch- work I and that fair witch-face wrought it.' And once again he slept, N 1: %. 1 If ) ( 1 \ \ 177 ERIC BRIGHTEYBS nor did he wake till the Bun was high. Bat Atli oonld make nothing of his words. When Swanhild left the side of Erie she met Hall of Lith- dale face to face and his looks were troubled. ' Say, lady/ he asked, < will Brighteyes live ? ' ' Grieve not, Ilall/ she answered, 'Eric will surely hye and he will be glad to find a messmate here to greet him, haying left so many yonder,' and she pointed to the sea. ' I shall not be glad/ said Hall, letting his eyes fall. 'Why not, Hall? Fearest thou Skallagrim? or hast thou done ill by Eric ? ' ' Ay, lady, I fear Skallagrim, for he swore to slay me, and that kind of promise he ever keeps. Also, if the truth must out, I have not dealt alto;?ether well with Eric, and of all men I least wish to talk with 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 colour on it. ' Now it seems that thou art a coward. Hall,' Swanhild said when he had done, ' and I scarcely lookei for that in thee,' for she had not been deceived by the glozrng of his speech. ' It will be bad for thee to meet Eric and Skallagrim, and this is my counsel : that thou goest hence before they wake, for they will sit this winter here in Atli's hall.' * And whither shall I go, lady ? ' Swanhild gazed on him, and as she did so a dark thought came into her heart : here was a knave 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 strait, though thou deservest it little. See now, Atli 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 Skalla- grim. Nay, thank me not, but listen : it may chance that I shall have a service for thee to do before spring is come.' 21 ERIC BRIG HTE YES 178 * Lady, I shall wait upon thy word/ said Hall. ' Good. NoWy 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 Atli's farm. Also if thou needest faring-money thou shalt have it. Farewell.' Thus then did Hall fly before Eiic and Skallagrim. On the morrow Erio and Skallagrim arose, sick and braised indeed, but not at all harmed, and went^ down to the shore. There they found many dead men of their company, but never a one in whom the breath of life remained. Skallagrim looked at Eric and spoke : *■ Last night the mist came up against the wind : last night we saw Swanhild's wraith 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 to-day we sit in Atli's hall and here we must stay this winter at Swanhild's side, and in all this lies a riddle that I cannot read.' But Eric sb »ok his head, making no answer. Then, leaving Skallagrim with the dead, he turned, and striding 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 yesternight, as we laboured 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 yes ernight I woke from sleep, having dreamed that thou didst lie upon the shore, and thus I saved thee alive, as perchance I have saved thee afore- "m M ■m\ :i p m ■ I, L ! M JM I i:i i T ^\ 179 E/^/C BRIGIITEYES time? If thou didst see a shape walking the waters it was that shape which led thee hero. Hadst thou sailed on, not only those thou mournest, hut Skallagrim and thou thyself Lad now been numbered with the lost.* ' Better so than thus,' said Brighteyes. ' Knowest thou also, Swanhild, that when last night my life came back again in Atli's hall, methought that Atli's wife leaned over me and kissed me on the lips ? That was an ill dream, Swanhild.' * Some had found it none so ill, Eric,' she made answer, looldng on him strangely. ' Still, it was but a dream. Thou didst dream that Atli'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 that I have wrought in the blindness and folly of my youth. Now things are other- wise 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 the Iceland fells. Remember that, as boy and girl, we rode along the marshes, while the sea-mews clamoured round our heads. The world is cold, Eric, and few are the friends we find in it ; many are already gone, and soon the friend- less dark draws near. So put me not away, my brother and my friend ; but, for a httle space, whilst thou art here in Atli's hall, let us walk hand in hand as we walked long years ago in Iceland, gathering the fifa-bloom, and watching the mid night shadows creep up the icy jokul's crests.' 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 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 this : 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 0' nights. Still, hold thou to this last saying of thine and there shall be peace between us while I bide liere.' She touched his hand humbly and turned to go. But as n2 ERIC BRIG HTE YES '8c i ago mid she went Eric spoke again : * Say, Swanhild, hast thou tidings from Iceland yonder ? I have hen vd no word of Asmund or of Gudruda for two long years and more.' She stood still, and a dark shadow that he could not see flitted across her face. * I have 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 j that Groa my mother is dead — how, I know not ; and, lastly, that Gudruda the Fair, thy love, is betrothed to Ospakar Black- tooth and weds him in the spring.' Now Eric sprang up with an oath and grasped the hilt of Whitefire. 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 flfth hand. I am sure of this, at least, that Gudruda will never forsake thee without a cause.' * It shall go ill with Ospakar if this be true,' said Eric, smiling grimly, * for Whitefire is yet left me and with it one true friend.' * Run not to meet the evil, Eric. Thou shalt come to Ice- land with the summer flowers and find Gudruda faithful and yet fairer than of yore. Knowest thou that Hall of Lithdale, who was thy mate, has sat here these two months ? He is gone but this morning, I know not whither, 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. * Ay, well indeed,' answered Swanhild. * Had Atli 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 Gudruda that none should cut my hair till she cut it once more. It is a great bur- den to me surely, for never did hair grow so fast and strong as i 1 '? .1 V u '.S-wanhiid shore through it with Whitefire's razor-edge.* ERIC LRICHTEYES 191 CHAPTER XX HOW ERIC WAS NAMED ANEW \_ RIC dreamed. He dreamed that Gudruda stood by him looking at him with soft, sad eyes, wliilj with her hand she pointed tj his hair, and spake. * Thou hast dono ill, Eric,' she seemed to say. ' Thou hast done ill to doubt me ; and jiow thou art for ever shamed, ff.r thou hast betrajed Atli, tliy friend. Thou hast broken thy oath, and therefore hast thou fallen into this pit ; for when Swanhild shore that lock of thine, my watching Spirit passed, leaving thee to Swan- hild 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 woke, and lo! by him was Swanhild, Atli'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 lier shook him. She had over- come him by her arts ; that cup was drugged which he had drunk, and he was mad v.itli grief. Yes, she had played upon '■'"{■'J \\\ f \ I k\ '-if. ^K»>j a'* 1 1 V i i ' 1 1 i 1 1 i \ « i 1 1 ! f I i ! 1 1 1 1 ( 1 t , t ' ' '■ 1 1 , 1 \ » i 1 '■ 1 I. 1 ,11 ; I I if' '! 1 1! < M 193 ERIC BRIGHTEYES hii woe like % harper on a harp, and now he was shamed — now he had betrayed his friend who loved him I Had White- fire been to his hand at that moment, Eric had surely slain himself. But the great sword was not there, for it hung in Swanbild's bower. Erie groaned aloud, and Swanhild turned at the sound. But he sprang away and stood over her, cursing her. ' Thou witoh i ' he cried, ' what hast thou done ? What didst thou mix in that cup yestre'en ? Thou hast brought me to this that I have betrayed Atli» my friend — Atli, thy lord, who left thee in my keeping I ' 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 npon me and upbraid me. Fie upon thee, Eric I 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. * Hearken, Eric,' she answered. 'Let this te secret between QS. Atli is old, and methinks that not for long shall he bide here in Straumey. 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 shtUt sit in Atli's hall, and in all honour shall Atli's wife become thy bride.* Eric listened coldly. ' I can well believe,' he said, ' that thou hast it in thy mind to slay thy lord, for all evil is in thy heart, Swanhild. Now know this : that if in honour or dis- honour my lips touch that fair face of thine again, may the limbs rot from my trunk, and may I lie a log for ever in the halls of Hela ! 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 1 ' Swanhild heard and sank upon the ground before him, her head bowed aUnost to her feet. ERIC BRICHTEYSS «W *Now, Swanhild, fare thee well,' eaid Erie. * Living or dead, may I never see thy face again I ' She gazed up through her falling hair ; her face was wild and white, and her eyes glowed in it as live emhers glow in the ashes of hurnt wood. ' We are not so easily parted, Eric/ she said. ' Not for this came I to witchcraft and to sin. Thou fool 1 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 Brighteyes, Thorgrimur's oon : 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 Atli 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 Gudruda at thy side t Afterwards let darkness come— ay, though the horror rides it 1 Swift ! — I must be swift 1 ' Eric passed into Swanhild's bower, and finding Whitefire bore it thence. On the table was food. He took it. Then, going to the place where he was wont to sleep, he armed himself, girding his bymie 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 Ear^ came back, for he was to come on that morning, he would find him on the south-western rocks nigh to where the Gudruda sank. This he begged of them to tell Atli, for he desired speech with him. >s»l 5 i II '1 u ■r; : :! ■^■ !■ ^ ■ ■it n ' ^ i' 194 £:r/c brighteyes The women wondered that Brighteyes should go forth thus and fully armed, hut, 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 Swanhild, going to her bower, caused Koll the Half- witted to be summoned. To him she spoke long and earnestly, and they made a shameful plot together. Then she bade Koll watch for Atli'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 Swanhild sent a man across the firth to the stead TThere Hall of Lithdale sat, bidding him come to her at speed. When the afternoon grew towards the evening, Koll, watching, saw the boats of AtU 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 Atli. * I am a man from Iceland ; perchance, lord, thou sawest me in Asmund's Lall at Middalhof. I am sent here by the Lady Swanhild to say that she desires speech with thee, and that at once.' Then, seeing Skallagrim, Koll fled back to the house, for he feared Skallagrim. Now Atli was uneasy in his mind, and, saying nothing, he hurried up to the hall, and through it into Swanhild's bower. There she sat on a couch, her eyes red with weeping, and her curling hair unbound. * What now, Swanhild ? ' 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 aught wrong with Eric ? * Then Swanhild drew near and told him a false tale. When it was done for a moment or so Ath stood still, and BRIC BRJGHTEYES 105 grew white beneath his ruddy skin, white as his beard. Then he staggered back against the wainscotting of the bower. * Woman, thou Uest I ' he said. * Never will I beheve so vile a thing of Eric Brighteyes, whom I have loved.' * Would that I could not beheve it ! ' she answered. * Would that I could think it was but an evil dream ! But alas ! it is no dream. That which I tell thee, this man has done. Nay, I will prove it. Suffer that I summon Koll, the Ice- lander, who was my mother'- thrall — Groa who now is dead, for I have that tidings also. He saw something of this thing, and he will bear me witness.