Now Swanhild grew wild, for she saw that Eric was about to take Gudruda
in his arms and kiss her before all men.

"Say, Björn," she cried; "wilt thou suffer that this outlaw, having
slain Ospakar, should lead Gudruda hence as wife?"

"He shall never do so while I live," cried Björn, nearly mad with rage.
"This is my command, sister: that thou dost see Eric no more."

"Say, Björn," answered Gudruda, "did I dream, or did I indeed see thee
thrust the broken buckler before Eric's feet, so that he stumbled on it
and fell?"

"That thou sawest, lady," said Skallagrim; "for I saw it also."

Now Björn grew white in his anger. He did not answer Gudruda, but called
aloud to his men to slay Eric and Skallagrim. Gizur called also to the
folk of Ospakar, and Swanhild to those who came with her.

Then Gudruda fled back to her seat.

But Eric cried aloud also: "Ye who love me, cleave to me. Suffer it not
that Brighteyes be cut down of northerners and outland men. Hear me,
Atli's folk; hear me, carles of Coldback and of Middalhof!"

And so greatly did many love Eric that half of the thralls of Björn, and
almost all of the company of Swanhild who had been Atli's shield-men and
Brighteyes' comrades, drew swords, shouting "Eric! Eric!" But the carles
of Ospakar came on to make an end of him.