Part 49 (1/2)
”What counsel now, lord?” said the Baresark
”Tell us thy plans, Gudruda,” said Eric, for as yet no word had passed between them of what they should do
”This is my plan, Eric,” she answered ”First, that we eat; then that thy ht to where the shi+p lies, bearing word that ill be there at dahen the tide serves, and bidding theBut thou and I and Skallagrim will stay here till to-s that Gizur's folk will search the shi+p to-night Nohen they search and do not find us, they will go away
Then, at the dawning, thou and I and Skallagrim will row on board the shi+p as she lies at anchor, and, slipping the cable, put to sea before they knoe are there, and so bid farewell to Swanhild and our woes”
”Yet it is a risk for us to sleep here alone,” said Eric
”There is little danger,” said Gudruda ”Nearly all of Gizur's men watch the shi+p; and I have learned this froo, Gizur, Swanhild, and one thrall rode from Coldback towards Mosfell, and they have not co, and thou and Skallagriuard 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
Nohen they had eaten, Eric bade Skallagrih seat with Gudruda Skallagri deep into each other's eyes, Eric Brighteyes and Gudruda the Fair, Asuests to grace our e-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 tirim to those about hio on to the shi+p rose, fetched their horses, and rode away Also they caught the horses of Skallagri their bridles,theri 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, Skallagrih I think none will coo badly with the head that looks through yonder hole,” said Skallagriot this, that in the store-cha ale
Then Gudruda told him to wake them when the morroo 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 , except Death, shall coriainst a cask His heart was heavy in hie Moreover, he was jealous Skallagri in the world truly, and that was Eric Brighteyes, his lord Now he knew that henceforth he ht which Eric gave to hirim was very sad at heart
”A pest upon the wohteyes owes his ill luck to Swanhild and this fair wife of his, and that is scarcely done with yet Well, well, 'tis nature; but would that ere safe at sea! Had I ht But they are need, and--well, 'tis nature! Better the bride loves to lie abed than to ride the cold wolds and seek the coathered in his heart, he knew not of what He began to think on trolls and goblins It was dark in the store-rooh the crack of the shutter At length he could bear the darkness and his thoughts no longer, but, rising, threw the shutter wide and let the bright ht pour into the chamber, whence he could see the hillside behind, and watch the shadows of the clouds as they floated across it
Again Skallagriainst his cask, and as he sat it moved, and he heard the wash of ale inside it
”That is a good sound,” said Skallagriood smell, too! We tasted little ale yonder on Mosfell, and we shall find less at sea” Again he looked at the cask
There was a spigot in it, and lo! on the shelf stood horn cups