HOW ERIC CAME DOWN GOLDEN FALLS

Now Ospakar rode up to Middalhof on the day before the Yule-feast. He
was splendidly apparelled, and with him came his two sons, Gizur the
Lawman and Mord, young men of promise, and many armed thralls and
servants. Gudruda, watching at the women's door, saw his face in the
moonlight and loathed him.

"What thinkest thou of him who comes to seek thee in marriage,
foster-sister?" asked Swanhild, watching at her side.

"I think he is like a troll, and that, seek as he will, he shall not
find me. I had rather lie in the pool beneath Golden Falls than in
Ospakar's hall."

"That shall be proved," said Swanhild. "At the least he is rich and
noble, and the greatest of men in size. It would go hard with Eric were
those arms about him."

"I am not so sure of that," said Gudruda; "but it is not likely to be
known."

"Comes Eric to the feast by the road of Golden Falls, Gudruda?"

"Nay, no man may try that path and live."

"Then he will die, for Eric will risk it."

Now Gudruda thought, and a great fire burned in her heart and shone
through her eyes. "If Eric dies," she said, "on thee be his blood,