* * Call the man,' said Atli sternly. * So Koll 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 Swanhild, that Atli could find no flaw in it. * Now I am sure, Swanhild, that thou speakest truth,' said the Earl when Koll had gone. * And now alco I have some- what to say to this Eric. For thee, rest thyself; that which cannot be mended must be borne/ and he went out. Now, when Skallagrim came to the house he asked for Eric. The women told hira that Brighteyes had gone down to the sea, fully armed, in the morning, and had not returned. * Then there mu, j be fighting toward, and that I am loth to miss,' said Skallagrim, and, axe aloft, he started for the south-western rocks at a run. Skallagrim 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 Baresark. * Rest,' said Eric, ' and I find none. * Thou seekest rest helm on head and sword in hand ? This is a strange tb'.ng, truly ! ' ' Stranger things have been, Skallagrim. Wouldst thou hear a tale ? ' and he told him all. * What said I ? ' asked Skallagrim. * We had fared better in London town. Flying from the dove thou hast found the falcon.' • 2 '■mm^ t L I. 1 ■' ■ 1 i .■ ; 1 1 i ^9« -ff^/C BRIGHTEYES 'I have found the falcon, comrade, and she has pecked out my eyes. Now I would speak with Atli, and then I go hence.' ' Hence go the twain of us, lord. The Earl will be here presently and rough words will fly in this rough weather. Is Whitefire sharp, Brighteyes ? * * Whitefire was sharp enough to shear my hair, Skalla- grim ; but if Atli would strike let him lay on. Whitefire will not be aloft for him.' * That we shall see,' said Skallagrim. * At least, if thou art harmed because of this loose quean, my axe will be aloft.' *■ Keep thou thine axe in its place,' said Eric, and as he spoke Atli came, and with him many men. Eric rose and turned to meet the Earl, looking on him with sad eyes. For Atli, 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 Swanhild had told of Eric's dealings with her. 'It seems that the Earl has heard of these tidings,' said Skallagrim. ' Then I shall be spared the telling of them,' answered Erie. Now they stood face to face ; Atli leaned upon his drawn Bword, 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 wot ye how he has repaid me ? He has put me to the greatest shame, me and my wife the Lady Swanhild, 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 Skallagrim. ' Me- thinks the Earl has heard a garbled tale.' * True words, thyself thou sayest it,' went on Atli, * thou hound that I saved ^om the sea 1 " Ban's gift, Mela's gift," so ERIC BRIGHTEYES 197 nms the saw, and now from Ban to Hela shalt thoa go, thou mishandler of defenceless women 1 ' * Here is somewhat of which I know nothing,' said Eric. * And here is something of which thou shalt know/ answered Atli, 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.' * Art 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 rede. 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 Skallagrim. 'Back to back, lord, as we have stood aforetime, and let us play this game together.' 'Not so,' cried Atli, 'this shame is mine, and I have sworn to Swanhild that I will wipe it out in Eric's blood. Stand thou before me and draw ! ' Then Eric drew Whitefire and raised his shield. Atli 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. Atli dropped his point. ' Niddering art thou, and coward to the last 1 ' he cried. ' See, men, Eric Brighteyes 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 man- hood might not bear this. ' Take shield,' he said, 'and, Earl, on thine own head be thy blood, for none shall live to call Eric niddering and coward.' Ath laughed in his folly and his rage. He took a shield, and, once more springing on Brighteyes, struck a great blow. firic parried, then whirled Whitefire on high and smote-* i ■ V i III u I * til ' f ■■ ■ ■( ■ 1 ' •i' : V V ! 1 ^■^^ |i li f: i ! I V tA ^ 1 I i 198 iJ/e/C BRIGHTEYES once and once only ! Down rushed the bright blade lilie a star through the night. Sword and shield did Atli lift to catch the blow. Through shield it sheared, and arm that held the shield, through byrnie mail and deep into EarlAtli's side. He fell prone to earth, while men held their breath, wondering at the greatness of that stroke. But Eric leaned on Whitefire and looked at the old Earl upon the rock. * Now, AtU, thou hast had thy way,' he said, ' and methinks things are worse than they were before. But I will say this : would that I lay there and thou stoodest to wcitcli me die, for as lief would I have slain my father as thee, Earl Atli. There lies Swanhild's work ! ' Atli gazed upwards into Eric's sad eyes and, while he gazed so, his rage left him, and of a sudden a light brake upon his mind, as even then the light of the setting sun biake through the driving mist. * Eric,' he said, ' draw near and speak with me ere I am sped. Methinks that I have been beguiled and that thou didst not do this thing that Swanhild said and KoU bore witness to.' ' What did Swanhild say, then. Earl AtU ? ' 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. Atli groaned aloud. * I know this now, Eric,' he said : * that thou speakest truth, and once more I have been de- ceived. Eric, I forgive thee all, for no man may fight against woman's witchcraft and witch's 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 fey in this the hour of my de*^^^ 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 ^pWDL to death, and worse than death, and with thee those Earl URIC BRIG HTE YES t« thou lovest. By witchcraft she brought thee to Straumey, by lies 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 shalt never loose the bond ! ' Atli ceased a while, then spoke again more faintly : ' Hearken, comrades,' he cried ; ' my strength is well-nigh spent. Ye shall swear four things to me — that ye will give Eric Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail safe passage from Straumey. That ye will tell Swanhild the Fatherless, Groa's daughter and Atli's wife, that, at last, I know her for what she is — a murderess, 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 KoU the Half-^vitted, Groa's thrall, who came hither two days gone, since by his lies he hs^. set an edge upon this sword of falsehood. That ye will raise no blood-feud against Eric for this my slaying, for I goaded bi'm to the deed. Do ye swear ? ' * We swear,' said the men. * Then, farewell I And to thee farewell, also, Eric Bright- eyes I 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 ^ric the Vnlucky. 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 Atli died. And as he died the last rays of light went out of the sky. 'M 1 v 1 1 I |4 i V '! !1 ■■1 :ll H i.l -i: * t JS/UC BRIGHTEYES CHAPTER XXI HOW HALL OP LITHDALE TOOK TIDINGS TO ICELAND OW on the same nighi that Ath died at the hand of Eric, Swan- hild spake with Hall of Lith- dale, whom she had summoned from the main- land. 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 Atli by his hand ' Thou shalt say this,' she went on, *that E.'c had been my love for long, but that at length the matter came to the .1 : I ERIC BRIGHTEYES sot ears of Atli, the Earl. Then, holding this the greatest shame, ha went on holmgang 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 Gudruda the Fair, and she will send for thee, and question thee straightly concern- ing them, and thou shalt tell her the tale as thou toldest it at first. Then thou shalt give Gudruda 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 AtU 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 faring-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 went at once ; nor did he fail in his tasks. 11 Atli 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. * Whither now, lord ? ' said Skallagrim. * 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 Straumey to London town, and there we shall sit in peace, for the King will think little of the slaying of an Orkney Earl in a brawl about a woman. Mayhap, 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, Skallagrim, though it be but to miss friend from stead and bride from bed. At the least I shall &id Ospakar there.' * 1} - C \ fiU'i r f?;] '■'% i r i ii 1 1 \ . 1 I (i. !'■ .* J,. ; 'i! '"I. i I '1 ^ ■! .1 ;i ,! ;. I ■: ■! I. 203 £'J?/C BRIGHTEYES * Listen, lord ! ' said Skallagrim. * Was it "lot my rede that WG should bide this winter through in London ? Thou wouldest none of it, and what came about? Our ship is sunk, gone are our comrades, thine honour 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 Gudruda, of Bjom and Ospakar. So shall we break the spell. But if thou goest to Iceland, I am sure of this : that the evil fate which AtU foretold will fall on thee, and the days to come sliall be even more unlucky than the days that have been.' * It may be so,' said Eric. • Methinks, indeed, it will be so. Henceforth I am Eric the Unlucky. Yet 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 mountain-top, and every wind from heaven and every storm of hail and snow beats upon my head. But I say to thee, Skallagrim : go 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 wend south and north. The King will be glad to greet thee yoider in London, Lambstail.' * But one severing shall we know, lord,' said Skallagrim, * and that shall be sword's work, nor will it be for long. It IB ill to speak such words as these of the parting of lord and thrall. Bethink 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 whai had chanced to Atli, they sailed across the lirth at the rising of the moon. Two days afterwards they found a ship at Wick that was bound for Fareys, and sailed in her, Eric buying a passage with the half of a gold ring that the King had given him in London. Here at Fareys they sat a month or more ; but not in the Earl's hall as when Eric came with honour in the Gudruda, but in a farmer's stead. For the tale of Eric's dealings with Atli and Atli's wife had reached Fareys, and the Earl there ERIC BRIG HTE YES 203 had been a friend of Atli's. Moreover, Eric was now a poor man, having neither ship :.or goods, nor friends. Thtrc- fore 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 Skallagrim, 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 Fareys, 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 Skallagrim offered him choice, either to do so or to go on holmgang with him. Then the chapman gave them passage. Now it is told that when his thralls and house-carles bore the corpse of Atli the Earl to his hall in Straumey, Swanhild met it and wept over it. And when the spokesman among them stood forward and told her those words that Atli 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 Swanhild 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 KoU and found him. And when the thrall knew that they would slay him he ran thence screaming. Nor did Swanhild lift a hand to save his Hfe, for she desired that KoU should die, lest he should bear witness against her. Away he ran towards the cUffs, and after him sped Ath's house-carles, till he came to the great cliffy that edge in the sea. Now they were dose I; "'''h ft :,Hl' 1 f I, If I Sr 'ml tin 1 1 • * 1^ ' I in >. .i M 11 '\ i 1 ; I ' ( 1 ! . . ii h I'J ElilC BRIG HTE YES apon him and their swords were aloft. Then, sooner than know the kiss of steel, the liar leapt from the cliffs and was crushed, dying miserably on the rocks below. This was the end of Koll the Half-witted, Groa's thrall. Swanhild sat in Straumey for a while, and took all Atli*s heritage into her keeping, for he had no male kin ; nor did any say her nay. Also she called in the moneys that he had out at interest, and that was a great sum, for Atli was a careful and a wealthy man. Then Swanhild made ready to go to Iceland. Atli had a great dragon of war, and she manned that ship and fiUed 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 Atli, her lord. There she oame in safety just as folk rode to the Thing. Now Hall of Lithdale came to Iceland and told his tale of the doinrts of Eric and the death of Atli. Oft 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 Gndruda the Fair, and learn how she takes these tidings.' So they went in to where Gudruda sat spinning in the hall, singing as she span. ' Greeting, Gudruda,' said Bjorn ; ' say, hast thou tiiVIngs of Eric Brighteyes, thy betrothed ? * ' I have no tidings,' said Gudruda. < Then here is one who brings them.' Now for the first time Gudruda 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 my love is dead I ' * H« if worse than dead/ said Hall. ' He is shamed/ SttIC £ RIGHTS YES «o$ *Ther« fhoa liest, Hall/ she answered. *Bbame and Erie are things apart.' 