第4章

Hallblithelookedsteadilyroundaboutseekinghisfoe;butthehavenwasemptyofshiporboat;soheranhiseyealongtheshoretoseewhereheshouldbestlayhiskeelandasaforesaidtherewasnobeachthere，andthewaterwasdeeprightuptothegrassylipoftheland;

thoughthetidesransomewhathigh，andatlowwaterwouldalittlesteepundercliffgoupfromthefaceofthesea。Butnowitwasnearthetopofthetide，andtherewasscarcetwofeetbetwixtthegrassandthedark-greensea。

NowHallblithesteeredtowardaningleofthehaven;andbeyondit，alittlewayoff，roseareefofrocksoutofthegreengrass，andtherebywasaflockofsheepfeeding，andabigmanlyingdownamongstthem，whoseemedtobeunarmed，asHallblithecouldnotseeanyglintofsteelabouthim。Hallblithedrewnightheshore，andthebigmanstirrednot;nordidheanythemorewhenthekeelranalongtheshore，andHallblitheleaptoutandmooredhiscrafttohisspearstuckdeepintheearth。AndnowHallblithedeemsthatthemanmustbeeitherdeadorasleep：sohedrewhisswordandhaditinhisrighthand，andinhisleftasharpknife，andwentstraightuptothemanbetwixtthesheep，andfoundhimsolyingonhissidethathecouldnotseehisface;sohestirredhimwithhisfoot，andcriedout："Awake，OShepherd！fordawnislongpastanddayiscome，andtherewithalaguestforthee！"

Themanturnedoverandslowlysatup，and，lo！whoshoulditbebutthePunyFox？Hallblithestartedbackatthesightofhim，andcriedoutathim，andsaid："HaveIfoundthee，Omineenemy？"

ThePunyFoxsatupalittlestraighter，andrubbedhiseyesandsaid："Yea，thouhastfoundmesureenough。Butastomybeingthineenemy，awordortwomaybesaidaboutthatpresently。"

"What！"saidHallblithe，"dostthoudeemthataughtsavemyswordwillspeaktothee？"

"Iwotnot，"saidthePunyFox，slowlyrisingtohisfeet，"butI

supposethouwiltnotslaymeunarmed，andthouseestthatIhavenoweapons。"

"Gettheeweapons，then，"quothHallblithe，"anddelaynot;forthesightoftheealivesickensme。"

"Illisthat，"saidthePunyFox，"butcomethouwithmeatonce，whereIshallfindboththeweaponsandagoodfighting-stead。

Hasten！timepresseth，nowthouartcomeatlast。"

"Andmyboat？"saidHallblithe。

"Wiltthoucarryherinthypouch？"saidthePunyFox;"thouwiltnotneedheragain，whetherthouslayme，orIthee。"

Hallblitheknithisbrowsonhiminhiswrath;forhedeemedthatFox’smeaningwastothreatenhimwiththevengeanceofthekindred。

Howbeit，hesaidnought;forhedeemeditilltowrangleinwordswithonewhomhewaspresentlytomeetinbattle;sohefollowedasthePunyFoxled。Foxbroughthimpastthereefofrockaforesaid，andupanarrowcleftofthecliffsoverlookingthesea，wherebytheycameintoalittlegrass-grownmeadowwellnighroundinshape，assmoothandlevelasahall-floor，andfencedaboutbyawallofrock：

aplacewhichhadoncebeenthemouthofanearth-fire，andacauldronofmoltenstone。

WhentheystoodonthesmoothgrassFoxsaid："Holdtheetherealittle，whileIgotomyweapon-chest，andthenshallweseewhatistobedone。"

Therewithheturnedasidetoacrannyoftherock，andgoingdownonhishandsandknees，felltocreepinglikeawormupaholetherein，whichbelikeledtoacavern;forafterhisvoicehadcomeforthfromtheearth，gruntingandgroaning，andcursingthisthing，andthat，outhecomesagainfeetfirst，andcastsdownanoldrustyswordwithoutasheath;ahelmnolessrusty，andbatteredwithal，andaroundtarget，curledupandoutwornasifitwouldfalltopiecesofitself。Thenhestandsupandstretcheshimself，andsmilespleasantlyonHallblitheandsays："Now，mineenemy，whenIhavedonnedhelmandshieldandgotmyswordinhand，wemaybegintheplay：astoahauberkImustneedsgolack;forIcouldnotcomebyit;Ithinktheoldmanmusthavechaffereditaway：hewasevertoomoney-fain。"

ButHallblithelookedonhimangrilyandsaid："Hastthoubroughtmehithertomockme？HastthounobetterweaponswherewithtomeetawarrioroftheRaventhantheserustyshards，whichlookasifthouhadstrobbedagraveofthedead？Iwillnotfighttheesoarmed。"

"Well，"saidthePunyFox，"andfromoutofagravecometheyverily：

forinthatlittleholeliethmyfather’sgrandsire，thegreatSea-

mewoftheRavagers，thefatherofthatSea-eaglewhomthouknowest。

Butsincethouthinkestscornoftheseweaponsofadeadwarrior，ingotheoldcarle’streasuresagain！Itisaswellmaybe;sincehemightbewrathbeyondhiswontifheweretowakeandmissthem;andalreadythiscoldcupoftheonce-boilingrockisnotwhollysafebecauseofhim。"

Sohecreptintotheholeoncemore，andoutofitpresently，andstoodsmitinghispalmsoneagainsttheothertodustthem，likeamanwhohasbeenhandlingparchmentslonglaidby;andHallblithestoodlookingathim，stillwrathful，butsilent。

ThensaidthePunyFox："Thisatleastwasawisewordofthine，thatthouwouldstnotfightme。Fortheendoffightingisslaying;

anditisstarkfollytofightwithoutslaying;andnowIseethatthoudesirestnottoslayme：forifthoudidst，whydidstthourefusetofallonmearmedwiththeghostsofweaponsthatIborrowedfromaghost？Nay，whydidstthounotslaymeasIcreptoutofyonderhole？Thouwouldsthavehadacheapbargainofmeeitherway。

Itwouldberankfollytofightme。"

SaidHallblithehoarsely："Whydidstthoubewrayme，andlietome，andluremeawayfromthequestofmybeloved，andwasteawholeyearofmylife？"

"Itisalongstory，"saidthePunyFox，"whichImaytelltheesomeday。MeantimeImaytelltheethis，thatIwascompelledtheretobyonefarmightierthanI，towittheUndyingKing。"

AtthatwordthesmoulderingwrathblazedupinHallblithe，andhedrewhisswordhastilyandhewedatthePunyFox：butheleaptasidenimblyandraninonHallblithe，andcaughthissword-armbythewrist，andtoretheweaponoutofhishand，andoverborehimbysheerweightandstature，anddravehimtotheearth。Thenheroseup，andletHallblitherisealso，andtookhisswordandgaveitintohishandagainandsaid："Crag-nester，thouartwrathful，butlittle。

Nowthouhastthyswordagainandmaystslaymeifthouwilt。YetnotuntilIhavespokenawordtothee：sohearken！orelsebytheTreasureoftheSeaIwillslaytheewithmybarehands。ForIamstrongindeedinthisplacewithmyoldkinsmanbesideme。Wiltthouhearken？"

"Speak，"saidHallblithe，"Ihearken。"

