But many years ago I gave dire offence to All-Father Odin, as
thou shalt hear.

"Two kings had a quarrel, and determined to put their feud to the
issue of the sword. One was named Helm Gunnar. He was an old man and a
mighty warrior, and to him had Odin promised the victory.

"But for the other, young Agnar, my heart was filled with pity; and so
I disregarded the command of Odin and struck down Helm Gunnar in the
fight, the victory thus going to Agnar.

"Then did All-Father Odin, in his wrath, decree that I should be cast
out from Valhalla and be banished to the earth, there to find a
husband like any other maiden of Midgard. But I was sore afraid, for I
feared to mate with a coward--I, who had been a warrior-maiden from my
birth. And All-Father Odin was pitiful, and placed me in this castle
on Hindfell, and surrounded me with a barrier of flames, through which
none but a hero would dare to pass. But first he pierced me with the
Thorn of Sleep, that I might not grow old in the years of
waiting--that I should awake, as thou seest me, just as I was when I
began to sleep, at the touch of a brave man."

Then Sigurd told her all his story, and when she knew that he was
bound on adventurous quests she would not let him stay long by her
side, but bade him go forth and win honour for himself and afterwards
return to her again. Meantime she promised to await his return in the
castle, protected by the ring of flames, which should be rekindled on
his departure. "For none but Sigurd," said she, "will be brave enough
to make his way through such flames as these, and so shall I be safe
until thy return."

So Sigurd made ready to depart; but first he took Andvari's golden
ring, and placing it upon Brunhild's finger, as they stood together on
the mountain crest, he vowed to love none but her as long as his life
should last.

CHAPTER XX

How the Curse of the Gold is Fulfilled

_This is the tale the Northmen tell of how Sigurd
was foully slain in the land of the Niblungs._

Now when Sigurd had ridden far upon his way, he came to the land of
the Niblungs, a place of eternal mists, ruled over by Giuki and his
wife Grimhild. Three fine sons had they and one daughter, Gudrun, the
fairest maiden upon earth.

But Grimhild was a witch-wife--a fierce-hearted woman, learned in
magic and filled with crafty wile.

When they saw Sigurd riding into the courtyard with his glittering
armour and his burden of treasure, the king and