'Mayst thoa 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 Gadmda, 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 axe of Skallagrim. 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 Ospakar's ships and left at Farey isles, and how he came thence to Scotland and sat in Atli's hall on Orkneys. Then he told how the Gudruda was wrecked on Strauracy, and, of all aboard, Eric and Skallagrim alone were saved be- cause of Swanhild's dream. ' Herein I see witch-work,' said Gudruda. Then Hall told that Eric became Swanhild's love, but of the other tale which Swanhild had whispered to Atli he said nothing. For he knew that Gudruda would not believe this, and, moreover, if it were so, Swanhild had not sent the token which he should give. ' It well may be,' said Gudruda, proudly ; ' Swanhild is fair and light of mind. Perchance she led Brighteyes 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 mom of Atli's wedding. Then Hall told of the slaying of Atli the Good by Eric, but he said nothing of the Earl's dying words, nor of how he goaded Brighteyes with his bitter words. ' It was an ill deed in sooth,' said Gudruda, ' 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 Atli's slaying, and that she had told him that she and Eric should wed shortly, and that Eric would rule in Orkneys by her side. ■,,il' ■■■■)■ I ' (' \ I i^;8 r .. r ^^ ! ' wm I i I ' I IH I M 206 E/i/C BRIGHTEYBS Gudruda askod if that was 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 shouldst 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 Gudruda 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, untwisting itself like a living snake. The lock was long, and its end was caked with gore. * Whose hair is this ? * said Gudruda, though she knew the hair well. * Eric's hair,' said Hall, * that Swanhild cut from his head with Eric's sword.' Now Gudruda 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 o»id — * Eric's hair that he swore none but I should cut ! Eric's hair that Swanhild shore with Whitefire from Eric's head — Whitefire whereon we plighied troth I Say now, whose blood is this that stains the hair of Eric ? ' * It is Atli's blood, whom Eric first dishonoured and then Blew with his own hand,' answered Hall. Now there burned a fire on the hearth, for the day was cold. Gudruda 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. Bjom and Hall of Lithdale looked on each other. * Thou hadst hest go hence ! ' said Bjorn ; ' and of this I warn thee, Hall, though I hold thy tidings good, that, if thou ERIC BRIGHTEYES 207 hast spoken one false word, that will be thy death. For then it would be better for thee to faoe all the wolves in Iceland than to stand before Erio in his rage.' Again Hall bethought him of the axe of Skallagrim, and he went out heavily. That day a messenger came from Gudruda to Bjdm, 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. * Erio has dealt badly with thee, sister, to bring thee to this sorrow,* said Bjom. * Speak no ill of Erio to me,' Gudruda 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. Hearken, Bjom my brother: is it yet thy will that I should wed Ospakar Blaoktooth ? ' *That is my will, surely. There is no such match in Iceland as this Ospakar, and I should win many friends by it.' * Do this then, Bjorn. Send messengers to Swinefell and say to Ospakar that if he would still wed Gudruda the Fair, Asmund's daughter, let him come to Middalhof when folk ride from the 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 Ospakar. 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. ■JW» '( i; I i i in i 4 \t ij I - 14 ll '! . I I V HI i ^ il 3o8 ^ie/C BRIGHTEYBS CHAPTER XXn now EBIO CAME HOME AGAIN WANHILD made a good passage from the Ork- neys, and was in Iceland thirty-five days before Eric and Skallagrim set foot there. But she did not land by Westman Isles, for she had no wish to face Gudruda at that time, but by Eeyjaness. Now she rode thence with her company to Thingvalla, for here all men were gathered for the Thing. At first people hung aloof from her, notwithstanding her wealth and beauty ; but Swan- hild knew well how to win the hearts if men. For now she cold the same story of Eric that she had told to Atli, and there were none to say her nay. So it came to pass that she was believed, and Eric Brighteyes held to be shamed indeed. Now, too, she set a suit on foot against Eric for the death of Atli at his hand, claiming that sentence of the greater outlawry should be passed against him, and that his lands at Coldback in the Marsh on Ran River should be given, half to her in atonement for the Earl's deaths and half to the men of Eric's quarter. On the day of the opening o : the Thing Ospakar Black- tooth came from the north, and with him his son Gi^uc and a great company of men. Ospakar was blithe, for from the Thing he should ride to Middalhof, there to w^d Gudruda the Fair. Then Swanhild clad herself in beautiful attire, and, taking men with her, went to the booth of Gspakiu:. li ERIC BRIGHTEYES 209 Blaoktooth sat in his booth and by him sat Gizur his son the Lawman. When he saw a beauteous lady, very richly clad, enter the booth he did not know who it might be. But Gizur knew her well, for he could never put Swanhild from his mind. ' Lo ! here comes Swanhild the Fatherless, AtU's widow,' said Gizur, flushing red with joy at the signt of her. Then Ospakar greeted her heartily, and made place for her by him at the top of the booth. * Ospakar Blacktooth,' she said, * I am come to ask this of thee : that thou shait befriend me in the suit which I have against Eric Brighteyes for the slaying of Earl Atli, my husband.' * Thou couldst have come to no man who is more willing,* said Ospakar, ' for, if thcu hast something against Eric, I have yet more.' 'I would ask this, too, Ospakar: that thy son Gizur should take up my suit and plead it ; for I know well that he is the most skilful of all lawmen.' * I will do that,' said Gizur, his eyes yet fixed upon her face. * i looked for no less from thee.' said Swanhild, ' and be sure of this, that thou shalt not plead for nothing,' and she glanced at him meaningly. 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 fcrrand, seeing that Gudruda was about to wed Ospakar. Giaur gave warning of the blood-suit, and the end of it was that, though he had no notice and was not there to answer to 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 Swanbild'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 sjiiall account ; whereas Ospakar, who backed Swanbild's suit, was the most powerful of the northern chiefs, as Gizur was the most skilled lawman in Iceland. Moreover, Bjom the Priest, Asmund's son, was among the judges, and, though Swan- bild's tale seemed strange to him after that which he had heard I %% ' ''tlJIi;' ; ^' 3IO ERIC B RICH TE YES ! ■- h i'lii ! '! ■ ! from Hall of Lithdale, he loved Eric little. He feared also that if Eric came a free man to Iceland before Gudruda was wed to Ospakar, her love would conquer her anger, for he could see well that she still loved Brighteyes. 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 Brighteyes 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 Althing being ended, Bjom, Gizur, and Ospakar, with all their company, rode away to Middalhof to sit at the marriage-feast. But Swanhild and her folk went by sea in the long war-ship to Westmans. For this was her plan : to seize on Coldbackani to sit there for a while, till she saw if Eric came out to Iceland. Also she desired to see the wedding of Ospakar and Gudruda, for she had been bidden to it by Bjom, her half-brother. Now Ospakar came to Middalhof, and found Gudruda waiting his coming. She stood in the great hall, pale p,nd 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 Gudruda heard that Eric had been made outlaw. Then she spoke : ' This is an iU deed, thus to judge an absent man.' * Say, Gudruda,' said Bjom in her ear, ' hast thou not also judged Eric who is 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 Brighteyes' hair by Hall, saying that he was her love and soon would wed her. How, then, did Swanhild bring n suit against him who should be her husband ? Moreover, she heard that Swanhild sailed ERIC BRIGHTEYES 211 down to Coldback, and was bidden 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 ? Gudrada'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 moi ow, as Gudruda sat in her chamber, it was toicl her that Saevuna, Thorgrimur's widow and Eric's mother, had come from Coldback to speak with her. For, after the death of Asmund and of Unna, Saevuna had moved back to Coldback in the Marsh. * Nay, how can this be ? ' said Gudruda astonished, for she knew well that Saevuna was now both blind and bed-ridden. ' She has been borne here in a chair,' said the woman who told her, * and that is a strange sight to see.* At first Gudruda v/as minded to say her nay ; but her heart softened, and she bade them bring Saevuna 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 Gudruda it seemed like that of Eric when he was angered. ' Am I nigh to Gudruda the Fair, Asmund's daughter ? ' asked Saevuna. * Methinks I hear her breathe.' ' I am here, mother,' said Gudruda. * What is thy will with me ? ' * Set down, carles, and begone ! ' quoth Saevuna ; ' that which I have to say I would say alone. When I summon you, come.' The carles set down the chair upon the floor and went. * Gudruda,' said the dame, ' I am risen from my death- bed, and I have caused myself to be borne on my last journey here across the meads, that I may speak with thee and warn thee. I hear that thou nast put away my son, Eric Brighteyes, to whom thoii wrt 9Worn xa, marriage, and art f 9 m m ft;' %\ I I I ■I ' ^ '-,v 111 I :,i !i : I ! 1 :!: ll i 1 ii ;i 1 i 212 EmC BRIGHTEYES about to give thyself to Ospakar Blaclitooth. 