Now Eric and his henchman Skallagrim the Baresark rode four hours and
saw nobody, till at length they came to the brow of a hill that is named
Horse-Head Heights, and, crossing it, found themselves almost in the
midst of a score of armed men who were about to mount their horses.
"Now we have company," said Skallagrim.
"Yes, and bad company," answered Eric, "for yonder I spy Ospakar
Blacktooth, and Gizur and Mord his sons, ay and others. Down, and back
to back, for they will show us little gentleness."
Then they sprang to earth and took their stand upon a mound of rising
ground--and the men rode towards them.
"I shall soon know what thy fellowship is worth," said Eric.
"Fear not, lord," answered Skallagrim. "Hold thou thy head and I will
hold thy back. We are met in a good hour."
"Good or ill, it is likely to be a short one. Hearken thou: if thou
must turn Baresark when swords begin to flash, at the least stand and be
Baresark where thou art, for if thou rushest on the foe, my back will be
naked and I must soon be sped."
"It shall be as thou sayest, lord."
Now men rode round them, but at first they did not know Eric, because of
the golden helm that hid his face in shadow.
"Who are ye?" called Ospakar.
"I think that thou shouldst know me, Blacktooth," Eric answered, "for
I set thee heels up in the snow but lately--or, at the least, thou wilt
know this," and he drew great Whitefire.
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