ainst my good
sword."

"Eyes and limbs are a poor man's wealth," said Eric: "so be it. I stake
my right eye against the sword Whitefire, and we will try the match
to-morrow."

"And to-morrow night thou shalt be called Eric One-eye," said
Ospakar--at which some few of his thralls laughed.

But most of the men did not laugh, for they thought this an ill game and
a worst jest.

Now the feast went on, and Asmund rose from his high seat in the centre
of the nave, on the left hand looking down from the altar, and gave
out the holy toasts. First men drank a full horn to Odin, praying for
triumph on their foes. Then they drank to Frey, asking for plenty; to
Thor, for strength in battle; to Freya, Goddess of Love (and to her Eric
drank heartily); to the memory of the dead; and, last of all, to
Bragi, God of all delight. When this cup was drunk, Asmund rose again,
according to custom, and asked if none had an oath to swear as to some
deed that should be done.

For a while there was no answer, but presently Eric Brighteyes stood up.

"Lord," he said, "I would swear an oath."

"Set forth the matter, then," said Asmund.

"It is this," quoth Eric. "On Mosfell mountain, over by Hecla, dwells a
Baresark of whom all men have ill knowledge, for there are few whom he
has not harmed. His name is Skallagrim; he is a mighty man and he has
wrought much mischief in the south country, and brought many to their
deaths and robbed more of their goods: for none can prevail against him.
Still, I swear this, that, when the days lengthen, I will go up alone
against him and challenge him to battle, and conquer him or fall."

"Then, thou yellow-headed puppy-dog, thou shalt go with one eye against
a Baresark with two," growled Ospakar.

Men took no heed of his words, but shouted aloud, for Skallagrim had
plagued them long, and there were none who dared to fight with him any
more. Only Gudruda looked askance, for it seemed to her that Eric swore
too fast. Nevertheless he went up to the altar, and, taking hold of the
holy ring, he set his foot on the holy stone and swore his oath, while
the feasters applauded, striking their cups upon the board.

And after that the feast went merrily, till all men were drunk, except
Asmund and Eric.

Now Eric went to rest, but first he rubbed his limbs with the fat of
seals, for he was still sore with the beating of the waters, and they
must needs be supple on the morrow if he would keep his eye. Then he
sl