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, Atli's widow, hath come out to Iceland and laid a suit against Eric for the slaying of Atli the Earl, her husband, and that Eric has been outlawed and his lands at Coldback are forfeit. Tell me now, Gudi'uda, Asmund's daughter, if these tales be true ? ' * The tales are true, mother,' said Gudruda. * Then hearken 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, naught of dishonour is on his hands. Mayhap Swanhild hath 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. Perchance thou canst remember how she plotted against thee and Eric — ay, 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 deal- ings with thy father, and with Unna my kinswoman ? 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 Gudruda. *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 aforetime, and will love thee always.' * Would that I could believe it ! ' said Gudruda. ' If I could believe that Eric still loved me — ay, even though he had been faithless to me — I would die ere I wed Ospakar I ' ERIC BRIGHTEYES ai5 • Thou art foolish, Gudruda, 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 Gudrada 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 Ospakar.' • What is done is done, yet it can be brought to nothing ; but soon that shall be done which may never be undone ! Gudruda, faie thee well ! Never shall I listen to thy voice again. I hold thee shameless, thou unfaithful woman, who in thy foolish jealousy art ready to sell thyself to the arms of one thou hatest ! Ho ! carles ; come hither. Bear me hence ! ' Now the men came in and took up Saevuna's chair. Gudruda watched them bear her forth. Then suddenly she sprang from her seat and ran after her into the hall, weeping bitterly. Now as Saevuna, Eric's mother, was carried out she was met by Ospakar and Bjorn. • Stay,' said Bjorn. * What does this carline here ? — and why weeps Gudruda, my sister ? ' The men halted. ' Who calls me " carline " ? ' said Saevuna. ' Is the voice I hear the voice of Bjorn, Asmund's son ? ' • It is my voice, truly,' said Bjorn, * and I would know this — and this would Ospakar, who stands at my side, know also — ivhy thou comest here, carline ? and why Gudruda weeps ? ' • Gudruda weeps because she has good cause to weep, Bjorn. She w^eeps because she has betrayed her love, Eric Brighteyes, my son, and is about to be sold in marriage — to be sold to thee, Ospakar Blacktooth, like a heifer at a fair.' Then Bjorn grew angry and cursed Saevuna, nor did Ospakar spare to add to his ill words. But the old dame sat i '■■?^.?l -<• \ \^' *• ai4 ERIC BRIGHTEYES ■-. :;i!li i i ' 4 .1 :S ; ;;:i \\\. in her chair, listening silently till all their curses were spent. * Ye are evil, the twain of you,' she said, ' and ye have told lies of Eric, my son ; and ye have taken his hride for lust and greed, playing on the jealous folly of a maid like harpers on a harp. Now I tell you this, Bj 6m and Osps,kar! My bhnd eyes are opened and I see this hall of Middalhof, and lo ! it is but a gore of blood I 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 your feet are Hell- shoon ! Eric comes and Whitefire 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 sat Unna, my kinswoman, and Asmund, thy father — redder shall be the feast where sit Gudruda, thy sister, and Ospakar ! The wolf howls at thy door, Bjorn ! the grave- worm opens his mouth! trolls run to and fro upon thy threshold, and the ghosts of men speed Hellwards 1 111 were the deeds of Groa — worse shall be the deeds of Groa's daughter \ Eed is thy hall with blood, Bjorn ! — for Whitefire is aloft and — 1 tell thee Eric comes ! ' — and with one great cry she fell back — dead. Now they stood amazed, and trembling in their fear. * Saevuna hath spoken strange words,' said Bjorn. * Shall we be frightened by a dead hag ? ' quoth Ospakar, drawing his breath again. * Fellows bear this carricfn forth, or we fling it to the dogs.' Then the men tied the body of Saevuna, Thorgrimur's widow, Eric's mother, fast in the chair and bore it thence. But when at length they came to Coldback, 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 cariine, who had been nurse to Eric, was left there, and she sat wailing in an outhouse, being too weak to m'^ve. Then the men set down the corpse of Saevuna in the outhouse, and, having told all their tale to the cariine, they fled also* n. <'• ERIC BRIGHTEYES 215 That night passed, and passed the morrow ; but on the next day at diuvn Eric Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail landed near Westman Isles. They had made a bad passage from Fareys, 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 Gudruda the Fair and Ospakar ; but Eric knew nothing of these tidings. ' Where to now, lord ? ' said Skallagrim. * To Coldback first, to see my mother, if she yet lives, and to learn tidings of Gudruda. 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 Gudruda'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 Coldback. When they had ridden for something over an hour they came to the crest of a height whence they could see Coldback in the Marsh. Eiic drew rein 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 ride away from Coldback towards Middalhof — and in the company a woman wearing a purple cloak. ' Now what may this mean ? ' said Eric. ' Ride on and we shall learn,' answered Skallagrim. 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 liim, 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 straightway howled with joy and leapt upon him. For a while he leapt thus, while Eric stared around him wondering and pad at heart. Then the dog ran to the door and stopped, whining. Eric followed after him. The .0/-P^ ,<- 1 r r , IB,!,, 2l6 ERIC BRIGHTEYES 1 li hound passed through the entrance, and across the yard till he came to an outhouse. Here the dog stopped and scratched at the door, still winning. Eric thrust it open. Lo ! there before him sat baevuna, his mother, dead in a chair, and at her feet crouched the carline — she who had been Eric's nurse. Now he grasped the door-posts to steady himself, and his shadow fell upon the white face of his molhcr and the old cariine at her feet. I i •i^ 1)1 :t m m^ E nc finds his mother dead. . ! ,( I) i :i 1 ill! ■' ! ■ '1 ' k\l .! ■'!• 217 MJtIC MRIGHTEYES CHAPTER XXm BOW EBIO WAS A GUEST AT THB WEDDINa-FEAST OF QUDBUDA THE FAIB CVi/} RIC looked, but said nothing. * Who art thou ? ' whined the carline, 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 Swanhild's 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 thou wilt, but drive me not from this,' and she pointed to the corpse. * Say now, wilt thou not help me to give it burial ? It is unmeet that she who in her time had husband, and goods, and son, should lie unburied Uke a dead cow on the fells. I have still a hundred in silver, if J might but come at it. It is hidden, sir, and I will pay thee if thou wilt help me to 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 Brighteyes would come home again ! Oh, that Eric was here I There is work to do and never a man to do it.' ERIC BRIGHTEYES 2X8 Now Erie gave a great sob and cried, ' Nurse, nurse f knowest thou me not ? 1 am Erie Brighteyes.' She uttered a loud ory, and, clasping him by the knees, looked up into his face. ' Thanks be to Odin ! Thou art Eric — Eric come home again 1 But alas, thou hast come too late 1 ' ' What has happened, then ? ' said Eric. * What has happened ? All evil things. Thou art outlawed, Eric, at the suit of Swanhild for the slaying of Atli the Earl. Swanhild sits here in Coldback, for she hath seized thy lands. Saevuna, thy mother, died two days ago in the hall of Middalhof, whither she went to speak with Gadruda.' ' Gudruda I what of Gudruda? ' cried Eric. ' This, Brighteyes : to-day she weds Ospakar Black- tooth.* Eric covered his face with his hand. Presently he lifted it. ' Thou art rich in evil tidings, nurse, though, it would seem, poor in all besides. Tell me at what hour is the wedding- feast ? ' ' An hour after noon, Eric ; but now Swanhild has ridden thither with her company.' ' Then room must be found at Middalhof for one more guest,' said Eric, and laughed aloud. ' Go on t — pour out thy evil news and spare me not 1 — ^for nothing has any more power to harm me now t Gome hither, Skallagrim, and see and hearken.' Skallagrim came and looked on the face of dead Saevuna. ' I am outlawed at Swanhil^.'s suit, Lambstail. My life lies in thy hand, if so be tiiou wouldst take it ! Hew off my head, if thou wilt, and bear it to Gudruda the Fair — she will thank thee for the gift. Lay on, Lambstail ; lay on with that axe of thine.' * Child's talk ! ' said Skallagrim. * Child's talk, but man's work ! Thou hast not heard the tale out. Swanhild hath seized my lands and sits here at Cold- back ! A id — what thinkest thou, Skallagrim ? — but now she has ridden a-guesting to the marriage-feast of Ospakar Blacktooth with Gudruda the Fair I Swanhild at Gudruda's wedding 1 — the eagle in the wild swar'snest! But there will be another guest,' and again he laughed aloud. / !'i 4 1 M' ii i I j i! :i i i i^ •' ii 1;- 319 iE^/C BRIGHTEYES * r«;o other guests,' said Skallagrim. * More of thy tale, old nurse I — more of thy tale ! ' quoth Eric. * No better didst thou ever tell me wlien, as a lad, I sat by thee, in the ingle 0' winter nights — and the company is fitting to the tale ! ' and he pointed to dead Saevuna. Then the carline told on. Bhe told how Hall of Lithdale had come out to Iceland, and of the story that he bore to Gudruda, and of the giving of the lock of hair. * What did I say, lord ? ' broke in Skallagrim — * that in Hall thou hadst let a weasel go who would live to nip thee ? ' * Him 1 will surely live to shorten by a head,' quoth Eric. * Nay, lord, this one for me — Ospakar for thee. Hall for met' *As thou wilt, Baresark. Among so many there is room to pick and choose. Tell on, nurse I ' Then she told how Swanhild came out to Iceland, and, having won Ospakar Blacktooth and Gizur to her side, had laid a suit against Eric at the Thing, and there bore false witness against him, so that Brighteyes was declared outlaw, being absent. She told, too, how Gudruda had betrothed herself to Ospakar, and how Swanhild had moved down to Coldback and seized the lands. Lastly she told of the rising of Saevuna from her deathbed, of her going to Middalliof, of the words she spoke to Bjorn and Ospakar, and of her death in the hall at Middalhof. 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, * and perchance before six hours are sp«d 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 Saevuna 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, Skallagrim,' said Eric, * if indeed thou wouldst go a-guesting with me to Middalhof- Therefore let us eat and drink, for there are deeds to do this ^ay.* ERIC BRIG HTE YES 220 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. Bkallagrim also ground his great axe upon the whetstone in the yard, singing as he ground. When all was ready, the horses were caught, and Eric spoke to the carline : * Hearken, nurse. If it may be that thou canst find any of our folk — and perchance now that they see that Swanhild has ridden to Middalhof some one of them will come down to spy — thou shalt say this to them. Thou shalt say that, if Eric Brighteyes yet lives, he will be at the foot of Mosfell to-morrow 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 food will be needed, and I will speak with them. And now farewell,' and Eric kissed her and went, leaving her weeping. As it chanced, before an- other hour was sped, Jon, Eric's thrall, who had stayed at home in Iceland, seeing Coldback empty, crept down from the fells and looked in. The carline 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 Brighteyes still lived and was in Iceland. Then they gathered food and gear, and rode away to the foot of Mosfell that is now called Ericsfell. Ospakar sat in the hall at Middalhof, near to the high seat. He was fully armed, and a black helm with a raven's cres^ Wk 4^i,^. 