SaidthePunyFox："TrueitisthatIluredtheeawayfromthyquest，andworeawayayearofthylife。YettrueitisalsothatI

repentmethereof，andaskthypardon。Whatsayestthou？"

Hallblithespakenot，buttheheatdiedoutofhisfaceandhewasbecomesomewhatpale。SaidthePunyFox："Dostthounotremember，O

Raven，howthoubadestmebattlelastyearonthesea-shorebythesideoftheRollersoftheRaven？andhowthiswastobetheprizeofbattle，thatthevanquishedshouldservethevanquisheryear-long，anddoallhiswill？Andnowthisprizeandmorethouhastwonwithoutbattle;forIswearbytheTreasureoftheSea，andbythebonesofthegreatSea-mewyonder，thatIwillservetheenotyear-

longbutlife-long，andthatIwillhelptheeinthyquestforthybeloved。Whatsayestthou？"

Hallblithestoodspeechlessamoment，lookingpastthePunyFox，ratherthanathim。Thentheswordtumbledoutofhishandontothegrass，andgreattearsrolleddownhischeeksandfellontohisraiment，andhereachedouthishandtothePunyFoxandsaid："O

friend，wiltthounotbringmetoher？forthedayswear，andthetreesaregrowingoldroundabouttheAcresoftheRaven。"

ThenthePunyFoxtookhishand;andlaughedmerrilyinhisface，andsaid："Greatisthineheart，OCarrion-biter！ButnowthatthouartmyfriendIwilltelltheethatIhaveadeemingofthewhereaboutsofthybeloved。Orwheredeemestthouwasthegardenwhereinthousawestherstandingonthepageofthebookinthatdreamofthenight？Soitis，ORaven-son，thatitisnotfornothingthatmygrandsire’sfatherliethinyonderholeoftherocks;foroflatehehathmademewiseinmightylore。Thankshavethou，Okinsman！"Andheturnedhimtowardtherockwhereinwasthegrave。

ButHallblithesaid："Whatistodonow？AmInotinalandoffoemen？"

"Yea，forsooth，"saidthePunyFox，"andevenifthouknewestwherethyloveis，thoushouldsthardlyescapefromthisisleunslain，saveforme。"

SaidHallblithe："Istherenotmybark，thatImightdepartatonce？

forIdeemnotthattheHostageisontheIsleofRansom。"

ThePunyFoxlaughedboisterouslyandsaid："Nay，sheisnot。Butastothyboat，thereissostrongasetoftheflood-tidetowardthisendoftheisle，thatwiththewindblowingasnow，fromthenorth-north-east，thoumaystnotgetofftheshoreforfourhoursatleast，andImisdoubtmethatwithinthattimeweshallhavetidingsofashipofourscomingintothehaven。Thybarktheyshalltake，andtheealsoifthouarttherein;andthensoonwerethestorytold，fortheyknowtheeforarebeloftheUndyingKing。Hearken！Dostthounothearthehorn’svoice？Comeuphitherandweshallseewhatistowards。"

Sosaying，heledhastilyupakindofstairintherock-wall，untiltheyreachedacranny，whencethroughaholeinthecliff，theycouldseealloverthehaven。Andlo！astheylooked，intheverygateandentryofitcameagreatshipheavingupherbowsonthelastswelloftheoutersea（wherethewindhadrisensomewhat），androllingintothesmooth，land-lockedwater。Blackwashersail，andtheimageoftheSea-eagleenwroughtthereonspreadwideoverit;andthebanneroftheFlamingSwordstreamedoutfromthestern。Manymenall-weaponedwereonthedecks，andtheminstrelshighuponthepoopwereblowingamerrysongofreturnontheirbattle-horns。

"Lo，you，"saidthePunyFox，"thyluckorminehathservedtheethistime，inthattheFlamingSworddidnotoverhaultheeerethoumadestthehaven。Wearewellhereatleast。"

SaidHallblithe："Butmaynotsomeofthemcomeuphitherperchance？"

"Nay，nay，"saidthePunyFox;"theyfeartheoldmaninthecleftyonder;forheisnotoverguest-fain。Thismeadismineown，asforotherlivingmen;itismyunroofedhouse，andIhavehereahousewitharoofalso，whichIwillshowtheepresently。FornowsincetheFlamingSwordhathcome，thereisnoneedforhaste;nay，wecannotdeparttilltheyhavegoneup-country。SoIwillshowtheepresentlywhatweshalldoto-night。"

SotheretheysatandwatchedthosemenbringtheirshiptotheshoreandmoorherhardbyHallblithe’sboat。Theycriedoutwhentheysawher，andwhentheywerealandtheygatheredabouthertonoteherbuild，andthefashionofthespearwheretoshewastied。Theninawhilethemorepartofthem，somefourscoreinnumber，departedupthevalleytowardthegreathouseandleftnonebutahalfdozenship-wardersbehind。

"Seestthou，friendoftheRavens，"saidtheFox，"hadstthoubeenthere，theymighthavedonewiththeewhattheywould。DidInotwelltobringtheeintomyunroofedhouse？"

"Yea，verily，"saidHallblithe;"butwillnotsomeoftheship-wards，orsomeoftheothersreturning，comeuphitherandfindus？Ishallyetlaymybonesinthisevilisland。"

ThePunyFoxlaughed，andsaid："Itisnotsobadasthysourlookswouldhaveit;anyhowitisgoodenoughforagrave，andatthispresentImaycallitacasketofpreciousthings。"

"Whatmeanestthou？"saidHallblitheeagerly。

"Nay，nay，"saidtheother，"noughtbutwhatthouknowest。Artthounottherein，andImyself？withoutreckoningtheoldcarleintheholeyonder。ButIpromisetheethoushaltnotdieherethistime，unlessthouwilt。Andastofolkcominguphither，Itelltheeagaintheydurstnot;becausetheyfearmygreat-grandsireovermuch。Notthattheyarefarwrongtherein;fornowheisdead，theworstofhimseemethtocomeoutofhim，andheisnoteasilydealtwith，savebyonewhohathsomeshareofhiswisdom。Thouthyselfcouldstseebymykinsman，theSea-eagle，howmuchofillbloodandchurlishmalicetheremaybeinourkindredwhentheywaxold，andlonelinessanddrearinesstakethholdofthem。ForImusttelltheethatIhaveoftheardmyfathersaythathisfathertheSea-eaglewasinhisyouthandhisprimeblitheandbuxom，agreatloverofwomen，andaveryfriendlyfellow。Butever，asIsay，asthemenofourkindwaxinyears，theyworsen;andtherebymaystthoudeemhowbadtheoldmaninyondermustbe，sincehehathlainsolonginthegrave。Butnowwewillgotothathouseofmineontheothersideofthemead，overagainstmykinsman’s。"

TherewithheledHallblithedownfromtherockwhileHallblithesaidtohim："What！artthoualsodeadthatthouhastagravehere？"

"Nay，nay，"saidFox，smiling，"amIsoevil-conditionedthen？Iamnoolderthanthouart。"

"Buttellme，"saidHallblithe，"wiltthoualsowaxevilasthougrowestold？"

"Maybenot，"saidFox，lookinghardathim，"forinmyminditisthatImaybetakenintoanotherhouse，andanotherkindred，andamongstthemIshallbehealedofmuchthatmightturntoill。"

