Hallblithelookedsteadilyroundaboutseekinghisfoe;butthehavenwasemptyofshiporboat;soheranhiseyealongtheshoretoseewhereheshouldbestlayhiskeelandasaforesaidtherewasnobeachthere，andthewaterwasdeeprightuptothegrassylipoftheland;
thoughthetidesransomewhathigh，andatlowwaterwouldalittlesteepundercliffgoupfromthefaceofthesea。Butnowitwasnearthetopofthetide，andtherewasscarcetwofeetbetwixtthegrassandthedark-greensea。
NowHallblithesteeredtowardaningleofthehaven;andbeyondit，alittlewayoff，roseareefofrocksoutofthegreengrass，andtherebywasaflockofsheepfeeding，andabigmanlyingdownamongstthem，whoseemedtobeunarmed，asHallblithecouldnotseeanyglintofsteelabouthim。Hallblithedrewnightheshore，andthebigmanstirrednot;nordidheanythemorewhenthekeelranalongtheshore，andHallblitheleaptoutandmooredhiscrafttohisspearstuckdeepintheearth。AndnowHallblithedeemsthatthemanmustbeeitherdeadorasleep：sohedrewhisswordandhaditinhisrighthand，andinhisleftasharpknife，andwentstraightuptothemanbetwixtthesheep，andfoundhimsolyingonhissidethathecouldnotseehisface;sohestirredhimwithhisfoot，andcriedout：\"Awake，OShepherd！fordawnislongpastanddayiscome，andtherewithalaguestforthee！\"
Themanturnedoverandslowlysatup，and，lo！whoshoulditbebutthePunyFox？Hallblithestartedbackatthesightofhim，andcriedoutathim，andsaid：\"HaveIfoundthee，Omineenemy？\"
ThePunyFoxsatupalittlestraighter，andrubbedhiseyesandsaid：\"Yea，thouhastfoundmesureenough。Butastomybeingthineenemy，awordortwomaybesaidaboutthatpresently。\"
\"What！\"saidHallblithe，\"dostthoudeemthataughtsavemyswordwillspeaktothee？\"
\"Iwotnot，\"saidthePunyFox，slowlyrisingtohisfeet，\"butI
supposethouwiltnotslaymeunarmed，andthouseestthatIhavenoweapons。\"
\"Gettheeweapons，then，\"quothHallblithe，\"anddelaynot;forthesightoftheealivesickensme。\"
\"Illisthat，\"saidthePunyFox，\"butcomethouwithmeatonce，whereIshallfindboththeweaponsandagoodfighting-stead。
Hasten！timepresseth，nowthouartcomeatlast。\"
\"Andmyboat？\"saidHallblithe。
\"Wiltthoucarryherinthypouch？\"saidthePunyFox;\"thouwiltnotneedheragain，whetherthouslayme，orIthee。\"
Hallblitheknithisbrowsonhiminhiswrath;forhedeemedthatFox’smeaningwastothreatenhimwiththevengeanceofthekindred。
Howbeit，hesaidnought;forhedeemeditilltowrangleinwordswithonewhomhewaspresentlytomeetinbattle;sohefollowedasthePunyFoxled。Foxbroughthimpastthereefofrockaforesaid，andupanarrowcleftofthecliffsoverlookingthesea，wherebytheycameintoalittlegrass-grownmeadowwellnighroundinshape，assmoothandlevelasahall-floor，andfencedaboutbyawallofrock：
aplacewhichhadoncebeenthemouthofanearth-fire，andacauldronofmoltenstone。
WhentheystoodonthesmoothgrassFoxsaid：\"Holdtheetherealittle，whileIgotomyweapon-chest，andthenshallweseewhatistobedone。\"
Therewithheturnedasidetoacrannyoftherock，andgoingdownonhishandsandknees，felltocreepinglikeawormupaholetherein，whichbelikeledtoacavern;forafterhisvoicehadcomeforthfromtheearth，gruntingandgroaning，andcursingthisthing，andthat，outhecomesagainfeetfirst，andcastsdownanoldrustyswordwithoutasheath;ahelmnolessrusty，andbatteredwithal，andaroundtarget，curledupandoutwornasifitwouldfalltopiecesofitself。Thenhestandsupandstretcheshimself，andsmilespleasantlyonHallblitheandsays：\"Now，mineenemy，whenIhavedonnedhelmandshieldandgotmyswordinhand，wemaybegintheplay：astoahauberkImustneedsgolack;forIcouldnotcomebyit;Ithinktheoldmanmusthavechaffereditaway：hewasevertoomoney-fain。\"
ButHallblithelookedonhimangrilyandsaid：\"Hastthoubroughtmehithertomockme？HastthounobetterweaponswherewithtomeetawarrioroftheRaventhantheserustyshards，whichlookasifthouhadstrobbedagraveofthedead？Iwillnotfighttheesoarmed。\"
\"Well，\"saidthePunyFox，\"andfromoutofagravecometheyverily：
forinthatlittleholeliethmyfather’sgrandsire，thegreatSea-
mewoftheRavagers，thefatherofthatSea-eaglewhomthouknowest。
Butsincethouthinkestscornoftheseweaponsofadeadwarrior，ingotheoldcarle’streasuresagain！Itisaswellmaybe;sincehemightbewrathbeyondhiswontifheweretowakeandmissthem;andalreadythiscoldcupoftheonce-boilingrockisnotwhollysafebecauseofhim。\"
Sohecreptintotheholeoncemore，andoutofitpresently，andstoodsmitinghispalmsoneagainsttheothertodustthem，likeamanwhohasbeenhandlingparchmentslonglaidby;andHallblithestoodlookingathim，stillwrathful，butsilent。
ThensaidthePunyFox：\"Thisatleastwasawisewordofthine，thatthouwouldstnotfightme。Fortheendoffightingisslaying;
anditisstarkfollytofightwithoutslaying;andnowIseethatthoudesirestnottoslayme：forifthoudidst，whydidstthourefusetofallonmearmedwiththeghostsofweaponsthatIborrowedfromaghost？Nay，whydidstthounotslaymeasIcreptoutofyonderhole？Thouwouldsthavehadacheapbargainofmeeitherway。
Itwouldberankfollytofightme。\"
SaidHallblithehoarsely：\"Whydidstthoubewrayme，andlietome，andluremeawayfromthequestofmybeloved，andwasteawholeyearofmylife？\"