1 m- f ) V ^^^m^tmA^x&& SKALLAQBIM QROUND HIS AXE. 1 i'li il i I'. I i i I ^^ «' if 1 t 1 1 1 '• I III.-, '-^^ ' 'I 7 f • ^ |i^j 221 EHIC BRIGHTEYES "was on his head. For, though he said nothing of it» not a little did he fear th%t Saevuna spoke sooth — that her words would come true, an i, before this day was done, he and Eric should once more s^ind face to face. At his side sat Gudruda the Fair, robed in white, a worked headdress on her head, golden clasppt upon her breast and golden rings about her arms. Never had she beon 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 ho thought that at last he had got her for his own. * Ah, if Eric would but come, faithlesp though he be ! — if Eric would but come I * thought Gudruda ; but no Eric came to save her. The guests gathered fast, and presently Swanhild swept in with all her company, wrapped about in hei purple cloak. She came up to ihe high seat where Gudruda sat, and bent the knee before her, looking on her with lovely mocking face and hate in her blue eyes. * Greeting, Gudruda, my sister 1 ' she said. ' When last we met I sat, Atli's bride, where to-day thou sittcst the bride of Ospakar. Then Eric Brighteyes held thy hand, and littla thou didst think of wedding Ospakar. Now Eric is afar — so strangely do things come about— and Blacktocth, Brighteyes* foe, holds that fair hand of thine.' Gudruda looked on her and turned whiter yet in her pain, but she answered never a word. ' What ! no word for me, sister ? ' said Swanhild. * 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 Ospakar. No word of thanks for so great a service ! — fie on thee, Gudruda ! fie ! ' Then Gudruda spoke : * Strange tales are told of thee and Eric, Groa's daughter I 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, Gudruda ? — say, wouldst see Eric's face ? I tell thee it is fair I' '\ t ERIC BRIGHTEYES 222 But Gudruda answered nothmg, and Swanhild fell back, laughing. Now the feast began, and men waxed merry. But ever Gudruda's heart grew heavier, for in it echoed those words that Saevuna had spoken. Her eyes were dim, and slie seemed to see naught but the face of Eric as it had looked when he oame back to her that day on the brink of Goldfoss Falls and she had thought him dead. Oh ! what if he still loved her and were yet trie atneart? Swanhild mocked her! -what if this was a plot of Swanhild's? Had not Swanhild plotted aforetime, and could a wolf cease from ravening or a witch from witch-work ? Nay, she had seen Eric's hair — that he had sv/orn none save she should touch ! Perchance he had been drugged, and the hair shorn from him in his sleep ? Too late to think I Of what use was thought ?— beside her sat Ospakar, in one short hour she would be his. Ah I that she could see him dead— the troll v/ho had trafficked her to shame, the foe she had summoned in her wrath and jealousy ! She had done ill— she had fallen into Swanliild's snare, and now Swanhild came to mock her ! The feast went on— rap followed cup. Now they poured the bride-cup ! Before her heart beat two hundred times she would be the wife of Ospakar ! Blackto'^^h took the cup— pledged her in it, and drank deep. Then he turned and strove to kiss her. But Gudruda shrank from him with horror in her eyeb, and all men wondered. Still she must drink the brirTal cup. She took it. Dimly she saw the upturned faces, fomtly she heard the murmur of a hundred voices. What was that voice she caught above them all — there — without the hall ? Holding the cup in her hand, Gudruda bent forward, sta' lug down the skali. Then she cried aloud, pointing to tlie u"or, and the ciip 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 hia winged helm of gold the rays of light flashed through the ^ v^ 'i ■; ■r •,. > f. I 1 ■I if ■'i' if :■ i i i ( ■i f i i 1 I «• ^i l! Mill' i^ i •- '■ y (N-'i' .^ .•-?•• 'Men turned and looked.' ERIC BRIG HTE YES 223 dusky hall. The man was great and beautiful to see. He had long yellow hair bound in about his girdle, and in his ^eft 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 axe on his shoulder and shield in 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 grey. For a moment there was silence. Then a voice spoke : ' Lo ! here be the Gods Baldur and Thor ! — 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 Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail, his thrall, come from over sea to grace the feast, indeed ! ' *I could have looked for no worse guests,' said Bjoin beneath his breath, and rose to bid men thrust them out. But before he could speak, lo ! gold-helmed Eric and Mack- helmed Skallagrim 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 marvelled at his greatness and his wonderful beauty, and to Gudrnda he seemed like a God. ' Here I see faces that are known to me,' said Eric. * Greeting, comrades ! ' * Greeting, Brighteyes ! ' shouted the Middalhof folk and the company of Swanhild ; but the carles of Ospakar laid hand on swjrd — they too knew Eric. For still all men loved l']ric, and the people of his quarter were proud of the deeds he had done oversea. * Greeting, Bjorn, Asmund's son ! ' quol^h Eric. * Greeting, Ospakar Blacktooth ! Greeting, Swanhild the Fatherless, AtH's witch-wife— Groa's v/itch-bairn ! Greeting, Hall of Lithdale, Hall the liar— Hall who cut the grapnel-chain ! And to theo, sweet Bride, to thee Gudruda the Fair, greeting ! ' Now Bjorn spoke : * I will take no greeting from a shamed and outlawed man. Get thee gone, Eric Brighteyes, and ''.!fl * M i % L' i. ; ! r 1 i i i n it24 £7?/^ BRIGHTEYEf'. take tliy wolf-hound with thee, lest thou bidest here stiff and cold.' ' Squeak not so loud, rat, lest hound's fang worry thee I ' growled Skallagrim. But Eric laughed aloud and cried — ' Words must be said, and perchance men shall die, ere ever I leave this hall, Bjom i ' 1 ij I ' s ' I \% I ^■■1 / i 1 1 . Ms h i MRIC BRIGHTEYES «as CHAPTER XXIV HOW THE FEAST WENT EARKEN aU meni ' said Eric. ' Thrust him out ! ' quoth 'Bjorn. ' Nay, cut him down ! ' said Ospakar, * he is an out- lawed man.' ' Words first, then deeds,' answered SJcalla- grim. * Thou shalt have thy fill of both, Blacktooth, before day is done.' 'Let Eric say his say,' said Gudruda, hfting 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 Ospakar. * The bride-cup is not yet drunk, lord,' she answered. ' To thee, then, I will speak, lady,' quoth Eric. ' How comes it that, being betrothed to me, thou dost sit there the bride of Ospakar ? ' * Ask of Swanhild,' said Gudruda in a low voice. * Ask also of Hall of Lithdale yonder, who brought me Swanhild's gift from Straumey.' * I must ask much of Hall and he must answer much,' said Eric. * What tale, then, did he bring thee from Straumey ? ' * He said this, Eric,' Gudruda answered : ' that thou wast Swanhild's love ; that for Swanhild's sake thou hadst basely « t!l J ( H I J !l I j I* I W- ; 1 ^! J' '1 .i\% if' li i» I , , ,. III' 1 1 ■* 226 ERIC BRIGHTEYES killed Atli the Good, and that thou wast about to wed Swan- hild's self and take the Earl's seat in Orkneys.' * And for what cause was I made outlaw at the Althing ? ' * For this cause, Eric,' said Bjom, ' that thou hadst dealt evilly with Swanhild, bringing her to shame against her will, and ftereafter that thou hadst slain the Earl, her husband.' * Which, then, of these tales is true ? for both cannot be true,* said Brighteyes. ' Speak, Swanhild.' * Thou knowest well that the last is true,' said Swanhild boldly. ' How then comes it that thou didst charge Hall with that message to Gudruda ? How then comes it that thou didst send her the lock of hair which thou didst cozen me to give thee ? ' * I charged Hall with no message, and 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 a pace ! ' Now Hall stood forward, trembling with fear, for he saw the eye of Skallagrim watching him close, and while Lambstail 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 the Lady Gudruda. Also she bade me give the lock of hair.' ' And for this service thou didst take money. Hall ? ' * Ay, lord, she gave me money for my faring.' * And all the while thou knewest the tidings false ? ' Hall made no reply. ' Answer ! thundered Eric — * answer the truth, knave, or by every God that passes the hundred gates I v*ill not spare thee twice ! ' It is so, lord,' said Hall. * Thou liest, fox I ' cried Swanhild, white with wrath and casting a fierce look upon Hall. But men took no heed of Swanhild's wo/.ds, for all eyes were bent on Eric. ERIC BRIG HTE YES VTf 'Is it now your pleasure, comrades, that I should tell you the truth ? ' said Brighteyes. The most part of the company shouted ' Yea ! ' but the men of Ospakar stood silent. * Speak on, Eric,' quoth Gudruda. ' This \H the truth, then : Swanhild the Fatherless, Atli's wife, has always sought my love, and she has ever hated Gudruda wliom I loved. From a child she has striven to work mischief between us. Ay, and she did this, though till now it has been hidden : she strove to murder Gudruda ; it was on the day that Skallagrim and I overcame Ospakar and his band on Horse-Head Heights. She thrust Gudruda 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, Gudruda ? ' * It is so,' said Gudruda. Now men murmured and looked at Swanhild. But she shrank back, plucking at her purple cloak. 'It was for this cause,' so-id Eric, 'that Asmund, Swan- hild's father, gave her choice to wed Atli the Earl and pass over sea or to take her trial in the Doom-Ring. She wedded Atli and went away. Afterwards, by witchcraft, she brought my ship to wreck on Straumey's Isle— ay, she walked the waters like a shape of light and lured us on to ruin, so that all were drowned except Skallagrim and myself. Is it not so, SkaUagrim ? ' * It is so, lord. I saw her with my eyes.* Again folk murmured. * Then we must sit in Ath's hall,' said Eric, * an3 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 Koll, Groa's thrall, of whom ye know, came out from Iceland, bringing news of the death of Asmund the priest, of Uuna my cousin, and of Groa the witch. To these ill- tidings Swanhild bribed him to add some- thing. She bribed him to add this : that thou, Gudruda, wast betrothed to Ospakar, tond wouldst wed him on last Yule Day. Moreover, he gave me a certain message from thee, Gudruda, M'J ' • if Mi t > ; mw w' ^^ t . 1 ' ■ ' .'i . 1 if 1 1 \' 1, ; 1 * 1 V 1 ^ 1 1 "■)! ■ i i . ' . V i .' I I i: '' i! ill 14 !' .^, ,Mi"^l-l 1 ERIC BRIGHTEYES 939 ' Well spoken, Blacktootb,' 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 Westman Isles — and still we live to tell the tale. Come down, Ospakar ; come down from that soft seat of thine anfl here and now let us put it to the proof who is the better man. When we met before, the stake was Whitefire set against my eye. Now the stake is our lives and fair Gudruda's hand. Talk no more, Ospakar, but fall to it.' * Gudruda shall never wed thee, while I live I ' said Bjom ; ' thou art a landless loon, a brawler, and an outlaw. Get thee gone, Eric, with thy wolf-hound I ' * Squeak not so loud, rat— squeak not so loud, lest he nd 8 fang worry thee ! ' said Skallagrim. * Whether I wed Gudruda 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 at such as I am, Bjorn, lest perchance I answer them with spear-thrusta. Thy answer, Ospakar ! What need to wait ? Thy answer I ' Now Ospakar looked at Brighteyes and grew afraid. He was a mighty man, but he knew the weight of Eric's arm. * 1 will not fight with thee, carle,' he said, * who hast naught to lose.