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But for all this Skallagrim trusted them no more. "We are new-hooked, lord," he said, "and they give us line. Presently they will haul us in." "Evil comes soon enough," answered Eric, "no need to run to greet it," and he fell to thinking of Gudruda, and of the day's deeds, till presently he dropped asleep, for he was very weary.
Now this was the day of the marriage-feast of Gudruda the Fair and Ospakar; but Eric knew nothing of these tidings. "Where to now, lord?" said Skallagrim. "To Coldback first, to see my mother, if she yet lives, and to learn tidings of Gudruda. Then as it may chance." Near to the beach was a yeoman's house.
"Ah, if Eric would but come, faithless though he be! if Eric would but come!" thought Gudruda; but no Eric came to save her. The guests gathered fast, and presently Swanhild swept in with all her company, wrapped about in her purple cloak. She came up to the high seat where Gudruda sat, and bent the knee before her, looking on her with lovely mocking face and hate in her blue eyes.
At that time she wished to kill Eric if she could, though she would rather kill Gudruda if she dared. Still, she could not come at Eric, for her men feared to try the narrow way of Mosfell, and when they met him in the open they fled before him.
"Speak not so rashly, Eric," she said, and as she spoke Skallagrim drew near. "If thou lingerest here, lord, the tide will serve us little round Westmans," he said, eyeing Gudruda as it were with jealousy. "I come," said Eric. "Gudruda, fare thee well!" She kissed him and clung to him, but did not answer, for she could not speak.
Of a truth it seems to me that thou hast some stake upon the race. This Ospakar is evil and hideous. It were a shame to give Gudruda over to him when she looks elsewhere. Knowest thou that I swore to love and cherish her, and how runs this with my oath? If Eric is not too rich, yet he is of good birth and kin, and, moreover, a man of men. If he take her good will come of it."
And also to give colour to this tale she bought many pelts and other goods, such as chapmen deal in. Thus the days passed on not so badly for Gudruda, who strove to fill their emptiness in making ready for the full and happy time; but for Eric in his cave they were very heavy, for he could find nothing to do except to sleep and eat, and think of Gudruda, whom he might not see.
"Now that Brighteyes is dead, I would fain follow on his path: so, if thou listest, throw the gates wide," Gudruda answered, and heeded her no more. Swanhild went, but not far. On the further side of a knoll of grass she flung herself to earth and grieved as her fierce heart might.
Supper being over, people gathered round the hearth, and, having finished her service, Gudruda came and sat by Eric, so that her sleeve might touch his. They spoke no word, but there they sat and were happy. Swanhild saw and bit her lip. Now, she was seated by Asmund and Björn his son. "Look, foster-father," she said; "yonder sit a pretty pair!" "That cannot be denied," answered Asmund.
Then Gudruda took his hand, and, leaning over him, spoke: "Hush, Eric!" she said; "that was no dream, for I am here. Thou hast been sick to death, Eric; but now, if thou wilt rest, things shall go well with thee." "Thou art here?" said Eric, turning his white face towards her. "Do I still dream, or how comest thou here to Mosfell, Gudruda?"