\"Itisalongstory，\"saidthePunyFox，\"whichImaytelltheesomeday。MeantimeImaytelltheethis，thatIwascompelledtheretobyonefarmightierthanI，towittheUndyingKing。\"
AtthatwordthesmoulderingwrathblazedupinHallblithe，andhedrewhisswordhastilyandhewedatthePunyFox：butheleaptasidenimblyandraninonHallblithe，andcaughthissword-armbythewrist，andtoretheweaponoutofhishand，andoverborehimbysheerweightandstature，anddravehimtotheearth。Thenheroseup，andletHallblitherisealso，andtookhisswordandgaveitintohishandagainandsaid：\"Crag-nester，thouartwrathful，butlittle。
Nowthouhastthyswordagainandmaystslaymeifthouwilt。YetnotuntilIhavespokenawordtothee：sohearken！orelsebytheTreasureoftheSeaIwillslaytheewithmybarehands。ForIamstrongindeedinthisplacewithmyoldkinsmanbesideme。Wiltthouhearken？\"
\"Speak，\"saidHallblithe，\"Ihearken。\"
SaidthePunyFox：\"TrueitisthatIluredtheeawayfromthyquest，andworeawayayearofthylife。YettrueitisalsothatI
repentmethereof，andaskthypardon。Whatsayestthou？\"
Hallblithespakenot，buttheheatdiedoutofhisfaceandhewasbecomesomewhatpale。SaidthePunyFox：\"Dostthounotremember，O
Raven，howthoubadestmebattlelastyearonthesea-shorebythesideoftheRollersoftheRaven？andhowthiswastobetheprizeofbattle，thatthevanquishedshouldservethevanquisheryear-long，anddoallhiswill？Andnowthisprizeandmorethouhastwonwithoutbattle;forIswearbytheTreasureoftheSea，andbythebonesofthegreatSea-mewyonder，thatIwillservetheenotyear-
longbutlife-long，andthatIwillhelptheeinthyquestforthybeloved。Whatsayestthou？\"
Hallblithestoodspeechlessamoment，lookingpastthePunyFox，ratherthanathim。Thentheswordtumbledoutofhishandontothegrass，andgreattearsrolleddownhischeeksandfellontohisraiment，andhereachedouthishandtothePunyFoxandsaid：\"O
friend，wiltthounotbringmetoher？forthedayswear，andthetreesaregrowingoldroundabouttheAcresoftheRaven。\"
ThenthePunyFoxtookhishand;andlaughedmerrilyinhisface，andsaid：\"Greatisthineheart，OCarrion-biter！ButnowthatthouartmyfriendIwilltelltheethatIhaveadeemingofthewhereaboutsofthybeloved。Orwheredeemestthouwasthegardenwhereinthousawestherstandingonthepageofthebookinthatdreamofthenight？Soitis，ORaven-son，thatitisnotfornothingthatmygrandsire’sfatherliethinyonderholeoftherocks;foroflatehehathmademewiseinmightylore。Thankshavethou，Okinsman！\"Andheturnedhimtowardtherockwhereinwasthegrave。
ButHallblithesaid：\"Whatistodonow？AmInotinalandoffoemen？\"
\"Yea，forsooth，\"saidthePunyFox，\"andevenifthouknewestwherethyloveis，thoushouldsthardlyescapefromthisisleunslain，saveforme。\"
SaidHallblithe：\"Istherenotmybark，thatImightdepartatonce？
forIdeemnotthattheHostageisontheIsleofRansom。\"
ThePunyFoxlaughedboisterouslyandsaid：\"Nay，sheisnot。Butastothyboat，thereissostrongasetoftheflood-tidetowardthisendoftheisle，thatwiththewindblowingasnow，fromthenorth-north-east，thoumaystnotgetofftheshoreforfourhoursatleast，andImisdoubtmethatwithinthattimeweshallhavetidingsofashipofourscomingintothehaven。Thybarktheyshalltake，andtheealsoifthouarttherein;andthensoonwerethestorytold，fortheyknowtheeforarebeloftheUndyingKing。Hearken！Dostthounothearthehorn’svoice？Comeuphitherandweshallseewhatistowards。\"
Sosaying，heledhastilyupakindofstairintherock-wall，untiltheyreachedacranny，whencethroughaholeinthecliff，theycouldseealloverthehaven。Andlo！astheylooked，intheverygateandentryofitcameagreatshipheavingupherbowsonthelastswelloftheoutersea（wherethewindhadrisensomewhat），androllingintothesmooth，land-lockedwater。Blackwashersail，andtheimageoftheSea-eagleenwroughtthereonspreadwideoverit;andthebanneroftheFlamingSwordstreamedoutfromthestern。Manymenall-weaponedwereonthedecks，andtheminstrelshighuponthepoopwereblowingamerrysongofreturnontheirbattle-horns。
\"Lo，you，\"saidthePunyFox，\"thyluckorminehathservedtheethistime，inthattheFlamingSworddidnotoverhaultheeerethoumadestthehaven。Wearewellhereatleast。\"
SaidHallblithe：\"Butmaynotsomeofthemcomeuphitherperchance？\"
\"Nay，nay，\"saidthePunyFox;\"theyfeartheoldmaninthecleftyonder;forheisnotoverguest-fain。Thismeadismineown，asforotherlivingmen;itismyunroofedhouse，andIhavehereahousewitharoofalso，whichIwillshowtheepresently。FornowsincetheFlamingSwordhathcome，thereisnoneedforhaste;nay，wecannotdeparttilltheyhavegoneup-country。SoIwillshowtheepresentlywhatweshalldoto-night。\"
SotheretheysatandwatchedthosemenbringtheirshiptotheshoreandmoorherhardbyHallblithe’sboat。Theycriedoutwhentheysawher，andwhentheywerealandtheygatheredabouthertonoteherbuild，andthefashionofthespearwheretoshewastied。Theninawhilethemorepartofthem，somefourscoreinnumber，departedupthevalleytowardthegreathouseandleftnonebutahalfdozenship-wardersbehind。
\"Seestthou，friendoftheRavens，\"saidtheFox，\"hadstthoubeenthere，theymighthavedonewiththeewhattheywould。DidInotwelltobringtheeintomyunroofedhouse？\"