* * Then thou art coward and Diddering ! ' said Eric. * Ospekar Niddering I name thee here before all men ! What I 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 Ospakar the Niddering ! ' Now the swarthy brow of Blacktooth grew red with rage, and his breath came in great gasps. * Ho, men ! ' he cried, ' drive this knave away. Strip his harness off him and whip him hence with rods.' ' Let but a man stir towards me and this spear flies through thy heart, Niddering,' cried Eric. * Gudruda, what thinkest thou of thy lord ? ' ' I know this,' said Gudruda, ' that I will not wed a man ^ho ia named " Niddering " in the face of all and lifts no sword.' I m V.' f Si)' I i P f' If '1. ■Ji! 1 ' si 'i ( i\»,' i I i ■. 4 r ! I "\^'l V It if ^ '.' ' s ! If ■' i . 1 1 1 930 BI^/C BRIGHTEYES Gudruda spoke thus, because she was mad with love and fear and shame, and she desired that Eric should stand face to face with Ospakar Blacktooth, for thus, alone, she might perhaps be rid of Ospakar. ' Such words do not come well from gentle lips,' said Bjorn. * Is it to be borne, brother,' answered Gudruda, ' that the man who would call me wife should be named Ospakar the Niddering ? When that shame is washed away, and then only, can I think on marriage. I will never be Niddering's bride ! ' * Thou hearest, Ospakar Niddering ? ' said Eric. Then he gave the spear in his hand to Skallagrim, and, gripping Whitefire's hilt, he burst the peace -strings, and tore it from the scabbard. Now the great sword shone on high like Hghtning leaping from a cloud, and as it shone men shouted, * Ospakai' I Ospa- kar Niddering I Come, win back Whitefire from Eric's hand, or be for 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, Niddering ! ' cried Eric, and sprang to meet him. ' Back ! all men, back ! ' shouted Skallagrim, * now we shall see blows.' As ne spoke the great swords flashed aloft and clanged upon the iron shields. So heavy were the blows that fire leapt out from them. Ospakar reeled back beneath the shock, and Eric was beaten to his knee. Now he was up, but as he rushed, Ospakar struck again and swept away half of Brighteyen's pointed shield so that it fell upon the floor. Eric smote also, but Ospakar dropped his knee to earth and the sword hissed over him. Blacktooth cut at Eric's legs ; but Brighteyes sprang from the ground and took no harm. Now some cried, ' Eric I Eric ! ' and some cried ' Ospakar ! Ospakar ! ' for no one knew how the fight would go. Gudruda sat watching in the high seat, and as blows fell her colour came and went. Swanhild drew near, watching also, and she desired in ' It ERIC BRIGHTEYES 331 her fierce heart to see Eric brought to shame and death, for, should he win, then Gudruda would be rid of Ospakar. Now, by her side stood Gizur, Ospakar's son, and near to her was Bjorn. These two held their breath, for, if Eric conquered, all their plans were brought to nothing. Even as he sprang into the air, Eric smote down with all his strength. The blow fell on Ospakar's shield. It shore through the shield and struck on the shoulder beneath. But Blacktooth's byrnie was good, nor did the sword bite on it. Still the stroke was so heavy that Ospakar staggered back four paces beneath it, then fell upon the ground. Now folk raised a shout of • Eric ! Eric I ' for it seemed that Ospakar was sped. Brighteyes, 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 that had been shorn away by the sword of Ospakar. Gudruda, watching, saw Bjorn push it with his shoe so that it slid before the feet of Brighteyes. His right foot caught on it, he stumbled heavily — stumbled again, then fell prone on his face, and, as he fell, stretched 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 down- wards, in the clay of the flooring. The hand of Ospakar rising from the ground smote against the hilt of Whitefire. He saw it, with a shout he cast his own sword away and clasped Whitefire. Away circled the sword of Ospakar; and of that cast this strange thing is told, false or true. Far in the comer of the hall lurked Thorunna, she who had betrayed Skallagrim when he was named Ounound. She had come with a heavy heart to Middalhof in the company of Ospakar ; but when she saw Skallagrim, her husband — whom she had betrayed, and who had turned Baresark 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 Thorunna, who cowered L !■ 234 ElilC BRIGHTEYES indeed see thee thrust the broken buckler before Eric's feet, so that he stun) bled on it and fell ? ' ' That thou savvest, lady,' said Skalla;7rim ; 'for I saw it also.' Now Bjorn grew white in his anger. H.. did not answer Gudruda, but called aloud to his men to slay Eric and Skallagrim. Gizur called also to the folk of Ospakar, and Swanhild to those who came with her Then Gudruda fled back to her seat. But Eric cried aloud also : ' Ye who love me. cleave to me. Suffer it not that Brighteyes be cut down of northerners and outlaud men. Hear me, Atli's folk; hear me, carles of Cold- back and of Middalhof ! ' And so greatly did many love Eric that half of the thralls of Bjorn, and almost all of the company of Swanhild who had been Atli's shield-men and Brighteyes' comrades, drew swords, shouting ' Eric ! Eric ! ' But t'le carles of Ospakar came on to make an end of him* Bjorn saw, and, drawing sword, smote at Brighteyes, taking him unawares. But Skallagrim caught the blow upon his axe, and before Bjorn could smite again Whitefire was aloft and down fell Bjorn, dead ! This was the end of Bjorn, Asmund's son. * Thou hast squeaked thy last, rat ! What did I tell thee ? ' cried Skallagrim. ' Take Bjorn's shield and back to back, lord, for here come foes.' * There goes one,' answered Eric, pointing to the door. Now Hall of Lithdale slunk through the doorway — Hall, the Uar, who cut the grapnel-chain — for he wished to see the last of Skallagrim. But the Baresark still held Eric's spear in his hand. He whirled it aloft, and r\ hissed through the air. The aim was good, for, as he crept away, the spear struck Hall between neck and should 3r, pinning him to the doorpost, and there the liar died. ' Now the weasel is nailed to the beam,' said Skallagrim. ' Hall of LithdalC; what did I promise thee ? ' 'Guard thy head and my back,' quoth Eric ; ' blows fall ! ' Now men smote at Eric and Skallagrim, nor did they ERIC BRIGHTEYES ^35 spare to smite in turn. And as foes fell befoze him, Eric stepped one pace forward towards the door, and Skallagrim, who, back to back with him, held off those who pressed behind, took one step rearwards. Thus, a foe for every step, they won their way down the long hall. Fierce raged the fray aj'ound them, for, mad with hate and drink and the lust of fight, Swanhild's folk — Eric's friends — remembering the words of Atli, fell on Ospakar's ; and the people of Bjorn fell on each other, brother on brother, and father on son — nor might the fray be stayed. The boards were overthrown, dead men lay among the meats and mead, and the blood of freeman, lord and thrall ran adown the floor. Everywhere through the dusky hall glittered the sheen of flashing swords and rose the clang of war. Darts clove the air like tongues of flame, and the clamour of battle beat against the roof. Blinded of the Norns who brought these things to pass, men sought no mercy and they gave none, but smote and slew till few were left to slay. And still Gudruda sat in her bride- seat, and, with eyes fixed in horror, watched the waxing of the war. Near to her stood Swanhild, marking all things with fierce- set face, and calling down curses on her folk, who one and all cried * Eric ! Eric ! ' and swept the thralls of Ospakar as com is swept of the sickle. And there, nigh to the door, pale of face and beautiful, to see, golden Eric clove his way, and with him went black Skallagrim. Terrible was the flare of Whitefire as he flickered aloft like the levin in the cloud. Terrible was the flare of Whitefire ; but more terrible was the light of Eric's eyes, for they seemed to flame in his head, and wherever that fire fell it lighted men the way to death. Whitefire sung and I^ickered, and crashed the axe of Skallagrim, and still through the press of war they won their way. Now Gizur stands before them, spear aloft, and Whitefire leaps up to meet him. Lo ! he turns and flies. The coward son of Ospakar does not seek the fate of Ospakar ! The door is won. They stand without but little harmed, while women wail aloi:d. ;:; t f" 'I I A\ \\ » : til h::- i!V ■■ I i ■i I t 1 ! 1^ t i . 1 i !■ ! r i ) \ I i i! !; 4 J 236 EmC BRIG HTE YES * To horse 1 ' cried Skallagrim ; * to horse, ere our lack fail us ! ' ' Thnre is no luck in this,' gasped Eric ; * for I have Blain many men, and among them is Bjom, the brother of her \vliom I T;»ould make my bride.' ' Better one such fight than many brides,' said Skallagrim, shaliing his red axe. * We have won great glory this day, l>ti<.^hteye.i, and Ospakar is dead — slain by a swordless man ! ' Now Eric and Skallagrim ran to their horses, none hindering tiioiii, ani, mounting, rode towards Mosfell. All tiiat evening and all the night they rode, and at morning they came across the black sand to Mosfell slopes that are by the Hecla. Here they rested, and, taking off their armour, washed themselves in the stream : for they were very weary and foul with blood and wounds. When they had finished washing and had buckled on their harness again, Skallagrim, peering across the plain with his hawk's eyes, saw men riding fast towards them. ' Foes are soon afoot, lord,' he said. ' I thought we had stayed their hunger for a while.' ' Would that I might stay mine,' quoth Eric. * I am weary, and unfit for fight.' *I have still strength for one or two,' said Skallagrim, ' and then good-night ! But these are no foes. They are of the Coldback folk. The carline has kept her word.' Then Eric was glad, and presently six men, headed by Jon his thrall, the same man who had watched on Mosfell when Eric went up to slay the Baresark, rode to them and greeted them. ' Beggar women, said Jon, * whom they met at Ran Eiver, had told them of the death of Ospakar, and of the great slaying at Middalhof, and they would know if the tidings were true.' * It is true, Jon,' said Eric ; ' but first give us food, if ye have it, for we are hungered and spent. When we have eaten we will speak.' So they led up a pack-horse and from it took stc^kfish and ERIC BRIGHTEYES 837 smoked meat, of which Eric and Skallagrim eat heartily, till their strength came back to them. Then Eric spoke. ' Comrades,' he said, ' I am an outlawed man, and, though I have not sought it, much blood is on my head. Atli is dead at my hand ; Ospakar is dead at my hand ; Bjom the Priest, Asmund's son, is dead at my hand, and with them many another man. Nor may the matter stay here, for Gizur, Blacktooth's son, yet lives, and Bjom has kin in the south, and Swanhild will buy friends with gold, and all of these will set on me to slay me, so that at the last I die by the sword.' * No need for that,' said Skallagrim. * Our vengeance is wrought, and now, as before, the sea is open, and I think that a welcome awaits us in London.' * Now Gudruda is widowed before she was fully wed,' said Eric, * therefore I bide an outlawed man here in Iceland. I go hence no more, though it be death to stay, unless indeed Gudruda the Fair goes with me.' ' It will be death, then,' said Skallagrim, ' and the swords are forged that we shall feel. The odds are too heavy, lord.' ' Mayhap,' answered Eric. ' No man may flee his fate, and I shall not altogether grieve when mine finds me. Hearken, comrades : I go up Mosfell height, and there I stay, till those be found who can drag me from my hole. But this is my counsel to you : that ye leave me to my doom, for I am an unlucky man who always chooses the wrong road.' * That will not I,' said Skallagrim. ' Nor we,' said Eric's folk ; * Swanhild holds Coldback, and we are driven to the fells. To the fells then we will ^o with thee, Eric Brighteyes, and become cave-dwellers and outlaws for thy sake. Fear not, thou shalt still find many friends.