Blacktooth's face. It struck fair and full, and lo! the helm of Ospakar
burst asunder. He threw wide his giant arms, then fell as a pine falls
upon the mountain edge. He fell back, and he lay still.

But Eric, stooping over him, took Whitefire from his hand.




XXV

HOW THE FEAST ENDED

For a moment there was silence in the hall, for men had known no such
fight as this.

"Why, then, do ye gape?" laughed Skallagrim, pointing with the spear.
"Dead is Ospakar!--slain by the swordless man! Eric Brighteyes hath
slain Ospakar Blacktooth!"

Then there went up such a shout as never was heard in the hall of
Middalhof.

Now when Gudruda knew that Ospakar was sped, she looked at Eric as he
rested, leaning on his sword, and her heart was filled with awe and
love. She sprang from her seat, and, coming to where Brighteyes stood,
she greeted him.

"Welcome to Iceland, Eric!" she said. "Welcome, thou glory of the
south!"