oke no more of Eric; but Bjoern's words fixed
themselves in her heart like arrows. The tale was strange to her, for it
seemed that Eric had been made outlaw at Swanhild's suit, and yet
Eric was Swanhild's love: for Swanhild's self had sent the lock of
Brighteyes' hair by Hall, saying that he was her love and soon would wed
her. How, then, did Swanhild bring a suit against him who should be her
husband? Moreover, she heard that Swanhild sailed down to Coldback, and
was bidden to the marriage-feast, that should be on the third day from
now. Could it be, then, when all was said and done, that Eric was less
faithless than she deemed? Gudruda's heart stood still and the blood
rushed to her brow when she thought on it. Also, even if it were so, it
was now too late. And surely it was not so, for had not Eric been made
outlaw? Men were not made outlaw for a little thing. Nay, she would meet
her fate, and ask no more of Eric and his doings.

On the morrow, as Gudruda sat in her chamber, it was told her that
Saevuna, Thorgrimur's widow and Eric's mother, had come from Coldback to
speak with her. For, after the death of Asmund and of Unna, Saevuna had
moved back to Coldback on the Marsh.

"Nay, how can this be?" said Gudruda astonished, for she knew well that
Saevuna was now both blind and bed-ridden.

"She has been borne here in a chair," said the woman who told her, "and
that is a strange sight to see."

At first Gudruda was minded to say her nay; but her heart softened, and
she bade them bring Saevuna in. Presently she came, being set in a chair
upon the shoulders of four men. She was white to see, for sickness had
aged her much, and she stared about her with sightless eyes. But she was
still tall and straight, and her face was stern to look on. To Gudruda
it seemed like that of Eric when he was angered.

"Am I nigh to Gudruda the Fair, Asmund's daughter?" asked Saevuna.
"Methinks I hear her breathe."

"I am here, mother," said Gudruda. "What is thy will with me?"

"Set down, carles, and begone!" quoth Saevuna; "that which I have to say
I would say alone. When I summon you, come."

The carles set down the chair upon the floor and went.

"Gudruda," said the dame, "I am risen from my deathbed, and I have
caused myself to be borne on my last journey here across the meads, that
I may speak with thee and warn thee. I hear that thou hast put away my
son, Eric Brighteyes, to whom thou art sworn in marriage, and art about
to