\"Yea，verily，\"saidHallblithe;\"butwillnotsomeoftheship-wards，orsomeoftheothersreturning，comeuphitherandfindus？Ishallyetlaymybonesinthisevilisland。\"
ThePunyFoxlaughed，andsaid：\"Itisnotsobadasthysourlookswouldhaveit;anyhowitisgoodenoughforagrave，andatthispresentImaycallitacasketofpreciousthings。\"
\"Whatmeanestthou？\"saidHallblitheeagerly。
\"Nay，nay，\"saidtheother，\"noughtbutwhatthouknowest。Artthounottherein，andImyself？withoutreckoningtheoldcarleintheholeyonder。ButIpromisetheethoushaltnotdieherethistime，unlessthouwilt。Andastofolkcominguphither，Itelltheeagaintheydurstnot;becausetheyfearmygreat-grandsireovermuch。Notthattheyarefarwrongtherein;fornowheisdead，theworstofhimseemethtocomeoutofhim，andheisnoteasilydealtwith，savebyonewhohathsomeshareofhiswisdom。Thouthyselfcouldstseebymykinsman，theSea-eagle，howmuchofillbloodandchurlishmalicetheremaybeinourkindredwhentheywaxold，andlonelinessanddrearinesstakethholdofthem。ForImusttelltheethatIhaveoftheardmyfathersaythathisfathertheSea-eaglewasinhisyouthandhisprimeblitheandbuxom，agreatloverofwomen，andaveryfriendlyfellow。Butever，asIsay，asthemenofourkindwaxinyears，theyworsen;andtherebymaystthoudeemhowbadtheoldmaninyondermustbe，sincehehathlainsolonginthegrave。Butnowwewillgotothathouseofmineontheothersideofthemead，overagainstmykinsman’s。\"
TherewithheledHallblithedownfromtherockwhileHallblithesaidtohim：\"What！artthoualsodeadthatthouhastagravehere？\"
\"Nay，nay，\"saidFox，smiling，\"amIsoevil-conditionedthen？Iamnoolderthanthouart。\"
\"Buttellme，\"saidHallblithe，\"wiltthoualsowaxevilasthougrowestold？\"
\"Maybenot，\"saidFox，lookinghardathim，\"forinmyminditisthatImaybetakenintoanotherhouse，andanotherkindred，andamongstthemIshallbehealedofmuchthatmightturntoill。\"
Therewithweretheycomeacrossthelittlemeadowtoaplacewherewasacaveintherockclosedwithadoor，andawicketwindowtherein。FoxledHallblitheintoit，andwithinitwasnoilldwelling;foritwasdryandclean，andtherewerestoolsthereinandatable，andshelvesandlockersinthewall。WhentheyhadsatthemdownFoxsaid：\"Heremightestthoudwellsafelyaslongasthouwouldst，ifthouwouldstriskdealingswiththeoldcarle。But，asI
wotwellthatthouartinhastetobegoneandgethometothykindred，Imustbringtheeatduskto-daycloseuptoourfeast-hall，sothatthoumaystbeathandtodowhathathtobedoneto-night，sothatwemaygetusgoneto-morrow。AlsothoumustdooffthyRavengearlestwemeetanyinthetwilightaswegouptothehouse;andherehaveItohandhome-spunraimentsuchasourwar-takenthrallswear，whichshallservethyturnwellenough;butthisthouneedstnotdoontillthetimeisathandforourdeparture;andthenIwillbringtheeaway，andbestowtheeinabowerhardbythehall;andwhenthouartwithin，Imaysolooktoitthatnoneshallgointhere，oriftheydo，theyshallseenoughtintheesaveacarleknowntothembyname。Mykinsmanhathlearnedmetodoharderthingsthanthis。Butnowitistimetoeatanddrink。\"
Therewithhedrewvictualfromoutalockerandtheyfellto。Butwhentheyhadeaten，FoxtaughtHallblithewhatheshoulddointhehallthatnight，asshallbetoldhereafter。Andthen，withmuchtalkaboutmanythings，theyworeawaythedayinthatancientcupoftheseethingrock，andalittlebeforedusksetoutforthehall，bearingwiththemHallblithe’sgearbundleduptogether，asthoughithadbeenwaresfromoversea。Sotheycametothehousebeforethetableswereset，andthePunyFoxbestowedHallblitheinabowerwhichgaveintothebuttery，sothatitwaseasytogostraightintothemid-mostofthehall。TherewasHallblithecladandarmedinhisRavengear;butFoxgavehimavizardtogooverhisface，sothatnonemightknowhimwhenheenteredtherein。
CHAPTERXXI：OFTHEFIGHTOFTHECHAMPIONSINTHEHALLOFTHE
RAVAGERS
Nowitistobetoldthatthechieftainscameintothehallthatnightandsatdownattheboardonthedais，evenasHallblithehadseenthemdoaforetime。Andthechieftainofall，whowascalledtheErneoftheSea-eagles，roseupaccordingtocustomandsaid：
\"Hearken，folk！thisisanightofthechampions，whereonwemaynoteattillthepalebladeshaveclashedtogether，andonehathvanquishedandanotherbeenovercome。Nowletthemstandforthandgiveouttheprizeofvictorywhichthevanquishedshallpaytothevanquisher。Andletitbeknown，that，whosoevermaybethechampionthatwinneththebattle，whetherhebeakinsman，oranalien，orafoemandeclared;yea，thoughhehavelefttheheadofmybrotheratthehall-door，heshallpassthisnightwithussafefromsword，safefromaxe，safefromhand：heshalleatasweeat，drinkaswedrink，sleepaswesleep，anddepartsafefromanyhandorweapon，andshallsailtheseaathispleasureinhisownkeelorinours，astohimandusmaybemeet。Blowuphornsforthechampions！\"
Sothehornsblewacheerfulstrain，andwhentheyweredone，therecameintothehallatallmancladinblack，andwithblackarmourandweaponssavingthewhitebladeofhissword。Hehadavizardoverhisface，buthishaircamedownfromunderhishelmlikethetailofaredhorse。