* * I did not look for such a thing at your hands,' said Eric ; ' but stormy waters shew how the boat is built. May no bad luck come to you from your good fellowship. And now let us to our nest.' Then they caught the horses, and rode with Brighteyes up the steep side of Mosfell, till at length they came to that secret dell which Skallagrim had once shown to Eric. Hare they I. ■1 ;.i{ • ■'II ;■ N ! 1 ■"? I' f -• \ j 1 1 If 1 i • i 1 Mil •I 1 • PI i 1^ ^-i! f : ' l' 238 £/?/C BRIGHTEYBS turned the horses loose to feed, and, going forward on foot, reached the dark and narrow pass that Brighteyes had trod when he sought for the Baresark foe. Skallagrim led the way along it, then came Eric and the rest. One by one they stepped on to the giddy point of rock, and, catching at the birch-bush, entered the hole. So they gained the platform and the great cave beyond; and they found that no man had set foot there since the day when Eric had striven with Skallagrim. For there on the rock, rotten witli the weather, lay that haft of wood which Brighteyes had hewed from the axe of Skallagrim, and in the cave were many things beside as the Baresark had left them. So they took up their dwelling in the cave, Eric, Skalla- grim, and the six Coldback men, and there they dwelt many months. But Eric sent out men, one at a time, and got together food and a store of sheepskins, and other needful things. For he knew this well: that Gizur and Swanhild would before long come np against them, and, if they could not take them by force, would set themselves to watch the mountain-path and starve them out. When Eric and Skallagrim rode away from Middalhof the Ught still raged fiercely in the hall, and nothing but death might stay it. The minds of men were mad, and they smote one another, and slew each other, till at length of all that marriage company few were left unharmed, except Gizur, Swanhild, and Gudruda. For the serving thralls and women- folk had fled the hall, and with them some peaceful men. Then Gudruda spoke as one in a dream. *Saevuna's prophecy was true,' she said, 'red was the marriage-feast of Asmund my father, redder has been the marriage-feast of Ospakar I She saw the hall of Middalhof one gore of blood, and lo ! it is so. Look upon thy work, Swanhild,' and she pointed to the piled-up dead — ' look upon thy work, witch-sister, and grow fearful : for all this death is on thy head ! ' Swanhild laughed aloud. * I think it a merry sight,' she cried. * The marriage-feast of Asmund our father was red. ERIC BRIG HTE YES 239 and thy marriage-feast, Gudruda, has been redder. Would that thy blood and the blood of Eric ran with the blood of Bjorn and Ospakar ! That tale must yet be told, Gudruda. There shall be binding on of Hell-shoes at Middalhof, but I bind them not. My task is still to come : for I will live to fasten the Hell-shoes on the feet of Eric, and on thy feet, Gudruda ! At the least, I have brought about this much, that then canst scarcely wed Eric the outlaw : for with his own hand he slew Bjorn our brother, and because of this I count all that death as nothing. Thou canst not mate with Brighteyes, lest the wide wounds of Bjorn thy brother should take tongues and cry thy shame from sea to sea ! ' Gudruda made no answer, but sat as one carved in stone. Then Swanhild spoke again : ^ * Let us away to the north, Gizur ; there to gather strength to make an end of Eric. Say, wilt thou help us, Gudruda ? The blood-feud for the death of Bjorn is thine.' * Ye are enough to bring about the fall of one unfriended man,' Gudruda said. * Go, and leave me with my sorrow and the dead. Nay ! before thou goest, listen, Swanhild, for there is that in my heart which tells me I shall never look again upon thy face. From evil to evil thou hast ever gone, Swan- hild, and from evil to evil thou wilt go. It well may chance that thy wickedness will win. It may well chance that tiiou wilt crown thy crimes with my slaying and the slaying of the man who loves me. But I tell thee this, traitress — murderess, as thou art — that here the tale ends not. Not by death, Swanhild, shalt thou escape the deeds of life ! There they shall rise up against thee, and there every shame that thou hast worked, every sin that thou hast sinned, and every soul that thou hast brought to Hela's halls, shall come to haunt thee and to drive thee on from age to age! That witch- craft which thou lovest shall mesh thee. Shadows shall bewilder thee ; from the bowl of empty longing thou ahalt drink and drink, and not be satisfied. Yea! lusts shall it;ock and madden thee. Thou shalt ride the winds, thou shalt sail the seas, but thou shalt find no harbour, and never shalt thou set foot upon a shore of peace. '■iil'/1-..| 1 !.^ . 1 1 1 : r ^ ' ■ i [ Mil 'Hi I •! ,j ' I ii I 240 -e;?/C BRIGHTEYES * Go on, Swanhild — dye those hands in blood — wade through the river of shame ! Seek thy desire, and finding, lose ! Work thy evil, and winning, fail ! I yet shall triumph— I yet shall trample thee ; and, in a place to come, with Eric at my side, I shall make a mock of Swanhild the murderess ! Swanhild the liar, and the wanton, and the witch I Now get thee gone 1' Swanhild heard. She looked up at Gudruda's face and it was alight as with a fire. She strove to answer, but no words came. Then Groa's daughter turned and went, and with her went Gizur, Now women and thralls came in and drew out the wounded and those who still breathed from among the dead, taking them to the temple. They bore away the body of Ospakar also, uut they left the rest. All night long Gudruda sat in the bride's seat. There she sat in the silver summer midnight, looking on the slain who were strewn about the great hall. All night she sat alone in the bride's seat thinking — ever thinking. How, then, would it end ? There her brother Bjorn lay a-cold — Bjom the justly slain of Brighteyes ; yet how could she wed the man who slew her brother ? From Ospakar she was divorced by death ; from Eric she was divorced by the blood of Bjorn her brother ! How might she unravel this tangled skein and float to weal upon this sea of death ? All things went amiss ! The doom was on her ! She had lived to an ill purpose — her love had wrought evil ! What availed it to have been born to be fair among women and to have desired that which might not be ? And she herself had brought these things to pass — she had loosed the rock which crushed her ! Why had she hearkened to that false tale ? Gudruda sat on high in the bride's seat, asking wisdom of the piled-up dead, while the cold blue shadows of the nightless night gathered over her and them— gathc red, and waned, and grew at last to the glare of day. 'AH nij^ht lon^ Gudruda sat in the Brid' e's bent.' If I |i!f . I k 1 i' l \i I U I h 1 i ' ' 1 ; H i ! :.■! 241 £R/C BRIGHTEYES ospakab's caibn. OHATTER XXVI HOW ERIC VENTURED DOWN TO MID/JALHOP AND WHAT HE FOUND CIZUR went north to Swine- I fell, and Swanhild went with him. For now that Ospakar was dead at Eric's hand, Gizur ruled in his place at Swinefell, and was the greatest lord in all the north. He loved Swanhild, and de- sired to make her his wife ; but she played with him, talking darkly of what might be. Swanhild was not minded to be the wife of any m.an, except of Eric ; to all others she was cold as the winter earth. Still, she fooled Gizur as she had fooled Atli the Good, and he grew blind with love of her. For still the beauty of Swanhild waxed as the moon waxes in the sky, and her wicked eyes shone as the stars shine when the moon has set. Nuvv they came to Swinefell, and there Gizur buried Ospak ir Blacktooth, his father, with much state. He set him in a chamber of rock and timbers on a mountain- top, whence he might see all the lands that once were his, and built up a great mound of earth above him. To this day people tell that here on Yule night black Ospakar bursts out, and golden Eric rides down the blast to meet him. Then come the clang of swordSt and groans, and the sound of riven helms, EktC MTGHTEYES t^l till presently Brighteyes passes southward on the wind, bearing in bin hand the half of a cloven shield. So Gizur bound the Hell-shoes on his father, and swo: o lat he would neit' or rest nor stay till Eric Brighteyes was md and dead was Skallagrim Lambstail. Then he gathered a great force of men and rode south to Coldback, to the slaying of Eric, and with him went Swanhild. Gudruda sat alone in the haunted hall of Middalhof and brooded on her love and on her fate. Eric, too, sat in Mosfell cave and brooded on his evil chancr I^^s heart was sick with sorrow, and there was little that Le * ild do except think about the past. He would not g ; > tcray, after the fashion of outlaws, and there was no ncou o> this. For the talk of his mighty deeds spread through 'ihe land, so that people spoke of little else. And the men of lils quarter were so proud of these deeds of Eric's that, though some of their kin had fallen at his hands in the great fight of Middalhof and some at the hands of Skallagrim, yet they spoke of him as men speak of a God. Moreover they brought him gifts of food and clothing and arms, as many as his people could caiTy away, and laid them in a booth that is on the plain near the foot of Mosfell, which thenceforth was na^ned Ericsfell. Further, they bade his thralls tell him that, il he wished it, they would find a good ship of war to take him from Iceland — ay, and ^an it with loyal men and true. Erie thanked them through Jon his thrall, but answered that he wished to die here in Iceland. Now, when Eric had sat two months and more in Mosfell cave and autumn was coming, he learned that Gizur and Swanhild had moved down to Coldback, and with them a great company of men who were sworn to slay him. He asked if Gudruda the Fair had also gathered men for his slaying. They told him no ; that Gudruda stayed with her thralls and women at Middalhof, mourning for Bjorn her brother. From these tidings Eric took some heart of hope : at the least Gudruda laid no blood-feud against him. For mm r-i! ' ■I'ii ; ! \i !•: II i ■ t II I:. 1:1 '^ '^1 ) ■ ' ii I * 'I i k i (4 243 £/^/C BRIGHT EYES he waited, thinlving, if indeed she yet loved him, that Gudruda would send him some word or token of her love. But no word came, since between them ran the blood of Bjorn. On the morrow of these tidings Skallagrim spoke to Eric. * This is my counsel, lord,' he said, ' that we ride out by night and fall on the folk of Gizur at Coldback, and burn the stead over them, putting them to the sword. I am weary of sitting here like an eagle in a cage.