Part 8 (2/2)

Brunhilde, terrified by the angry Wotan, s.n.a.t.c.hed up the broken pieces of the sword, and, springing to her saddle, dashed away.

Faster and faster she fled to the forest, bearing the broken blade to Siegmund's wife.

”Siegmund is slain!” she cried. ”These are the pieces of his mighty sword. Keep them for your son, Siegfried. He will be brave like his father.

”Yes, Siegfried will be the bravest hero the world has ever known.”

Then, springing again to her saddle, she fled toward the mountains.

”On! on! my fiery steed!” she urged.

No battle-maiden ever rode so fast.

If she could but reach the other battle-maidens before the wrathful Wotan overtook her, surely, they would protect her from his anger.

THE PUNISHMENT

It was the custom for the battle-maidens to meet at Walkuere Rock every evening at sunset. This was the highest peak in the mountains. From here they would ride into Valhalla, each carrying the hero whom she had s.n.a.t.c.hed from the battlefield.

”Heiho! hoyotoho! heiho!” called each as she neared the peak, and ”Heiho! hoyotoho! heiho!” came the answer.

At length all but one had reached the rock.

”Why does Brunhilde not come?” they asked of each other anxiously.

”What has happened that she should be so late?”

Loudly they called: ”Heiho! hoyotoho! heiho!”

Looking toward the valley, they saw Brunhilde riding fast.

Her horse was flecked with foam.

”Heiho! hoyotoho! heiho!” they shouted; and ”Heiho! hoyotoho! heiho!”

came Brunhilde's answer.

She reached the peak and sprang from her saddle, crying:--

”Help me, Sisters! help me! I disobeyed our king!”

Even as she cried Wotan drew near.

”Where is Brunhilde?” he screamed in anger.

The skies grew black with the storm of his wrath.

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