Sohestoodamidstthefloorandcriedout：\"IamthechampionoftheRavagers。ButIswearbytheTreasureoftheSeathatIwillcrossnobladeto-nightsavewithanalien，afoemanofthekindred。
Hearestthou，Ochieftain，OErneoftheSea-eagles？\"
\"HearitIdo，\"saidthechieftain，\"andIdeemthatthymeaningisthatweshouldgosupperlesstobed;andthiscomethofthyperversity：forweknowtheedespitethyvizard。Belikethoudeemestthatthoushaltnotbemetthiseven，andthatthereisnofreealienintheislandtodrawswordagainstthee。Butbeware！
Forwhenwecamealandthismorningwefoundaskiffofthealienstiedtoagreatspearstuckinthebankofthehaven;sothattherewillbeonefoemanatleastabroadintheisland。Butwesaidifweshouldcomeontheman，wewouldsethisheadonthegableofthehallwiththemouthopentowardtheNorthforatokenofreproachtothedwellersinthelandoversea。Butnowgiveouttheprizeofvictory，andIswearbytheTreasureoftheSeathatwewillabidebythyword。\"
Saidthechampion：\"Thesearethetermsandconditionsofthebattle;thatwhichsoofusisvanquished，heshalleitherdie，orservethevanquisherfortwelvemoons，tofarewithhimathiswill，togohiserrands，anddoaccordingtohiscommandmentinallwise。
Hearestthou，chieftain？\"
\"Yea，\"saidhe，\"andbytheUndyingKing，boththouandweshallabidebythisbargain。Solooktoitthatthousmitegreatstrokes，lestourhalllackagable-knop。Horns，blowupforthealienchampion！\"
Soagainthehornswerewinded;anderetheirvoicehaddied，infromthebutteryscreenscameaglitteringimageofwar，andtherestoodthealienchampionoveragainstthewarriorofthesea;andhetoohadavizardoverhisface。
Nowwhenthefolksawhim，andhowslimandlightandsmallhelookedbesidetheirchampion，andtheybeheldtheRavenpaintedonhiswhiteshield，theyhootedandlaughedforscornofhimandhislittleness。
Buthetossedhissworduplightlyandcaughtitbythehiltsasitfell，anddrewnighertothechampionoftheseaandstoodfacinghimwithinreachofhissword。Thenthechieftainonthehigh-seatputhistwohandstohismouthandroaredout：\"Fallon，yechampions，fallon！\"
Butthefolkinthehallweresoeagerthattheystoodonthebenchesandtheboards，andcranedovereachother’sshoulders，sothattheymightlosenowhitofthehand-play。Nowflashedthebladesinthecandle-lithall，andthered-hairedchampionhoveuphisswordandsmotetwogreatstrokestorightandtoleft;butthealiengavewaybeforehim，andthefolkcriedoutathiminscornandinjoyoftheirchampion，whofelltorainingdowngreatstrokeslikethehailamidstthelightning。Butsodeftwasthealien，thathestoodamidstitunhurt，andlaidmanystrokesonhisfoeman，anddidallsolightlyandeasily，thatitseemedasifheweredancingratherthanfighting;andthefolkheldtheirpeaceandbegantodoubtiftheirhugechampionwouldprevail。Nowthered-hairedfetchedamightystrokeatthealien，wholeaptasidelightlyandgathisswordinhislefthandanddealtagreatstrokeontheother’shead，andthered-
hairedstaggered，forhehadover-reachedhimself;andagainthealiensmotehimaleft-handedstrokesothathefellfulllengthonthefloorwithamightyclatter，andtheswordflewoutofhishand：
andthefolkweredumb-founded。
Thenthealienthrewhimselfonthesea-champion，andkneltuponhim，andshortenedhisswordasiftoslayhimwithathrust。Butthereonthemanoverthrowncriedout：\"Holdthinehand，forIamvanquished！
Nowgivemepeaceaccordingtothebargainstruckbetweenus，thatI
shallservetheeyear-long，andfollowtheewheresoeverthougoest。\"
Therewiththealienchampionaroseandstoodofffromhim，andthemanoftheseagattohisfeet，anddidoffhishelm，sothatallmencouldseethathewasthePunyFox。
Thenthevictoriouschampionunhelmedhimself，andlo，itwasHallblithe！Andashoutaroseinthehall，partofwonder，partofwrath。
ThencriedoutthePunyFox：\"Icallonallmenheretobearwitnessthatbyreasonofthisbattle，HallblitheoftheRavensisfreetocomeandgoashewillintheIsleofRansom，andtotakehelpofanymanthatwillhelphim，andtodepartfromtheislewhenhewillandhowhewill，takingmewithhimifsohewill。\"
Saidthechieftain：\"Yea，thisisrightanddue，andsoshallitbe。
Butnow，sincenofreeman，whoisnotafoeofthepassinghour，mayabideinourhallwithouteatingofourmeat，comeuphere，Hallblithe，andsitbyme，andeatanddrinkofthebestwehave，sincetheNornswouldnotgiveusthineheadforagable-knop。ButwhatwiltthoudowiththythrallthePunyFox;andwheretointhehallwiltthouhavehimshown？Orwiltthouthathesitfastinginthedarknessto-night，laidingyvesandfetters？Orshallhehavethecheerofwhippingandstripes，asbefittethathralltowhomthemasterowethagrudge？Whatisthywillwithhim？\"
SaidHallblithe：\"Mywillisthatthougivehimaseatnexttome，whetherthatbehighorlow，orthebenchofthyprison-house。Thatheeatofmydish，anddrinkofmycup，whatsoeverthemeatanddrinkmaybe。Forto-morrowImeanthatwetwainshallgoundertheearth-