* * Such is no counsel of mine, Skallagrim,' answered Bright- eyes. * I am weary of sitting here, indeed ; but I am yet more weary of bringing men to their death. I will shed no more blood, unless it is to save my own head. When the people of Gizur come to seek me on Mosfell, they shall find me here ; but I will not go to them.' ' Thy heart is out of thee, lord,' said Skallagrim ; ' thou wast not wont to speak thus.' * Ay, Skallagrim,' said Erie, * the heart is out of me. Yet I ride from Mosfell to-day.* ' Whither, lord ? ' * To Middalhof, to have speech with Gudruda the Fair.' * Like enough, then, thou wilt be silent thereafter.' *It well may be,' said Eric. 'Yet I will ride. I can bear this doubt no longer.' * Then I shall come with thee,' said Skallagrim. * As thou wilt,' answered Eric. So at midday Eric and Skallagrim rode away from Mosfell in a storm of rain. The rain was so heavy that those of Gizur' s spies who watched the mountain did not see them. All that day they rode and all the night, till by morning they came to Middalhof. Eric told Skallagrim to stay with the horses and let them feed, while he went on foot to see if by chance he might get speech with Gudruda. This the Baresark did, though he grumbled at the task, fearing lest Eric should he done to death and he not there to die with him. Now Eric walked to within two bowshots of the house, then sat down in a dell by the river, from the edge of which he could see those who passed in and out. Presently his heart gave a leap, for there came out from the women's door St ERIC BRIGHTEYES 244 a lady tall and beautiful to see, and with gokle n hair that flowed about her breast. It was Gudruda, and he saw that she boro a napkin in her hand. Then Eric knew, according to her custom on the warm mornings, that she came alone to bathe in the river, as she had always done from a child. It was her liabit to bathe here in this place : for at the bottom of the dell was a spot where reeds and bushes grew thick, and the water lay in a basui of rock and was clear and still. For at this spot a hot spring ran into the river. Eric went down the doll, hid himself close in the bushes and waited, for he feared to speak with Gudruda in the open field. A while passed, and presently the shadow of the lady crept over the edge of the dell, then she came herself in that beauty which since her day has not been known in Iceland. Her face was sad and sweet, her dark and lovely eyes were sad. On she came, till she stood within a spear's lengtli of where Eric lay, crouched in the bush, and looking at iier through the hedge of reeds. Here a flat rock overhung the water, and Gudruda sat herself on this rock, and, shaking off her shoes, dipped her white feet in the water. Then suddenly she threw aside her cloak, baring her arms, and, gazing upon the shadow of her beauty in the mirror of the water, sighed and sighed again, while Eric looked at her with a bursting heart, for as yet he could find no words to say. Now she spoke aloud. ' Of what use to be so fair ? ' she said. * Oh, wherefore was I born so fair to bring death to many and sorrow on myself and him I love ? ' And she shook her golden hair about her arms of snow, and, holding the napkin to her eyes, wept softly. But it seemed to Eric that between her sobs she called upon his name. Now Eric could no longer bear the sight of Gudruda weeping. While she wept, hiding her eyes, he rose from be- liind the screen of reeds and stood beside her in such fashion i.hat his shadow fell upon her. She felt the sunlight pass and looked up. Lo ! it was no cloud, but the shape of Erie, and the sun glittered on his golden helm and hair. • Eric ! ' Gudruda cried ; ' Eric ! ' Then, remembering how she was attired, snatching her cloak, she threw it about her S 'i ^:i U,Hl 1 \ til ' F y 1 1 M- I r ! I .1 .1 )l I 'I I! \ I li U I i I! 1 ^' :ii' if i! I! Il 245 El^/C BRIGHTEYES arms and thrust her wet feet into her shoes. ' Out upon thee 1 ' she said ; ' is it not enough, then, that thou shouldst break thy troth for Swanhild's sake, that thou shouldst slay my brother and turn my hall to shambles ? Wouldst now steal upon me thus ! ' ' Methought that thou didst weep and call upon my name, Gudruda,' he said humbly. * By what right art thou here to hearken to my words ? ' she answered. * Is it, then, strange that I should speak the name of him who slew my brother ? Is it strange that I should weep over that brother whom thou didst slay ? Get thee gone, Brighteyes, before I call my folk to kill thee 1 ' ' Call on, Gudruda. I set little price upon my life. I laid it in the hands of chance when I came from Mosfell to speak with thee, and now I will pay it down if so it pleases thee. Fear not, thy thralls shall have an easy task : for I shall scarcely care to hold my own. Say, shall I call for thee ? ' * Hush ! Speak not so loud I Folk may hear thee, Eric, and then thou wilt be in danger — I would say that, then shall ill things be told of me, because I am found with him who slew my brother ? ' * I slew Ospakar also, Gudruda. Surely the death of him by whose side thou didst sit as wife i ' more to thee than the death of Bjorn ? ' ' The bride-cup was not yet drunk, Eric ; therefore I have no blood-feud for Ospakar.' * Is it, then, thy will that I should go, lady ? ' * Yes, go ! — go ! Never let me see thy face again ! Brighteyes turned without a word. He took three paces and Gudruda watched him as he went. * Eric ! ' she called. ' Eric ! thou mayest not go yet : for at this hour the thralls bring down the kine to milk, and they will see thee. Lie thou hid here. I — I will go. For though, indeed, thou dost deserve to die, I am not willing to bring thee to thy end— because of old friendship I am not willing ! ' * If thou goest I will go also,' said Erie* * Thralls or no ^brails, I will ^0, Gudruda*' ERIC BRIGHTEYES 246 ' Thou art cruel to drive me to such a choice, and I have a mind to give thee to thy fate.' * As thou wilt,' said Eric ; but she made as though she did not hear his words. * Now,' she said, ' if we must stay here, it is better that we hide where thou didst hide, lest some come upon thee.' And she passed through the screen of rushes and sat down in a grassy place beyond, and spoke again. * Nay, sit not near me ; sit yonder. I would not touch thee, nor look upon thee, who waat Swanhild's love, and didst slay Bjorn my brother.' * Say, Gudruda,' said Eric, • did I not tell thee of the magic arts of Swanhild? Did I not tell thee before all men yonder in the hall, and didst thou not say that thou didst believe my words ? Speak.' * That is true,' said Gudruda. * Wherefore, then, dost thou taunt me with being Swan- hild's love — witD being the love of her whom of all alive I hate the most — and whose wicked guile has brought these sorrows on us ? ' But Gudruda did not answer. * And for this matter of the death of Bjorn at my hands, think, Gndruda : was I to blame in it ? Did not Bjorn thrust the cloven shield before my feet, and thus give me into the hand of Ospakar ? Did he not afterwards smite at me from behind, and would he not have slain me \i Skalla- grim had not caught the blow ? Was I, then, to blame if I smote back and if the sword flew home ? Wilt thou let the needful deed rise up against our love ? Speak, Gudruda ! ' ' Talk no more of love to me, Eric,' she answered ; * the blood of Bjorn has blotted out our love : it cries to me for vaiigeance. How may I speak of love wiob him vho slew my brother? Listen!' she went on, looking on 'aim side- long, as one who wished to look and yet not soe n to see : • here thou must hide an hour, and, siiica thou \i, lit not sit in silence, speak no tender words to me, for it is not fitting ; but tell me of those deeds thou didst in the south lands over sea, before thou wentest to woo Swanhild and earnest hither to ■•: f. t 11 ■ !; 1'« il i hi ' 1 > \4 h i 1 ' I u 1 I " 'I 4 I' 2^47 £I^/C BRIGHT EYES kill my brother. For till then thou wast mine —till then I loved thee — who now love thee not. TJierefore I would hear of the deeds " that Eric whom once 1 loved, before he became as one dead to me.' ' Heavy words, lacly,' said Eric — * words to make death easy.' * Speak not so,' she said ; ' it is unmanly thus to work upon my fears. Tell me those tidings of which I ask.' So Eric told her all his deeds, though he showed small boastfulness about tliem. He told her how he had smitten the war-dragons of Ospakar, how he had boarded the Kaven and with Skallagrim slain those who sailed in her. He told her also of his d }cds in Ireland, and of how lie took the viking ships and came to London town. And as he told, Gudruda listened as one who hung upon her lover's dying words, and there was but one light in the world for her, the light of Eric's eyes, and there was but one music, the music of his voice. Now she looked upon him sidelong no longer, but with open eyes and parted lips she drank in his words, and always, though she knew it not her- self, she crept closer to his side. Then he told her how he had been greatly honoured of the King of England, and of the battles he had fought in at his side. Lastly, Eric told her ho77 the King would have given I'-im a certain great lady of royal blood in marriage, and how Edmund had been angered because he would not stay in England. ' Tell me of this lady,* said Gudruda, quickly. * Is she fair, and how is she named ? ' * She is fair, and her name is Elfrida,' said Eric. ' And didst thou have speech with her on this matter ? * * Somewhat.' Now Gudruda drew herself ciway from Eric's side. ' What Vv'as the purport of thy speech ? ' she said, looking down. * Speak truly, Eric' * it came to little,' he answered. * I told her that there was one in Iceland to whom I was betrothed, and to Iceland I must go.' II ■> ERIC BRIGHTEYES 248 * And what said this Elfrida, then ? ' * She said that I should get httle luck at the hands of Gudruda the Fair. Moreover, she asked, should my betrothed be faithless to me, or put me from her, if I should come again to England.' Now Gudruda looked him in the face and spoke. • Say, Eric, is it in thy mind to sail for England in the spring, if thou canst escape thy foes so long ? ' Now Eric took counsel with himself, and in his love and doubt grew guileful as he had never been before. For he knew well that Gudruda had this weakness — she was a jealous woman. * Since thou dost put me from thee, that is in my mind, lady,' he answered. Gudruda heard. She thought on the great and beauteous Lady Elfrida, far away in England, and of Eric walking at her side, and sorrow took hold of her. Shf^ said no word, but fixed her dark eyes on Brighteyes' face, and io i ,lhey filled with tears. Eric might not bear this sight, for his heart beat within him as though it would burst the byrnie over it. Suddenly he stretched out his arms and s vept her to his breast. Soft and sweet he kissed her, again and yet again, and she struggled not, though she wept a little. * It is small blame to me,' she whispered, ' if thou dost hold me on thy breast and kiss me, for thou art more strong than I. Bjorn must know this if his dead eyes see aught. Yet for thee, Eric, it is the greatest shame of all thy shames.' * Talk not, my sweet ; talk not,' said Eric, * but kiss thou me : for thou knowest well that thou lovest me yet as I love thee.' Now the end of it was that Gudruda yielded and kissed him whom she had not kissed for many years. * I