Therewithweretheycomeacrossthelittlemeadowtoaplacewherewasacaveintherockclosedwithadoor，andawicketwindowtherein。FoxledHallblitheintoit，andwithinitwasnoilldwelling;foritwasdryandclean，andtherewerestoolsthereinandatable，andshelvesandlockersinthewall。WhentheyhadsatthemdownFoxsaid："Heremightestthoudwellsafelyaslongasthouwouldst，ifthouwouldstriskdealingswiththeoldcarle。But，asI

wotwellthatthouartinhastetobegoneandgethometothykindred，Imustbringtheeatduskto-daycloseuptoourfeast-hall，sothatthoumaystbeathandtodowhathathtobedoneto-night，sothatwemaygetusgoneto-morrow。AlsothoumustdooffthyRavengearlestwemeetanyinthetwilightaswegouptothehouse;andherehaveItohandhome-spunraimentsuchasourwar-takenthrallswear，whichshallservethyturnwellenough;butthisthouneedstnotdoontillthetimeisathandforourdeparture;andthenIwillbringtheeaway，andbestowtheeinabowerhardbythehall;andwhenthouartwithin，Imaysolooktoitthatnoneshallgointhere，oriftheydo，theyshallseenoughtintheesaveacarleknowntothembyname。Mykinsmanhathlearnedmetodoharderthingsthanthis。Butnowitistimetoeatanddrink。"

Therewithhedrewvictualfromoutalockerandtheyfellto。Butwhentheyhadeaten，FoxtaughtHallblithewhatheshoulddointhehallthatnight，asshallbetoldhereafter。Andthen，withmuchtalkaboutmanythings，theyworeawaythedayinthatancientcupoftheseethingrock，andalittlebeforedusksetoutforthehall，bearingwiththemHallblithe’sgearbundleduptogether，asthoughithadbeenwaresfromoversea。Sotheycametothehousebeforethetableswereset，andthePunyFoxbestowedHallblitheinabowerwhichgaveintothebuttery，sothatitwaseasytogostraightintothemid-mostofthehall。TherewasHallblithecladandarmedinhisRavengear;butFoxgavehimavizardtogooverhisface，sothatnonemightknowhimwhenheenteredtherein。

CHAPTERXXI：OFTHEFIGHTOFTHECHAMPIONSINTHEHALLOFTHE

RAVAGERS

Nowitistobetoldthatthechieftainscameintothehallthatnightandsatdownattheboardonthedais，evenasHallblithehadseenthemdoaforetime。Andthechieftainofall，whowascalledtheErneoftheSea-eagles，roseupaccordingtocustomandsaid：

"Hearken，folk！thisisanightofthechampions，whereonwemaynoteattillthepalebladeshaveclashedtogether，andonehathvanquishedandanotherbeenovercome。Nowletthemstandforthandgiveouttheprizeofvictorywhichthevanquishedshallpaytothevanquisher。Andletitbeknown，that，whosoevermaybethechampionthatwinneththebattle，whetherhebeakinsman，oranalien，orafoemandeclared;yea，thoughhehavelefttheheadofmybrotheratthehall-door，heshallpassthisnightwithussafefromsword，safefromaxe，safefromhand：heshalleatasweeat，drinkaswedrink，sleepaswesleep，anddepartsafefromanyhandorweapon，andshallsailtheseaathispleasureinhisownkeelorinours，astohimandusmaybemeet。Blowuphornsforthechampions！"

Sothehornsblewacheerfulstrain，andwhentheyweredone，therecameintothehallatallmancladinblack，andwithblackarmourandweaponssavingthewhitebladeofhissword。Hehadavizardoverhisface，buthishaircamedownfromunderhishelmlikethetailofaredhorse。

Sohestoodamidstthefloorandcriedout："IamthechampionoftheRavagers。ButIswearbytheTreasureoftheSeathatIwillcrossnobladeto-nightsavewithanalien，afoemanofthekindred。

Hearestthou，Ochieftain，OErneoftheSea-eagles？"

"HearitIdo，"saidthechieftain，"andIdeemthatthymeaningisthatweshouldgosupperlesstobed;andthiscomethofthyperversity：forweknowtheedespitethyvizard。Belikethoudeemestthatthoushaltnotbemetthiseven，andthatthereisnofreealienintheislandtodrawswordagainstthee。Butbeware！

Forwhenwecamealandthismorningwefoundaskiffofthealienstiedtoagreatspearstuckinthebankofthehaven;sothattherewillbeonefoemanatleastabroadintheisland。Butwesaidifweshouldcomeontheman，wewouldsethisheadonthegableofthehallwiththemouthopentowardtheNorthforatokenofreproachtothedwellersinthelandoversea。Butnowgiveouttheprizeofvictory，andIswearbytheTreasureoftheSeathatwewillabidebythyword。"

Saidthechampion："Thesearethetermsandconditionsofthebattle;thatwhichsoofusisvanquished，heshalleitherdie，orservethevanquisherfortwelvemoons，tofarewithhimathiswill，togohiserrands，anddoaccordingtohiscommandmentinallwise。

Hearestthou，chieftain？"

"Yea，"saidhe，"andbytheUndyingKing，boththouandweshallabidebythisbargain。Solooktoitthatthousmitegreatstrokes，lestourhalllackagable-knop。Horns，blowupforthealienchampion！"

Soagainthehornswerewinded;anderetheirvoicehaddied，infromthebutteryscreenscameaglitteringimageofwar，andtherestoodthealienchampionoveragainstthewarriorofthesea;andhetoohadavizardoverhisface。

Nowwhenthefolksawhim，andhowslimandlightandsmallhelookedbesidetheirchampion，andtheybeheldtheRavenpaintedonhiswhiteshield，theyhootedandlaughedforscornofhimandhislittleness。

Buthetossedhissworduplightlyandcaughtitbythehiltsasitfell，anddrewnighertothechampionoftheseaandstoodfacinghimwithinreachofhissword。Thenthechieftainonthehigh-seatputhistwohandstohismouthandroaredout："Fallon，yechampions，fallon！"

Butthefolkinthehallweresoeagerthattheystoodonthebenchesandtheboards，andcranedovereachother’sshoulders，sothattheymightlosenowhitofthehand-play。Nowflashedthebladesinthecandle-lithall，andthered-hairedchampionhoveuphisswordandsmotetwogreatstrokestorightandtoleft;butthealiengavewaybeforehim，andthefolkcriedoutathiminscornandinjoyoftheirchampion，whofelltorainingdowngreatstrokeslikethehailamidstthelightning。Butsodeftwasthealien，thathestoodamidstitunhurt，andlaidmanystrokesonhisfoeman，anddidallsolightlyandeasily，thatitseemedasifheweredancingratherthanfighting;andthefolkheldtheirpeaceandbegantodoubtiftheirhugechampionwouldprevail。Nowthered-hairedfetchedamightystrokeatthealien，wholeaptasidelightlyandgathisswordinhislefthandanddealtagreatstrokeontheother’shead，andthered-

hairedstaggered，forhehadover-reachedhimself;andagainthealiensmotehimaleft-handedstrokesothathefellfulllengthonthefloorwithamightyclatter，andtheswordflewoutofhishand：

andthefolkweredumb-founded。

Thenthealienthrewhimselfonthesea-champion，andkneltuponhim，andshortenedhisswordasiftoslayhimwithathrust。Butthereonthemanoverthrowncriedout："Holdthinehand，forIamvanquished！