collartogether，andthatourbloodshallruntogetherandthatweshallbebrothersinarmshenceforward。\"ThenHallblithedidonhishelmagainanddrewhissword，andlookedasidetothePunyFoxtobidhimdothelike，andhedidso，andHallblithesaid：\"Chieftain，thouhastbiddenmetotable，andIthankthee;butIwillnotsetmyteethinmeat，outofourownhouseandland，whichhathnotbeentrulygiventomebyonewhowottethofme，unlessIhaveconquereditasapreyofbattle;neitherwillIcastalieintotheloving-cupwhichshallpassfromthylipstomine：thereforeIwilltellthee，thatthoughIlaidastrokeortwoonthePunyFox，andthosenolightones，yetwasthisbattlenoughttrueandreal，butamerebeguiling，evenasthatwhichIsawfoughteninthishallaforetime，whenmeseemeththeslainmenroseupintimetodrinkthegood-nightcup。Therefore，OmenoftheRavagers，andthou，OPunyFox，thereisnoughttobindyourhandsandrefrainyourhearts，andyemayslaymeifyewillwithoutmurderordishonour，andmaymaketheheadofHallblitheaknopforyourfeast-hall。YetshalloneortwofalltoearthbeforeIfall。\"
Therewithheshookhisswordaloft，andagreatroararose，andweaponscamedownfromthewall，andthecandlesshoneonnakedsteel。ButthePunyFoxcameandstoodbyHallblithe，andspakeinhisearamidsttheuproar：\"Wellnow，brother-in-arms，Ihavebeentryingtolearntheetheloreoflies，andsurelythouarttheworstscholarwhowaseversmittenbymaster。AndtheoutcomeofitisthatI，whohaveliedsolongandwell，mustnowpayforall，anddieforabarrentruth。\"
SaidHallblithe：\"Letallbeasitwill！Ilovethee，liesandall;
butasformeIcannothandlethem。Loyou！greatandgrimshallbetheslaying，andweshallnotfallunavenged。\"
SaidthePunyFox：\"Hearken！forstilltheyhangback。BelikeitisIthathavedrawnthisdeathontheeandme。Mylastliewasafool’slieandwedieforit：forwhatwouldstthouhavedonehadstthouwottedthatthybeloved，theHostageoftheRose——\"Hebrokeoffperforce;forHallblithewaslookingtorightandleftandhandlinghissword，andheardnotthatlastwordofhis;andfrombothsidesofthehallthethrongwasdrawingroundaboutthosetwain，weaponinhand。ThenHallblithesethiseyesonabigmaninfrontwhowasheavingupaheavyshort-swordandthoughtthathewouldatleastslaythisone。Butoreverhemightsmite，thegreathornblaredoutoverthetumult，andmenforboreawhileandfellsomewhatsilent。
Thencamedowntothemthevoiceofthechieftain，aloudvoice，butclearandwithmirthmingledwithangerinit，andhesaid：\"WhatdothesefoolsoftheRavagerscumberingthefloorofthefeast-hall，andshakingweaponswhenthereisnofoemananigh？Aretheydreaming-drunkbeforethewineispoured？Whydotheynotsitdownintheirplaces，andabidethebringinginofthemeat？Andyewomen，whereareye，whydoyedelayourmeat，whenyemaywellwotthatourheartsaredroopingforhunger;andallhathbeendulydone，thebattleofthechampionsfoughtandwon，andtheprizeofwargivenforthandtaken？Howlong，Ofolk，shallyourchieftainssitfasting？\"
Thentherearosegreatlaughterinthehall，andmenwithdrewthemfromthosetwainandwentandsatthemdownintheirplaces。
Thenthechieftainsaid：\"Comeuphither，Isay，OHallblithe，andbringthywar-thrallwiththeeifthouwilt。Butdelaynot，unlessitbesothatthouartneitherhungrynorthirsty;andgoodsooththoushouldstbeboth;formensaythattheravensarehardtosatisfy。Comethenandmakegoodcheerwithus！\"
SoHallblithethrusthisswordintothesheath，andthePunyFoxdidthelike，andtheywentbothtogetherupthehalltothehigh-seat。
AndHallblithesatdownonthechieftain’srighthand，andthePunyFoxnexttohim;andthechieftain，theErne，said：\"OHallblithe，dostthouneedthinearmourattable;ordostthoufindithandytotakethymeatcladinthybyrnyandgirtwithasword？\"
ThenlaughedHallblitheandsaid：\"Nay，meseemethto-nightIshallneedwar-gearnomore。\"Andhestoodupanddidoffallhisarmourandgaveit，swordandall，intothehandsofawoman，whoboreitoff，heknewnotwhither。AndtheErnelookedonhimandsaid：
\"Wellisthat！andnowIseethatthouartafairyoungman，anditisnomarvelthoughmaidensdesirethee。\"
Ashespakecameinthedamselswiththevictualandthecheerwasexceedinggood，andHallblithegrewlight-hearted。
Butwhenthehealthshadbeendrunkasaforetime，andmenhaddrunkacuportwothereafter，thereroseawarriorfromoneoftheendlongbenches，abigyoungman，black-hairedandblack-bearded，ruddyofvisage，andhesaidinavoicethatwasroughandfat：\"OErne，andyeotherchieftains，wehavebeentalkinghereatourtableconcerningthisguestofthinewhohathbeguiledus，andwearenotwhollyatonewiththeeastothydealingswithhim。Trueitis，nowthatthemanhathourmeatinhisbelly，thathemustdepartfromamongstuswithawholeskin，unlessofhisownwillhestanduptofightsomemanofushere。Yetsomeofusthinkthatheisnotsomuchourfriendthatweshouldhelphimtoakeelwhereontofarehometothosethathateus：andwesaythatitwouldnotbeunlawfultoletthemanabideintheisle，andproclaimhimawolf’s-headwithinahalf-moonoftoday。Orwhatsayestthou？\"
SaidtheErne：\"Waitformywordawhile，andhearkentoanother！
IstheGrey-gooseoftheRavagersinthehall？Lethimgiveouthiswordonthismatter。\"
Thenaroseawhite-headedcarlefromatablenightothedais，whoseblackraimentwaswelladornedwithgold。Despitehisyearshisfacewasfairandlittlewrinkled;amanwithastraightnoseandawell-
fashionedmouth，andwitheyesstillbrightandgrey。Hespake：\"O
folk，IfindthattheErnehathdonewellincherishingthisguest。
