As he spoke the great swords flashed aloft and clanged upon the iron
shields. So heavy were the blows that fire leapt out from them. Ospakar
reeled back beneath the shock, and Eric was beaten to his knee. Now he
was up, but as he rushed, Ospakar struck again and swept away half of
Brighteyen's pointed shield so that it fell upon the floor. Eric smote
also, but Ospakar dropped his knee to earth and the sword hissed over
him. Blacktooth cut at Eric's legs; but Brighteyes sprang from the
ground and took no harm.

Now some cried, "_Eric! Eric!_" and some cried "_Ospakar! Ospakar!_" for
no one knew how the fight would go.

Gudruda sat watching in the high seat, and as blows fell her colour came
and went.

Swanhild drew near, watching also, and she desired in her fierce heart
to see Eric brought to shame and death, for, should he win, then Gudruda
would be rid of Ospakar. Now by her side stood Gizur, Ospakar's son,
and near to her was Björn. These two held their breath, for, if Eric
conquered, all their plans were brought to nothing.

Even as he sprang into the air, Eric smote down with all his strength.
The blow fell on Ospakar's shield. It shore through the shield and
struck on the shoulder beneath. But Blacktooth's byrnie was good, nor
did the sword bite into it. Still the stroke was so heavy that Ospakar
staggered back four paces beneath it, then fell upon the ground.

Now folk raised a shout of "_Eric! Eric!_" for it seemed that Ospakar
was sped. Brighteyes, too, cried aloud, then rushed forward. Now, as he
came, Swanhild whispered an eager word into the ear of Björn. By Björn's