Nowgivemepeaceaccordingtothebargainstruckbetweenus，thatI

shallservetheeyear-long，andfollowtheewheresoeverthougoest。"

Therewiththealienchampionaroseandstoodofffromhim，andthemanoftheseagattohisfeet，anddidoffhishelm，sothatallmencouldseethathewasthePunyFox。

Thenthevictoriouschampionunhelmedhimself，andlo，itwasHallblithe！Andashoutaroseinthehall，partofwonder，partofwrath。

ThencriedoutthePunyFox："Icallonallmenheretobearwitnessthatbyreasonofthisbattle，HallblitheoftheRavensisfreetocomeandgoashewillintheIsleofRansom，andtotakehelpofanymanthatwillhelphim，andtodepartfromtheislewhenhewillandhowhewill，takingmewithhimifsohewill。"

Saidthechieftain："Yea，thisisrightanddue，andsoshallitbe。

Butnow，sincenofreeman，whoisnotafoeofthepassinghour，mayabideinourhallwithouteatingofourmeat，comeuphere，Hallblithe，andsitbyme，andeatanddrinkofthebestwehave，sincetheNornswouldnotgiveusthineheadforagable-knop。ButwhatwiltthoudowiththythrallthePunyFox;andwheretointhehallwiltthouhavehimshown？Orwiltthouthathesitfastinginthedarknessto-night，laidingyvesandfetters？Orshallhehavethecheerofwhippingandstripes，asbefittethathralltowhomthemasterowethagrudge？Whatisthywillwithhim？"

SaidHallblithe："Mywillisthatthougivehimaseatnexttome，whetherthatbehighorlow，orthebenchofthyprison-house。Thatheeatofmydish，anddrinkofmycup，whatsoeverthemeatanddrinkmaybe。Forto-morrowImeanthatwetwainshallgoundertheearth-

collartogether，andthatourbloodshallruntogetherandthatweshallbebrothersinarmshenceforward。"ThenHallblithedidonhishelmagainanddrewhissword，andlookedasidetothePunyFoxtobidhimdothelike，andhedidso，andHallblithesaid："Chieftain，thouhastbiddenmetotable，andIthankthee;butIwillnotsetmyteethinmeat，outofourownhouseandland，whichhathnotbeentrulygiventomebyonewhowottethofme，unlessIhaveconquereditasapreyofbattle;neitherwillIcastalieintotheloving-cupwhichshallpassfromthylipstomine：thereforeIwilltellthee，thatthoughIlaidastrokeortwoonthePunyFox，andthosenolightones，yetwasthisbattlenoughttrueandreal，butamerebeguiling，evenasthatwhichIsawfoughteninthishallaforetime，whenmeseemeththeslainmenroseupintimetodrinkthegood-nightcup。Therefore，OmenoftheRavagers，andthou，OPunyFox，thereisnoughttobindyourhandsandrefrainyourhearts，andyemayslaymeifyewillwithoutmurderordishonour，andmaymaketheheadofHallblitheaknopforyourfeast-hall。YetshalloneortwofalltoearthbeforeIfall。"

Therewithheshookhisswordaloft，andagreatroararose，andweaponscamedownfromthewall，andthecandlesshoneonnakedsteel。ButthePunyFoxcameandstoodbyHallblithe，andspakeinhisearamidsttheuproar："Wellnow，brother-in-arms，Ihavebeentryingtolearntheetheloreoflies，andsurelythouarttheworstscholarwhowaseversmittenbymaster。AndtheoutcomeofitisthatI，whohaveliedsolongandwell，mustnowpayforall，anddieforabarrentruth。"

SaidHallblithe："Letallbeasitwill！Ilovethee，liesandall;

butasformeIcannothandlethem。Loyou！greatandgrimshallbetheslaying，andweshallnotfallunavenged。"

SaidthePunyFox："Hearken！forstilltheyhangback。BelikeitisIthathavedrawnthisdeathontheeandme。Mylastliewasafool’slieandwedieforit：forwhatwouldstthouhavedonehadstthouwottedthatthybeloved，theHostageoftheRose——"Hebrokeoffperforce;forHallblithewaslookingtorightandleftandhandlinghissword，andheardnotthatlastwordofhis;andfrombothsidesofthehallthethrongwasdrawingroundaboutthosetwain，weaponinhand。ThenHallblithesethiseyesonabigmaninfrontwhowasheavingupaheavyshort-swordandthoughtthathewouldatleastslaythisone。Butoreverhemightsmite，thegreathornblaredoutoverthetumult，andmenforboreawhileandfellsomewhatsilent。

Thencamedowntothemthevoiceofthechieftain，aloudvoice，butclearandwithmirthmingledwithangerinit，andhesaid："WhatdothesefoolsoftheRavagerscumberingthefloorofthefeast-hall，andshakingweaponswhenthereisnofoemananigh？Aretheydreaming-drunkbeforethewineispoured？Whydotheynotsitdownintheirplaces，andabidethebringinginofthemeat？Andyewomen，whereareye，whydoyedelayourmeat，whenyemaywellwotthatourheartsaredroopingforhunger;andallhathbeendulydone，thebattleofthechampionsfoughtandwon，andtheprizeofwargivenforthandtaken？Howlong，Ofolk，shallyourchieftainssitfasting？"

Thentherearosegreatlaughterinthehall，andmenwithdrewthemfromthosetwainandwentandsatthemdownintheirplaces。

Thenthechieftainsaid："Comeuphither，Isay，OHallblithe，andbringthywar-thrallwiththeeifthouwilt。Butdelaynot，unlessitbesothatthouartneitherhungrynorthirsty;andgoodsooththoushouldstbeboth;formensaythattheravensarehardtosatisfy。Comethenandmakegoodcheerwithus！"

SoHallblithethrusthisswordintothesheath，andthePunyFoxdidthelike，andtheywentbothtogetherupthehalltothehigh-seat。

AndHallblithesatdownonthechieftain’srighthand，andthePunyFoxnexttohim;andthechieftain，theErne，said："OHallblithe，dostthouneedthinearmourattable;ordostthoufindithandytotakethymeatcladinthybyrnyandgirtwithasword？"

ThenlaughedHallblitheandsaid："Nay，meseemethto-nightIshallneedwar-gearnomore。"Andhestoodupanddidoffallhisarmourandgaveit，swordandall，intothehandsofawoman，whoboreitoff，heknewnotwhither。AndtheErnelookedonhimandsaid：

"Wellisthat！andnowIseethatthouartafairyoungman，anditisnomarvelthoughmaidensdesirethee。"

Ashespakecameinthedamselswiththevictualandthecheerwasexceedinggood，andHallblithegrewlight-hearted。

Butwhenthehealthshadbeendrunkasaforetime，andmenhaddrunkacuportwothereafter，thereroseawarriorfromoneoftheendlongbenches，abigyoungman，black-hairedandblack-bearded，ruddyofvisage，andhesaidinavoicethatwasroughandfat："OErne，andyeotherchieftains，wehavebeentalkinghereatourtableconcerningthisguestofthinewhohathbeguiledus，andwearenotwhollyatonewiththeeastothydealingswithhim。Trueitis，nowthatthemanhathourmeatinhisbelly，thathemustdepartfromamongstuswithawholeskin，unlessofhisownwillhestanduptofightsomemanofushere。Yetsomeofusthinkthatheisnotsomuchourfriendthatweshouldhelphimtoakeelwhereontofarehometothosethathateus：andwesaythatitwouldnotbeunlawfultoletthemanabideintheisle，andproclaimhimawolf’s-headwithinahalf-moonoftoday。Orwhatsayestthou？"