Forfirst，ifhehathbeguiledus，hediditnotsavebythefurtheranceandsleightofourownkinsman;thereforeifanyoneistodieforbeguilingus，letitbethePunyFox。Secondly，wemaywellwotthatheavyneedhathdriventhemantothisbeguilement;andIsaythatitwasnounmanlydeedforhimtoenterourhallandbeguileuswithhissleight;andthathehathplayedouttheplayrightwellandcunninglywiththewisdomofawarrior。Thirdly，themanlinessofhimiswellproven，inthathavingovercomeusinsleight，hehathspokenoutthesoothconcerningourbeguilementandhathmadehimselfourfoemanandcaptive，whenhemighthavesatdownbyusasourguest，freelyandinallhonour。Andthishedid，notascontemningthePunyFoxandhisliesandcraftywiles（forhehathtoldusthathelovethhim）;butsothathemightshowhimselfamaninthatwhichtriethmanhood。Moreover，yeshallnotforgetthatheistherebeloftheUndyingKing，whoisourlordandmaster;
thereforeincherishinghimweshowourselvesgreat-hearted，inthatwefearnotthewrathofourmaster。ThereforeInaysaythewordoftheWar-brandthatweshouldmakethismanawolf’s-head;forinsodoingweshallshowourselveslesser-heartedthanheis，andofnoaccountbesideofhim;andhisheadonourhall-gableshouldbetousanithing-stake，andatreeofreproach。SoIbidthee，OErne，tomakemuchofthisman;andthoushaltdowelltogivehimworthygifts，suchaswarriorsmaytake，sothathemayshowthemathomeintheHouseoftheRaven，thatitmaybethebeginningofpeacebetwixtusandhisnoblekindred。Thisismysay，andlateronIshallwaxnowiser。\"
Therewithhesatdown，andtherearoseamurmurandstirinthehall;
butthemorepartsaidthattheGrey-goosehadspokenwell，andthatitwasgoodtobeatpeacewithsuchmanlyfellowsasthenewguestwas。
ButtheErnesaid：\"OnewordwillIlayhereto，towit，thathewhodesirethmineenmitylethimdoscathetoHallblitheoftheRavensandhinderhim。\"
Thenhebadefillroundthecups，andcalledahealthtoHallblithe，andallmendranktohim，andtherewasmuchjoyanceandmerriment。
Butwhenthenightwaswellworn，theErneturnedtoHallblitheandsaid：\"ThatwasagoodwordoftheGrey-goosewhichhespakeconcerningthegivingofgifts：Raven-son，wiltthoutakeagiftofmeandbemyfriend？\"
\"ThyfriendwillIbe，\"saidHallblithe，\"butnogiftwillItakeoftheeoranyothertillIhavethegiftofgifts，andthatismytroth-plightmaiden。IwillnotbegladtillIcanbegladwithher。\"
ThenlaughedtheErne，andthePunyFoxgrinnedallacrosshiswideface，andHallblithelookedfromonetotheotherofthemandwonderedattheirmirth，andwhentheysawhiswonderingeyes，theydidbutlaughthemore;andtheErnesaid：\"Nevertheless，thoushaltseethegiftwhichIwouldgivethee;andthenmaystthoutakeitorleaveitasthouwilt。Hoye！bringinthethroneoftheEastlandwiththemthatministertoit！\"
Certainmenleftthehallashespake，andcamebackbearingwiththemathronefashionedmostgoodlyofivory，parcel-giltandbegemmed，andadornedwithmarvellouscraftsmanship：andtheysetitdownamidstofthehall-floorandwentabacktotheirplaces，whiletheErnesatandsmiledkindlyonthefolkandonHallblithe。Thenarosethesoundoffiddlesandthelesserharp，andthedoorsofthescreenwereopened，andthereflowedintothehallacompanyoffairdamselsnotlessthanascore，eachonewitharoseonherbosom，andtheycameandstoodinorderbehindthethroneoftheEastlands，andtheystrewedrosesonthegroundbeforethem：andwhentheyweredulyrangedtheyfelltosinging：
Nowwanethspring，Whileallbirdssing，AndthesouthwindblowsTheearliestroseToandfroBythedoorsweknow，AndthescentedgaleFillseverydale。
Slownowarebrooksrunningbecauseoftheweed，Andthethrushhathnocunningtohideheratneed，Soswiftasshefliethfromhedge-rowtotreeAsonethattoiltrieth，anddeedfulmustbe。
AndO！thatatlast，Allsorrowspast，ThisnightIlay’Neaththeoak-beamsgrey！
O，towakefromsleep，ToseedawncreepThroughthefruitfulgroveOfthehousethatIlove！
O！myfeettobetreadingthethresholdoncemore，O’erwhichoncewenttheleadingofswordstothewar！
O！myfeetinthegarden’sedgeunderthesun，Wheretheseedinggrasshardensforhayselbegun！
Lo，lo！thewindblowsTotheheartoftheRose，AndtheshipliestiedTothehavenside！
ButOforthekeelThesailstofeel！
AndthealiennessGrowinglessandless;
AsdownthewinddrivethandthruststhroughtheseaThesail-burgthatstrivethtoturnandgofree，Buttheladsatthetillertheyholdherinhand，Andthewindourwell-willerdrivesfiercetotheland。
Weshallwendityet，Thehighwaywet;
ForwhatisthisThatourbosomskiss？
WhatliethsweetBeforeourfeet？
WhattokenhathcomeToleadushome？
’TistheRoseofthegardenwalledroundfromthecroftWherethegreyroofitswardensteeprisethaloft，’TistheRose’neaththeoaken-beamedhall，wheretheybide，Thepledgesunbroken，thehandofthebride。
Hallblitheheardthesong，andhalfthoughtitpromisedhimsomewhat;
butthenhehadbeensomisledandmockedat，thathescarceknewhowtorejoiceatit。
NowtheErnespake：\"Wiltthounottakethechairandthesedaintysong-birdsthatstandaboutit？Muchwealthmightcomeintothinehallifthouwerttocarrythemoverseatorichmenwhohavenokindred，noraffinitywhereintowed，butwholovewomenaswellasothermen。\"
