p 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 rushes on, shield up."

Eric thanked him for his 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?"

"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 gone, but then she
wept a little.

Now it is to be told that Eric and his thrall Jon rode hard up 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 little grass--and be watchful till he returned, since he
must go up against Skallagrim alone. And the