Eric sprang from the ground. He heard the shouts and saw Whitefire
blazing in Ospakar's hand.

"Now thou art weaponless, fly! Brighteyes; fly!" cried some.

Gudruda's cheek grew white with fear, and for a moment Eric's heart
failed him.

"Fly not!" roared Skallagrim. "Björn tripped thee. Yet hast thou half a
shield!"

Ospakar rushed on, and Whitefire flickered over Eric's helm. Down it
came and shore one wing from the helm. Again it shone and fell, but
Brighteyes caught the blow on his broken shield.

Then, while men waited to see him slain, Eric gave a great war-shout and
sprang forward.

"Thou art mad!" shouted the folk.

"Ye shall see! Ye shall see!" screamed Skallagrim.

Again Ospakar smote and again Eric caught the blow; and behold! he
struck back, thrusting with the point of the shorn shield straight at
the face of Ospakar.

"_Peck! Eagle; peck!_" cried Skallagrim.

Once more Whitefire shone above him. Eric rushed in beneath the
sword, and with all his mighty strength thrust the buckler-point at