SaidtheErne："Waitformywordawhile，andhearkentoanother！

IstheGrey-gooseoftheRavagersinthehall？Lethimgiveouthiswordonthismatter。"

Thenaroseawhite-headedcarlefromatablenightothedais，whoseblackraimentwaswelladornedwithgold。Despitehisyearshisfacewasfairandlittlewrinkled;amanwithastraightnoseandawell-

fashionedmouth，andwitheyesstillbrightandgrey。Hespake："O

folk，IfindthattheErnehathdonewellincherishingthisguest。

Forfirst，ifhehathbeguiledus，hediditnotsavebythefurtheranceandsleightofourownkinsman;thereforeifanyoneistodieforbeguilingus，letitbethePunyFox。Secondly，wemaywellwotthatheavyneedhathdriventhemantothisbeguilement;andIsaythatitwasnounmanlydeedforhimtoenterourhallandbeguileuswithhissleight;andthathehathplayedouttheplayrightwellandcunninglywiththewisdomofawarrior。Thirdly，themanlinessofhimiswellproven，inthathavingovercomeusinsleight，hehathspokenoutthesoothconcerningourbeguilementandhathmadehimselfourfoemanandcaptive，whenhemighthavesatdownbyusasourguest，freelyandinallhonour。Andthishedid，notascontemningthePunyFoxandhisliesandcraftywiles（forhehathtoldusthathelovethhim）;butsothathemightshowhimselfamaninthatwhichtriethmanhood。Moreover，yeshallnotforgetthatheistherebeloftheUndyingKing，whoisourlordandmaster;

thereforeincherishinghimweshowourselvesgreat-hearted，inthatwefearnotthewrathofourmaster。ThereforeInaysaythewordoftheWar-brandthatweshouldmakethismanawolf’s-head;forinsodoingweshallshowourselveslesser-heartedthanheis，andofnoaccountbesideofhim;andhisheadonourhall-gableshouldbetousanithing-stake，andatreeofreproach。SoIbidthee，OErne，tomakemuchofthisman;andthoushaltdowelltogivehimworthygifts，suchaswarriorsmaytake，sothathemayshowthemathomeintheHouseoftheRaven，thatitmaybethebeginningofpeacebetwixtusandhisnoblekindred。Thisismysay，andlateronIshallwaxnowiser。"

Therewithhesatdown，andtherearoseamurmurandstirinthehall;

butthemorepartsaidthattheGrey-goosehadspokenwell，andthatitwasgoodtobeatpeacewithsuchmanlyfellowsasthenewguestwas。

ButtheErnesaid："OnewordwillIlayhereto，towit，thathewhodesirethmineenmitylethimdoscathetoHallblitheoftheRavensandhinderhim。"

Thenhebadefillroundthecups，andcalledahealthtoHallblithe，andallmendranktohim，andtherewasmuchjoyanceandmerriment。

Butwhenthenightwaswellworn，theErneturnedtoHallblitheandsaid："ThatwasagoodwordoftheGrey-goosewhichhespakeconcerningthegivingofgifts：Raven-son，wiltthoutakeagiftofmeandbemyfriend？"

"ThyfriendwillIbe，"saidHallblithe，"butnogiftwillItakeoftheeoranyothertillIhavethegiftofgifts，andthatismytroth-plightmaiden。IwillnotbegladtillIcanbegladwithher。"

ThenlaughedtheErne，andthePunyFoxgrinnedallacrosshiswideface，andHallblithelookedfromonetotheotherofthemandwonderedattheirmirth，andwhentheysawhiswonderingeyes，theydidbutlaughthemore;andtheErnesaid："Nevertheless，thoushaltseethegiftwhichIwouldgivethee;andthenmaystthoutakeitorleaveitasthouwilt。Hoye！bringinthethroneoftheEastlandwiththemthatministertoit！"

Certainmenleftthehallashespake，andcamebackbearingwiththemathronefashionedmostgoodlyofivory，parcel-giltandbegemmed，andadornedwithmarvellouscraftsmanship：andtheysetitdownamidstofthehall-floorandwentabacktotheirplaces，whiletheErnesatandsmiledkindlyonthefolkandonHallblithe。Thenarosethesoundoffiddlesandthelesserharp，andthedoorsofthescreenwereopened，andthereflowedintothehallacompanyoffairdamselsnotlessthanascore，eachonewitharoseonherbosom，andtheycameandstoodinorderbehindthethroneoftheEastlands，andtheystrewedrosesonthegroundbeforethem：andwhentheyweredulyrangedtheyfelltosinging：

Nowwanethspring，Whileallbirdssing，AndthesouthwindblowsTheearliestroseToandfroBythedoorsweknow，AndthescentedgaleFillseverydale。

Slownowarebrooksrunningbecauseoftheweed，Andthethrushhathnocunningtohideheratneed，Soswiftasshefliethfromhedge-rowtotreeAsonethattoiltrieth，anddeedfulmustbe。

AndO！thatatlast，Allsorrowspast，ThisnightIlay’Neaththeoak-beamsgrey！

O，towakefromsleep，ToseedawncreepThroughthefruitfulgroveOfthehousethatIlove！

O！myfeettobetreadingthethresholdoncemore，O’erwhichoncewenttheleadingofswordstothewar！

O！myfeetinthegarden’sedgeunderthesun，Wheretheseedinggrasshardensforhayselbegun！

Lo，lo！thewindblowsTotheheartoftheRose，AndtheshipliestiedTothehavenside！

ButOforthekeelThesailstofeel！

AndthealiennessGrowinglessandless;

AsdownthewinddrivethandthruststhroughtheseaThesail-burgthatstrivethtoturnandgofree，Buttheladsatthetillertheyholdherinhand，Andthewindourwell-willerdrivesfiercetotheland。

Weshallwendityet，Thehighwaywet;

ForwhatisthisThatourbosomskiss？

WhatliethsweetBeforeourfeet？

WhattokenhathcomeToleadushome？

’TistheRoseofthegardenwalledroundfromthecroftWherethegreyroofitswardensteeprisethaloft，’TistheRose’neaththeoaken-beamedhall，wheretheybide，Thepledgesunbroken，thehandofthebride。

Hallblitheheardthesong，andhalfthoughtitpromisedhimsomewhat;

butthenhehadbeensomisledandmockedat，thathescarceknewhowtorejoiceatit。

NowtheErnespake："Wiltthounottakethechairandthesedaintysong-birdsthatstandaboutit？Muchwealthmightcomeintothinehallifthouwerttocarrythemoverseatorichmenwhohavenokindred，noraffinitywhereintowed，butwholovewomenaswellasothermen。"

SaidHallblithe："IhavewealthenowwereIoncehomeagain。Astothesemaidens，IknowbythefashionofthemthattheyarenowomenoftheRose，asbytheirsongtheyshouldbe。YetwillItakeanyofthesemaidensthathavewilltogowithmeandbemadesistersofmysisters，andwedwiththewarriorsoftheRose;oriftheyareofakindred，andlongtositeachinthehouseofherfolk，thenwillwesendthemhomeovertheseawithwarriorstoguardthemfromalltrouble。ForthisgiftIthankthee。Astothythrone，Ibidtheekeepittillakeelcomeththywayfromourland，bringingfairgiftsfortheeandthine。Forwearenotsounwealthy。"