SaidHallblithe：\"IhavewealthenowwereIoncehomeagain。Astothesemaidens，IknowbythefashionofthemthattheyarenowomenoftheRose，asbytheirsongtheyshouldbe。YetwillItakeanyofthesemaidensthathavewilltogowithmeandbemadesistersofmysisters，andwedwiththewarriorsoftheRose;oriftheyareofakindred，andlongtositeachinthehouseofherfolk，thenwillwesendthemhomeovertheseawithwarriorstoguardthemfromalltrouble。ForthisgiftIthankthee。Astothythrone，Ibidtheekeepittillakeelcomeththywayfromourland，bringingfairgiftsfortheeandthine。Forwearenotsounwealthy。\"
Thosethatsatnearbyheardhiswordsandpraisedthem;buttheErnesaid：\"Allthisisfreetothee，andthoumaystdowhatthouwiltwiththegiftsgiventothee。Yetshaltthouhavethethrone;andI
havethoughtofawaytomaketheetakeit。Orwhatsaystthou，PunyFox？\"
SaidthePunyFox：\"Yeaifthouwilt，thoumayst，butIthoughtitnotoftheethatthouwouldst。Nowisallwell。\"
AgainHallblithelookedfromonetotheotherandwonderedwhattheymeant。ButtheErnecriedout：\"Bringinnowthesitter，whoshallfilltheemptythrone！\"
Thenagainthescreen-doorsopened，andtherecameintwoweaponedmen，leadingbetweenthemawomancladingoldandgarlandedwithroses。Sofairwasthefashionofherfaceandallherbody，thathercomingseemedtomakeachangeinthehall，asthoughthesunhadshoneintoitsuddenly。Shetrodthehall-floorwithfirmfeet，andsatdownontheivorychair。ButevenbeforeshewasseatedthereinHallblitheknewthattheHostagewasunderthatroofandcomingtowardhim。Andtheheartroseinhisbreastandflutteredtherein，sosoreheyearnedtowardtheDaughteroftheRose，andhisveryspeech-friend。ThenheheardtheErnesaying，\"Hownow，Raven-son，wiltthouhavethethroneandthesittertherein，orwiltthougainsaymeoncemore？\"
Thereafterhehimselfspake，andthesoundofhisvoicewasstrangetohimandasifheknewitnot：\"Chieftain，Iwillnotgainsaythee，butwilltakethygift，andthyfriendshiptherewith，whatsoeverhathbetided。YetwouldIsayawordortwountothewomanthatsittethyonder。ForIhavebeenstrayingamongstwilesandimages，andmayhappenIshallyetfindthistobebutadreamofthenight，orabeguilementoftheday。\"Therewithhearosefromthetable，andwalkedslowlydownthehall;butitwasanearthingthathedidnotfalla-weepingbeforeallthosealiens，sofullhisheartwas。
HecameandstoodbeforetheHostage，andtheireyeswereuponeachother，andforalittlewhiletheyhadnowords。ThenHallblithebegan，wonderingathisvoiceashespake：\"Artthouawomanandmyspeech-friend？Formanyimageshavemockedme，andIhavebeenencompassedwithlies，andledastraybybeheststhathavenotbeenfulfilled。Andtheworldhathbecomestrangetome，andemptyoffriends。\"
Thenshesaid：\"ArtthouverilyHallblithe？ForIalsohavebeenencompassedbylies，andbesetbyimagesofthingsunhelpful。\"
\"Yea，\"saidhe，\"IamHallblitheoftheRavens，weariedwithdesireformytroth-plightmaiden。\"
Thencametherosycolourintothefairnessofherface，astherisingsunlighteththegardenofflowersintheJunemorning;andshesaid：\"IfthouartHallblithe，tellmewhatbefelltothefinger-gold-ringthatmymothergavemewhenwewerebothbutlittle。\"
Thenhisfacegrewhappy，andhesmiled，andhesaid：\"Iputitfortheeoneautumntideinthesnake’sholeinthebankabovetheriver，amidsttherootsoftheoldthorn-tree，thatthesnakemightbroodit，andmakethegoldgrowgreater;butwhenwinterwasoverandwecametolookforit，lo！therewasneitherringnorsnake，northorn-
tree：forthefloodhadwasheditallaway。\"
Thereatshesmiledmostsweetly，andwhereasshehadbeenlookingonhimhithertowithstrainedandanxiouseyes，shenowbeheldhimsimplyandfriendly;andshesaid：\"OHallblithe，Iamawomanindeed，andthyspeech-friend。Thisisthefleshthatdesireththee，andthelifethatisthine，andtheheartwhichthourejoicest。Butnowtellme，whoarethesehugeimagesaroundus，amongstwhomIhavesatthus，onceineverymoonthisyearpast，andafterwardsIwastakenbacktothewomen’sbower？Aretheymenormountain-giants？
Willtheyslayus，orshutusupfromthelightandair？Orhastthoumadepeacewiththem？Wiltthouthendwellwithmehere，orshallwegobackagaintoClevelandbytheSea？Andwhen，ohwhen，shallwedepart？\"
Hesmiledandsaid：\"Quickcomethyquestions，beloved。ThesearethefolksoftheRavagersandtheSea-eagles：theybemen，thoughfierceandwildtheybe。Ourfoestheyhavebeen，andhavesunderedus;butnowaretheyourfriends，andhavebroughtustogether。Andto-morrow，Ofriend，shallwedepartacrossthewaterstoClevelandbytheSea。\"
Sheleanedforward，andwasabouttospeaksoftlytohim，butsuddenlystartedback，andsaid：\"Thereisabig，red-hairedman，asbigasanyhere，behindthyshoulder。Ishealsoafriend？Whatwouldhewithus？\"
SoHallblitheturnedabout，andbeheldthePunyFoxbesidehim，whotookupthewordandspoke，smilingasamaningreatglee：\"O
maidenoftheRose，IamHallblithe’sthrall，andhisscholar，tounlearnthecraftoflying，wherebyIhavedoneamisstowardsbothhimandthee。WhereofIwilltelltheeallthetalesoon。ButnowI
willsaythatitistruethatwedepartto-morrowforClevelandbytheSea，thouandhe，andIincompany。NowIwouldaskthee，Hallblithe，ifthouwouldsthavemebestowthisgiftofthineinsafe-keepingto-night，sincethereisanendofhersittinginthehalllikeagravenimage：andto-morrowthewaywillbelongandwearisome，Whatsayestthou？\"
SaidtheHostage：\"ShallItrustthismanandgowithhim？\"
