A few days afterwards Dalla told him to go to Reykir. "He will
lend thee the sword now," said she. So he sought Skeggi and
asked for Skofnung.

"Hard wilt thou find it to handle," said Skeggi. "There is a
pouch to it, and that thou shalt let be. Sun must not shine on
the pommel of the hilt. Thou shalt not wear it until fighting is
forward, and when ye come to the field, sit all alone and then
draw it. Hold the edge toward thee, and blow on it. Then will a
little worm creep from under the hilt. Then slope thou the sword
over, and make it easy for that worm to creep back beneath the
hilt."

"Here's a tale of tricks, thou warlock!" cried Cormac

"Nevertheless," answered Skeggi, "it will stand thee in good
stead to know them."

So Cormac rode home and told his mother, saying that her will was
of great avail with Skeggi. He showed the sword, and tried to
draw it, but it would not leave the sheath.

"Thou are over wilful, my son," said she.

Then he set his feet against the hilts, and pulled until he tore
the pouch off, at which Skofnung creaked and groaned, but never
came out of the scabbard.

Well, the time wore on, and the day came. He rode away with