Thosethatsatnearbyheardhiswordsandpraisedthem;buttheErnesaid："Allthisisfreetothee，andthoumaystdowhatthouwiltwiththegiftsgiventothee。Yetshaltthouhavethethrone;andI

havethoughtofawaytomaketheetakeit。Orwhatsaystthou，PunyFox？"

SaidthePunyFox："Yeaifthouwilt，thoumayst，butIthoughtitnotoftheethatthouwouldst。Nowisallwell。"

AgainHallblithelookedfromonetotheotherandwonderedwhattheymeant。ButtheErnecriedout："Bringinnowthesitter，whoshallfilltheemptythrone！"

Thenagainthescreen-doorsopened，andtherecameintwoweaponedmen，leadingbetweenthemawomancladingoldandgarlandedwithroses。Sofairwasthefashionofherfaceandallherbody，thathercomingseemedtomakeachangeinthehall，asthoughthesunhadshoneintoitsuddenly。Shetrodthehall-floorwithfirmfeet，andsatdownontheivorychair。ButevenbeforeshewasseatedthereinHallblitheknewthattheHostagewasunderthatroofandcomingtowardhim。Andtheheartroseinhisbreastandflutteredtherein，sosoreheyearnedtowardtheDaughteroftheRose，andhisveryspeech-friend。ThenheheardtheErnesaying，"Hownow，Raven-son，wiltthouhavethethroneandthesittertherein，orwiltthougainsaymeoncemore？"

Thereafterhehimselfspake，andthesoundofhisvoicewasstrangetohimandasifheknewitnot："Chieftain，Iwillnotgainsaythee，butwilltakethygift，andthyfriendshiptherewith，whatsoeverhathbetided。YetwouldIsayawordortwountothewomanthatsittethyonder。ForIhavebeenstrayingamongstwilesandimages，andmayhappenIshallyetfindthistobebutadreamofthenight，orabeguilementoftheday。"Therewithhearosefromthetable，andwalkedslowlydownthehall;butitwasanearthingthathedidnotfalla-weepingbeforeallthosealiens，sofullhisheartwas。

HecameandstoodbeforetheHostage，andtheireyeswereuponeachother，andforalittlewhiletheyhadnowords。ThenHallblithebegan，wonderingathisvoiceashespake："Artthouawomanandmyspeech-friend？Formanyimageshavemockedme，andIhavebeenencompassedwithlies，andledastraybybeheststhathavenotbeenfulfilled。Andtheworldhathbecomestrangetome，andemptyoffriends。"

Thenshesaid："ArtthouverilyHallblithe？ForIalsohavebeenencompassedbylies，andbesetbyimagesofthingsunhelpful。"

"Yea，"saidhe，"IamHallblitheoftheRavens，weariedwithdesireformytroth-plightmaiden。"

Thencametherosycolourintothefairnessofherface，astherisingsunlighteththegardenofflowersintheJunemorning;andshesaid："IfthouartHallblithe，tellmewhatbefelltothefinger-gold-ringthatmymothergavemewhenwewerebothbutlittle。"

Thenhisfacegrewhappy，andhesmiled，andhesaid："Iputitfortheeoneautumntideinthesnake’sholeinthebankabovetheriver，amidsttherootsoftheoldthorn-tree，thatthesnakemightbroodit，andmakethegoldgrowgreater;butwhenwinterwasoverandwecametolookforit，lo！therewasneitherringnorsnake，northorn-

tree：forthefloodhadwasheditallaway。"

Thereatshesmiledmostsweetly，andwhereasshehadbeenlookingonhimhithertowithstrainedandanxiouseyes，shenowbeheldhimsimplyandfriendly;andshesaid："OHallblithe，Iamawomanindeed，andthyspeech-friend。Thisisthefleshthatdesireththee，andthelifethatisthine，andtheheartwhichthourejoicest。Butnowtellme，whoarethesehugeimagesaroundus，amongstwhomIhavesatthus，onceineverymoonthisyearpast，andafterwardsIwastakenbacktothewomen’sbower？Aretheymenormountain-giants？

Willtheyslayus，orshutusupfromthelightandair？Orhastthoumadepeacewiththem？Wiltthouthendwellwithmehere，orshallwegobackagaintoClevelandbytheSea？Andwhen，ohwhen，shallwedepart？"

Hesmiledandsaid："Quickcomethyquestions，beloved。ThesearethefolksoftheRavagersandtheSea-eagles：theybemen，thoughfierceandwildtheybe。Ourfoestheyhavebeen，andhavesunderedus;butnowaretheyourfriends，andhavebroughtustogether。Andto-morrow，Ofriend，shallwedepartacrossthewaterstoClevelandbytheSea。"

Sheleanedforward，andwasabouttospeaksoftlytohim，butsuddenlystartedback，andsaid："Thereisabig，red-hairedman，asbigasanyhere，behindthyshoulder。Ishealsoafriend？Whatwouldhewithus？"

SoHallblitheturnedabout，andbeheldthePunyFoxbesidehim，whotookupthewordandspoke，smilingasamaningreatglee："O

maidenoftheRose，IamHallblithe’sthrall，andhisscholar，tounlearnthecraftoflying，wherebyIhavedoneamisstowardsbothhimandthee。WhereofIwilltelltheeallthetalesoon。ButnowI

willsaythatitistruethatwedepartto-morrowforClevelandbytheSea，thouandhe，andIincompany。NowIwouldaskthee，Hallblithe，ifthouwouldsthavemebestowthisgiftofthineinsafe-keepingto-night，sincethereisanendofhersittinginthehalllikeagravenimage：andto-morrowthewaywillbelongandwearisome，Whatsayestthou？"

SaidtheHostage："ShallItrustthismanandgowithhim？"

"Yea，thoushalttrusthim，"saidHallblithe，"forheistrusty。Andevenwerehenot，itismeetforusoftheRavenandtheRosetodoasourworthbiddethus，andnottofearthisfolk。Anditbehovethustodoaftertheircustomssinceweareintheirhouse。"

"Thatissooth，"shesaid;"bigman，leadmeoutofthehalltomyplace。Farewell，Hallblithe，foralittlewhile，andthenshalltherebenomoresunderingforus。"

TherewithshedepartedwiththePunyFox，andHallblithewentbacktothehigh-seatandsatdownbytheErne，wholaughedonhimandsaid：

"Thouhasttakenmygift，andthatiswell：yetshallItelltheethatIwouldnothavegivenittotheeifIcouldhavekeptitformyselfinsuchplightasthouwilthaveit。ButallIcoulddo，andthePunyFoxtohelpwithal，availedmenought。Sogoodluckgowiththinehands。Nowwillwetobed，andto-morrowIwillleadtheeoutonthyway;fortosaysooth，therebesomeherewhoarenotwellpleasedwitheithertheeorme;andthouknowestthatwordsarewastedonwilfulmen，butthatdeedsmayavailsomewhat。"

