"This wealthy farmer holds the good gold of little worth. It is foolish
to take fish to the sea, my father," sneered Björn.

"Nay, Björn, not so," Eric answered: "but, as thou sayest, I am but a
farmer, and since my father, Thorgrimur Iron-Toe, died things have not
gone too well on Ran River. But at the least I am a free man, and I will
take no gifts that I cannot repay worth for worth. Therefore I will not
have the ring."

"As thou wilt," said Asmund. "Pride is a good horse if thou ridest
wisely," and he thrust the ring back upon his arm.

Then people go to rest; but Swanhild seeks her mother, and tells her all
that has befallen her, nor does Groa fail to listen.

"Now I will make a plan," she says, "for these things have chanced well
and Asmund is in a ripe humour. Eric shall come no more to Middalhof
till Gudruda is gone hence, led by Ospakar Blacktooth."

"And if Eric does not come here, how shall I see his face? for, mother,
I long for the sight of it."

"That is thy matter, thou lovesick fool. Know this: that if Eric comes
hither and gets speech with Gudruda, there is an end of thy hopes; for,
fair as thou art, she is too fair for thee, and, strong as thou art, in
a way she is too strong. Thou hast heard how these two love, and such
loves mock at the will of fathers. Eric will win his desire or die
beneath the swords of Asmund and Björn, if such men can prevail against
his might. Nay, the wolf Eric must be fenced from the lamb till he grows
hungry. Then let him search the fold and make spoil of thee, for, when