he smart of the Roman torments (for they be wise in
tormenting), but will speak and bewray us under them, then thrust this
little edge tool into the place of your bodies where the life lieth
closest, and so go to the Gods with a good tale in your mouths: so may
the Almighty God of Earth speed you, and the fathers of the kindred!"

So she spoke; and they made no delay but each one took what axe or spear
or sword she liked best, and two had their bows and quivers of arrows;
and so all folk went forth from the Hall.

Soon were the horses saddled and bridled, and the maidens bestrode them
joyously and set forth on their way, going down the lanes of the wheat,
and rode down speedily toward the shallows of the water, and all cried
good speed after them. But the others would turn to their day's work,
and would go about their divers errands. But even as they were at point
to sunder, they saw a swift runner passing by those maidens just where
the acres joined the meadow, and he waved his hand aloft and shouted to
them, but stayed not his running for them, but came up the lanes of the
wheat at his swiftest: so they knew at once that this was again a
messenger from the host, and they stood together and awaited his coming;
and as he drew near they knew him for Egil, the swiftest-footed of the
Wolfings; and he gave a great shout as he came among them; and he was
dusty and way-worn, but eager; and they received him with all love, and
would have brought him to the Hall to wash him and give him meat and
drink, and cherish him in all ways.

But he cried out, "To the Speech-Hill first, to the Speech-Hill first!
But even before that, one word to thee, Hall-Sun! Saith Thiodolf, Send
ye watchers to look to the entrance into Mid-mark, which is by the
Bearing dwelling; and if aught untoward befalleth let one ride on the
spur with the tidings to the Wain-burg. For by that way also may peril
come."

Then smiled some of the bystanders, and the Hall-Sun said: "Good is it
when the thought of a friend stirreth betimes in one's own breast. The
thing is done, Egil; or sawest thou not those ten women, and Hrosshild
the eleventh, as thou camest up into the acres?"

Said Egil; "Fair fall thine hand, Hall-Sun! thou art the Wolfings'
Ransom. Wend we now to the Speech-Hill."

So did they, and every thrall that was about the dwellings, man, woman,
and child fared with them, and stood about the Speech-Hill: and the dogs
went round about the edge