from the ford before the noise of the
fight and the blowing of horns came down the wind to them, but it was a
little way further before they saw the fray with their eyes; because the
ground fell away from the river somewhat at first, and then rose and fell
again before it went up in one slope toward the Wolfing dwellings.

But when they were come to the top of the next swelling of the ground,
they beheld from thence what they had to deal with; for there round about
a ground of vantage was the field black with the Roman host, and in the
midst of it was a tangle of struggling men and tossing spears, and
glittering swords.

So when they beheld the battle of their kindred they gave a great shout
and hastened onward the faster; and they were ordered into the
wedge-array and Thiodolf led them, as meet it was. And now even as they
who were on the outward edge of the array and could see what was toward
were looking on the battle with eager eyes, there came an answering shout
down the wind, which they knew for the voice of the Goths amid the
foemen, and then they saw how the ring of the Romans shook and parted,
and their array fell back, and lo the company of the Markmen standing
stoutly together, though sorely minished; and sure it was that they had
not fled or been scattered, but were ready to fall one over another in
one band, for there were no men straggling towards the ford, though many
masterless horses ran here and there about the meadow. Now, therefore,
none doubted but that they would deliver their friends from the Romans,
and overthrow the foemen.

But now befel a wonder, a strange thing to tell of. The Romans soon
perceived what was adoing, whereupon the half of them turned about to
face the new comers, while the other half still withstood the company of
Otter: the wedge-array of Thiodolf drew nearer and nearer till it was
hard on the place where it should spread itself out to storm down on the
foe, and the Goths beset by the Romans made them ready to fall on from
their side. There was Thiodolf leading his host, and all men looking for
the token and sign to fall on; but even as he lifted up Throng-plough to
give that sign, a cloud came over his eyes and he saw nought of all that
was before him, and he staggered back as one who hath gotten a deadly
stroke, and so fell swooning to the earth, though none had smitten him.
Then stayed was the wedge-array even at the very point of onset, and the
hearts of the Goths sa