"I know this," said Gudruda, "that I will not wed a man who is named
'Niddering' in the face of all and lifts no sword."

Gudruda spoke thus, because she was mad with love and fear and shame,
and she desired that Eric should stand face to face with Ospakar
Blacktooth, for thus, alone, she might perhaps be rid of Ospakar.

"Such words do not come well from gentle lips," said Björn.

"Is it to be borne, brother," answered Gudruda, "that the man who would
call me wife should be named Ospakar the Niddering? When that shame is
washed away, and then only, can I think on marriage. I will never be
Niddering's bride!"

"Thou hearest, Ospakar Niddering?" said Eric. Then he gave the spear
in his hand to Skallagrim, and, gripping Whitefire's hilt, he burst the
peace-strings, and tore it from the scabbard.

Now the great sword shone on high like lightning leaping from a cloud,
and as it shone men shouted, "_Ospakar! Ospakar Niddering!_ Come, win
back Whitefire from Eric's hand, or be for ever shamed!"

Blacktooth could endure this no more. He snatched sword and shield, and,
like a bear from a cave, like a wolf from his lair, rushed roaring from
his seat. On he came, and the ground shook beneath his bulk.

"At last, Niddering!" cried Eric, and sprang to meet him.

"Back! all men, back!" shouted Skallagrim, "now we shall see blows."