Therewithhecriedoutforthecupofgood-night，andwhenitwasdrunken，Hallblithewasshowntoafairshut-bed;eventhatwhereinhehadlainaforetime;andtherehewenttosleepinjoy，andingoodlikingwithallmen。

CHAPTERXXII：THEYGOFROMTHEISLEOFRANSOMANDCOMETOCLEVELAND

BYTHESEA

InthemorningearlyHallblithearosefromhisbed，andwhenhecameintothemid-hall，therewasthePunyFoxandtheHostagewithhim;

Hallblithekissedherandembracedher，andshehim;yetnotlikeloverslongsundered，butasamanandmaidbetrothedarewonttodo，fortherewerefolkcomingandgoingaboutthehall。ThenspakethePunyFox："TheErneisabidingusoutinthemeadowyonder;fornownoughtwillservehimbuthemustneedsgoundertheearth-collarwithus。Howsayestthou，isheenoughthyfriend？"

SaidHallblithe，smilingontheHostage："Whathastthoutosaytoit，beloved？"

"Noughtatall，"shesaid，"ifthouartfriendtoanyofthesemen。

ImaydeemthatIhavesomewhatagainstthechieftain，whereofbelikethisbigmanmaytelltheehereafter;butevensomuchmeseemethI

haveagainstthismanhimself，whoisnowbecomethyfriendandscholar;forhealsostroveformybeguilement，andthatnotforhimself，butforanother。"

"Trueitis，"saidtheFox，"thatIdiditforanother;evenasyesterdayItookthymateHallblitheoutofthetrapwhereintohehadstrayed，andcompassedhisdeliverancebymeansoftheunfaithfulbattle;andevenasIwouldhavestolentheeforhim，ORose-maiden，ifneedhadbeen;yea，evenifImusthavesmittenintoruintheroof-treeoftheRavagers。AndhowcouldItellthattheErnewouldgivetheeupunstolen？Yea，thousayethsooth，Onobleandspotlessmaiden;allmydeeds，bothgoodandill，haveIdoneforothers;andsoIdeemitshallbewhilemylifelasteth。"

ThenHallblithelaughedandsaid："Artthounettled，fellow-in-arms，atthewordofawomanwhoknoweththeenot？Sheshallyetbethyfriend，OFox。Buttellme，beloved，IdeemedthatthouhadstnotseenFoxbefore;howthencanhehavehelpedtheErneagainstthee？"

"Yetshesayethsooth，"saidFox，"thiswasofmysleight：forwhenIhadtocomebeforeher，Ichangedmyskin，asIwellknowhow;

thereareothersinthislandwhocandosomuchasthat。ButwhatsayestthouconcerningthebrotherhoodwiththeErne？"

"Letitbeso，"saidHallblithe，"heismanlyandtrue，thoughmasterful，andismeetforthislandofhis。Ishallnotfalloutwithhim;forseldommeseemethshallIseetheIsleofRansom。"

"AndIneveragain，"saidthePunyFox。

"Dostthouloatheit，then，"saidtheHostage，"becauseoftheevilthouhastdonetherein？"

"Nay，"saidhe，"whatistheevil，whenhenceforthIshalldobutgood？Nay，Ilovetheland。Belikethoudeemestitbutdrearywithitsblackrocksandblacksand，andtreelesswind-sweptdales;butI

knowitinsummerandwinter，andsunandshade，instormandcalm。

AndIknowwherethefathersdweltandthesonsoftheirsons’sonshavelonglainintheearth。Ihavesaileditswindiestfirths，andclimbeditssteepestcrags;andyemaywellwotthatithathafriendlyfacetome;andtheland-wightsofthemountainswillbesorryformydeparture。"

Sohespake，andHallblithewouldhaveansweredhim，butbynowweretheycometoagrassyhollowamidstthedale，wheretheErnehadalreadymadetheearth-yokeready。Towit，hehadloosenedastripofturfallsavethetwoends，andhadproppeditupwithtwoancientdwarf-wroughtspears，sothatamidmosttherewasalinteltogounder。

Sowhenhesawthoseotherscoming，hegavethemtheseleoftheday，andsaidtoHallblithe："Whatisittobe？shallIbelessthanthybrother-in-armshenceforward？"

SaidHallblithe："Notawhitless。Itisgoodtohavebrothersinotherlandsthanone。"

Sotheymadenodelay，butcladinalltheirwar-gear，theywentundertheearth-yokeoneaftertheother;thereaftertheystoodtogether，andeachletbloodinhisarm，sothatthebloodofallthreemingledtogetherfelldownonthegrassoftheancientearth;

andtheysworefriendshipandbrotherhoodeachtoeach。

ButwhenallwasdonetheErnespake："BrotherHallblithe，asIlayawakeinbedthismorningIdeemedthatIwouldtakeshipwiththeetoClevelandbytheSea，thatImightdwellthereawhile。ButwhenIcameoutofthehall，andsawthedalelyinggreenbetwixthill-

sideandhill-side，andtheglitteringriverrunningdownamidmost，andthesheepandkineandhorsesfeedingupanddownoneithersidethewater：andIlookedupatthefellsandsawhowdeepbluetheystoodupagainstthesnowypeaks，andIthoughtofallourdeedsonthedeepsea，andthemerrynights，inyonderabodeofmen：thenI

thoughtthatIwouldnotleavethekindred，wereitbutforawhile，unlesswarandliftingcalledme。SonowIwillridewiththeetotheship，andthenfarewelltothee。"

"Itisgood，"saidHallblithe，"thoughnotasgoodasitmightbe。

GladhadwebeenwiththeeinthehalloftheRavens。"

Ashespokedrewanighthecarlesleadingthehorses，andwiththemcamesixofthosedamselswhomtheErnehadgiventoHallblithethenightbefore;twoofwhomaskedtobebroughttotheirkindredoversea;buttheotherfourwerefaintogowithHallblitheandtheHostage，andbecometheirsistersatClevelandbytheSea。

Sothentheygottohorseandrodedownthedaletowardthehaven，andthecarlesrodewiththem，sothatofweaponedmentheywereascoreincompany。Butwhentheywerehalf-waytothehaventheysawwherehardbythreeknollsontheway-sideweremenstandingwiththeirweaponsandwar-gearglitteringinthesun。SotheErnelaughedandsaid："ShallwehaveawordwithWar-brandthen？"

Buttheyrodesteadilyontheirway，andwhentheycameuptotheknollstheysawthatitwasWar-brandindeedwithascoreofmenathisback;buttheystirrednotwhentheysawErne’scompanythatitwasgreat。ThenErnelaughedaloudandcriedoutinabigvoice，"What，lads！yerideearlythismorning;aretherefoemenabroadintheIsle？"

Theyshrankbackbeforehim，butacarleofthosewhowashindermostcriedout："Artthoucomingbacktous，Erne，orhavethynewfriendsboughttheetoleadtheminbattle？"

"Fearitnought，"quothErne，"Ishallbebackbeforetheshepherd’snoon。"

Sotheywenttheirwaysandcametothehaven，andtherelaytheFlamingSword，andbesideheratrimbark，notrightgreat，allreadyforsea：andHallblithe’sskiffwasmadefasttoherforanafter-

boat。

ThentheHostageandHallblitheandthesixdamselswentaboardher，andwhentheErnehadbiddenthemfarewell，theycastoffthehawsersandthrustheroutthroughthehaven-mouth;buteretheyhadgotmidmostofthehaven，theysawtheErne，thathehadturnedabout，andwasridingupthedalewithhishouse-carles，andeachman’sweaponwasshininginhishand：andtheywonderedifhewereridingtobattlewithWar-brand;andFoxsaid："Meseemethourbrother-in-

armshathinhismindtogivethosewaylayersanevilminute，andverilyheisthemantodothesame。"

