"There is little danger," said Gudruda. "Nearly all of Gizur's men watch
the ship; and I have learned this from a spy, that, two days ago, Gizur,
Swanhild, and one thrall rode from Coldback towards Mosfell, and they
have not come back yet. Moreover, the place is strong, and thou and
Skallagrim are here to guard it."

"So be it, then," answered Eric, for indeed he had little thought left
for anything, except Gudruda.

After this the women came in and set meat on the board, and all ate.

Now, when they had eaten, Eric bade Skallagrim fill a cup, and bring it
to him as he sat on the high seat with Gudruda. Skallagrim did so; and
then, looking deep into each other's eyes, Eric Brighteyes and Gudruda
the Fair, Asmund's daughter, drank the bride's cup.

"There are few guests to grace our marriage-feast, husband," said
Gudruda.

"Yet shall our vows hold true, wife," said Eric.

"Ay, Brighteyes," she answered, "in life and in death, now and for
ever!" and they kissed.

"It is time for us to be going, methinks," growled Skallagrim to those
about him. "We are not wanted here."

Then the men who were to go on to the ship rose, fetched their horses,
and rode away. Also they caught the horses of Skallagrim, Eric, and
Gudruda, saddled them and, slipping their bridles, made them fast in a
shed in the yard, giving them hay to eat. Afterwards Skallagrim barred
the men's door and the women's door, and, going to Gudruda, asked where
he should stay the night till it was time to ride for the sea.

"In the store-chamber," she answered, "for there is a shutter of which
the latch has gone. See that thou watch it well, Skallagrim; though I
think none will come to trouble thee."

"I know the place. It shall go badly with the head that looks through
yonder hole," said Skallagrim, glancing at his axe.

Now Gudruda forgot this, that in the store-chamber were casks of strong
ale.

Then Gudruda told him to wake them when the morrow was two hours old,
for Eric had neither eyes nor words except for Gudruda alone, and
Skallagrim went.

The women went also to their shut bed at the end of the hall, leaving
Brighteyes and Gudruda alone. Eric looked at her.

"Where do I sleep to-night?" he asked.

"Thou sleepest with me, husband," she answered soft, "for nothing,
except Death, shall come between us any more."

Now Skallagrim went to the store-room, and sat down with his back
against a cask. His heart was heavy in him, for he boded no goo