Sotheygatthemoutofthehaven，andtheebb-tidedraveoutseawardstrongly，andthewindwasfairforClevelandbytheSea;andtheyranspeedilypasttheblackcliffsoftheIsleofRansom，andsoonweretheyhulldownbehindthem。Butontheafternoonofthenextdaytheyhoveupthelandofthekindreds，andbysunsettheybeachedtheirshiponthesandbytheRollersoftheRaven，andwentashorewithoutmoreado。Andthestrandwasemptyofallmen，evenasonthedaywhenHallblithefirstmetthePunyFox。SotheninthecooloftheeveningtheywentuptowardtheHouseoftheRaven。Thosedamselswenttogetherhandinhandtwobytwo，andHallblitheheldtheHostagebythehand;butthePunyFoxwentalongbesidethem，gleefulandofmanywords;tellingthemtalesofhiswilesandhiscraft，andhisskin-changing。

"Butnow，"quothhe，"IhaveleftallthatbehindmeintheIsleofRansom，andhavebutoneshape，andIwouldforyourbehoofthatitwereagoodlierone：andbutonewisdomhaveI，eventhatwhichdwellethinmineownhead-bone。Yetitmaybethatthismayavailyouonetimeorother。Butloyou！thoughIamthythrall，haveI

notthelookofathrall-hucksterfromoversealeadingupmywarestothecheaping-stead？"Theylaughedathiswordsandweremerry，andmuchlovetherewasamongstthemastheywentuptotheHouseoftheRaven。

Butwhentheycamethithertheywentintothegarth，andtherewasnomantherein，foritwasnowdusk，andthewindowsofthelonghallwereyellowwithcandle-light。ThensaidFox："Abideyeherealittle;forIwouldgointothehallaloneandseetheconditionsofthypeople，OHallblithe。"

"Gothou，then，"saidHallblithe，"butbenotrash。Icounselthee;

forourfolkarenotover-patientwhentheydeemtheyhaveafoebeforethem。"

ThePunyFoxlaughed，andsaid："Soitisthentheworldover，thathappymenarewilfulandmasterful。"

Thenhedrewhisswordandsmoteonthedoorwiththepommel，andthedooropenedtohimandinhewent：andhefoundthatfairhallfulloffolkandbrightwithcandles;andhestoodamidstthefloor;allmenlookedonhim，andmanyknewhimatoncetobeamanoftheRavagers，andsilencefelluponthehall，butnomanstirredhandagainsthim。Thenhesaid："Willyehearkentothewordofanevilman，arobberofthefolks？"

Spakethechieftainfromthedais："Wordswillnothurtus，sea-

warrior;andthouartbutoneamongmany;whereforethymightthiseveisbutasthemightofanew-bornbaby。Speak，andafterwardseatanddrink，anddepartsafefromamongstus！"

SpakethePunyFox："WhatisgonewithHallblithe，afairyoungmanofyourkindred，andwiththeHostageoftheRose，histroth-plightmaiden？"

Thenwasthehushyetgreaterinthehall，sothatyoumighthaveheardapindrop;andthechieftainsaid："Itisagriefofoursthattheyaregone，andthatnonehathbroughtusbacktheirdeadbodiesthatwemightlaythemintheAcreoftheFathers。"

Thenleaptupamanfromtheend-longtablenightoFox，andcriedout："Yea，folk！theyaregone，andwedeemthatrunagatesofthykindred，Onew-comeman，havestolenthemfromus;wherefortheyshallonedaypayus。"

ThenlaughedthePunyFoxandsaid："SomewouldsaythatstealingHallblithewaslikestealingalion，andthathemighttakecareofhimself;thoughhewasnotasbigasIam。"

Saidthelastspeaker："Didthykinordidstthoustealhim，Oevilman？"

"Yea，Istolehim，"quothFox，"butbysleight，andnotbymight。"

Thenuprosegreatuproarinthehall，butthechieftainonthehigh-

seatcriedout："Peace，peace！"andthenoiseabated，andthechieftainsaid："DostthoumeanthatthoucomesthithertogiveusthineheadformakingawaywithHallblitheandtheHostage？"

"Imeantoaskrather，"saidtheFox，"whatthouwiltgivemeforthebodiesofthesetwain？"

Saidthechieftain："Aboat-loadofgoldwerenottoomuchifthoushouldstlivealittlelonger。"

QuoththePunyFox："Well，inanywiseIwillgoandbringinthebodiesaforesaid，andleavemyrewardtothegoodwilloftheRavens。"

Therewithheturnedabouttogo，butlo！therealreadyinthedoorstoodHallblitheholdingtheHostagebythehand;andmanyinthehallsawthem，forthedoorwaswide。ThentheycameinandstoodbythesideofthePunyFox，andallmeninthehallaroseandshoutedforjoy。Butwhenthetumultwasalittleabated，thePunyFoxcriedout："Ochieftain，andallyefolk！ifaboat-loadofgoldwerenottoomuchrewardforthebringingbackthedeadbodiesofyourfriends，whatrewardshallhehavewhohathbroughtbacktheirbodiesandthesoulstherein？"

Saidthechieftain："Themanshallchoosehisownreward。"Andthemeninthehallshoutedtheiryeasay。

ThensaidthePunyFox："Well，then，thisIchoose，thatyemakemeoneofyourkindredbeforethefathersofoldtime。"

Theyallcriedoutthathehadchosenwiselyandmanfully;butHallblithesaid："Ibidyoudoforhimnolessthanthis;andyeshallwotthatheisalreadymyswornbrother-in-arms。"

Nowthechieftaincriedout："OWanderersfromoverthesea，comeuphitherandsitwithusandbemerryatlast！"

Sotheywentuptothedais，HallblitheandtheHostage，andthePunyFoxandthesixmaidenswithal。Andsincethenightwasyetyoung，thesupperofthemenoftheRavenswasturnedintothewedding-feastofHallblitheandtheHostage，andthatverynightshebecameawifeoftheRavens，thatshemightbeartotheHousethebestofmenandthefairestofwomen。

ButonthemorrowtheybroughtthePunyFoxtothemote-steadofthekindredsthathemightstandbeforethefathersandbemadeasonofthekindred;andthistheydidbecauseofthewordofHallblithe，andbecausetheybelievedinthetalewhichhetoldthemoftheGlitteringPlainandtheAcreoftheUndying。ThefourmaidensalsoweremadesistersoftheHouse;andtheothertwainweresenthometotheirownkindredinallhonour。

OfthePunyFoxitissaidthathesoonlostandforgotallthelorewhichhehadlearnedoftheancientmen，livinganddead;andbecameasothermenandwasnowizard。Yethewasexceedingvaliantanddoughty;andheceasednottogowithHallblithewheresoeverhewent;

andmanydeedstheydidtogether，whereofthememoryofmenhathfailed：butneithertheynoranymanoftheRavenscameanymoretotheGlitteringPlain，orheardanytidingsofthefolkthatdwellthere。

HEREWITHENDETHTHETALE。