\"Yea，thoushalttrusthim，\"saidHallblithe，\"forheistrusty。Andevenwerehenot，itismeetforusoftheRavenandtheRosetodoasourworthbiddethus，andnottofearthisfolk。Anditbehovethustodoaftertheircustomssinceweareintheirhouse。\"
\"Thatissooth，\"shesaid;\"bigman，leadmeoutofthehalltomyplace。Farewell，Hallblithe，foralittlewhile，andthenshalltherebenomoresunderingforus。\"
TherewithshedepartedwiththePunyFox，andHallblithewentbacktothehigh-seatandsatdownbytheErne，wholaughedonhimandsaid：
\"Thouhasttakenmygift，andthatiswell：yetshallItelltheethatIwouldnothavegivenittotheeifIcouldhavekeptitformyselfinsuchplightasthouwilthaveit。ButallIcoulddo，andthePunyFoxtohelpwithal，availedmenought。Sogoodluckgowiththinehands。Nowwillwetobed，andto-morrowIwillleadtheeoutonthyway;fortosaysooth，therebesomeherewhoarenotwellpleasedwitheithertheeorme;andthouknowestthatwordsarewastedonwilfulmen，butthatdeedsmayavailsomewhat。\"
Therewithhecriedoutforthecupofgood-night，andwhenitwasdrunken，Hallblithewasshowntoafairshut-bed;eventhatwhereinhehadlainaforetime;andtherehewenttosleepinjoy，andingoodlikingwithallmen。
CHAPTERXXII：THEYGOFROMTHEISLEOFRANSOMANDCOMETOCLEVELAND
BYTHESEA
InthemorningearlyHallblithearosefromhisbed，andwhenhecameintothemid-hall，therewasthePunyFoxandtheHostagewithhim;
Hallblithekissedherandembracedher，andshehim;yetnotlikeloverslongsundered，butasamanandmaidbetrothedarewonttodo，fortherewerefolkcomingandgoingaboutthehall。ThenspakethePunyFox：\"TheErneisabidingusoutinthemeadowyonder;fornownoughtwillservehimbuthemustneedsgoundertheearth-collarwithus。Howsayestthou，isheenoughthyfriend？\"
SaidHallblithe，smilingontheHostage：\"Whathastthoutosaytoit，beloved？\"
\"Noughtatall，\"shesaid，\"ifthouartfriendtoanyofthesemen。
ImaydeemthatIhavesomewhatagainstthechieftain，whereofbelikethisbigmanmaytelltheehereafter;butevensomuchmeseemethI
haveagainstthismanhimself，whoisnowbecomethyfriendandscholar;forhealsostroveformybeguilement，andthatnotforhimself，butforanother。\"
\"Trueitis，\"saidtheFox，\"thatIdiditforanother;evenasyesterdayItookthymateHallblitheoutofthetrapwhereintohehadstrayed，andcompassedhisdeliverancebymeansoftheunfaithfulbattle;andevenasIwouldhavestolentheeforhim，ORose-maiden，ifneedhadbeen;yea，evenifImusthavesmittenintoruintheroof-treeoftheRavagers。AndhowcouldItellthattheErnewouldgivetheeupunstolen？Yea，thousayethsooth，Onobleandspotlessmaiden;allmydeeds，bothgoodandill，haveIdoneforothers;andsoIdeemitshallbewhilemylifelasteth。\"
ThenHallblithelaughedandsaid：\"Artthounettled，fellow-in-arms，atthewordofawomanwhoknoweththeenot？Sheshallyetbethyfriend，OFox。Buttellme，beloved，IdeemedthatthouhadstnotseenFoxbefore;howthencanhehavehelpedtheErneagainstthee？\"
\"Yetshesayethsooth，\"saidFox，\"thiswasofmysleight：forwhenIhadtocomebeforeher，Ichangedmyskin，asIwellknowhow;
thereareothersinthislandwhocandosomuchasthat。ButwhatsayestthouconcerningthebrotherhoodwiththeErne？\"
\"Letitbeso，\"saidHallblithe，\"heismanlyandtrue，thoughmasterful，andismeetforthislandofhis。Ishallnotfalloutwithhim;forseldommeseemethshallIseetheIsleofRansom。\"
\"AndIneveragain，\"saidthePunyFox。
\"Dostthouloatheit，then，\"saidtheHostage，\"becauseoftheevilthouhastdonetherein？\"
\"Nay，\"saidhe，\"whatistheevil，whenhenceforthIshalldobutgood？Nay，Ilovetheland。Belikethoudeemestitbutdrearywithitsblackrocksandblacksand，andtreelesswind-sweptdales;butI
knowitinsummerandwinter，andsunandshade，instormandcalm。
AndIknowwherethefathersdweltandthesonsoftheirsons’sonshavelonglainintheearth。Ihavesaileditswindiestfirths，andclimbeditssteepestcrags;andyemaywellwotthatithathafriendlyfacetome;andtheland-wightsofthemountainswillbesorryformydeparture。\"
Sohespake，andHallblithewouldhaveansweredhim，butbynowweretheycometoagrassyhollowamidstthedale，wheretheErnehadalreadymadetheearth-yokeready。Towit，hehadloosenedastripofturfallsavethetwoends，andhadproppeditupwithtwoancientdwarf-wroughtspears，sothatamidmosttherewasalinteltogounder。
Sowhenhesawthoseotherscoming，hegavethemtheseleoftheday，andsaidtoHallblithe：\"Whatisittobe？shallIbelessthanthybrother-in-armshenceforward？\"
SaidHallblithe：\"Notawhitless。Itisgoodtohavebrothersinotherlandsthanone。\"
Sotheymadenodelay，butcladinalltheirwar-gear，theywentundertheearth-yokeoneaftertheother;thereaftertheystoodtogether，andeachletbloodinhisarm，sothatthebloodofallthreemingledtogetherfelldownonthegrassoftheancientearth;
andtheysworefriendshipandbrotherhoodeachtoeach。
ButwhenallwasdonetheErnespake：\"BrotherHallblithe，asIlayawakeinbedthismorningIdeemedthatIwouldtakeshipwiththeetoClevelandbytheSea，thatImightdwellthereawhile。ButwhenIcameoutofthehall，andsawthedalelyinggreenbetwixthill-
sideandhill-side，andtheglitteringriverrunningdownamidmost，andthesheepandkineandhorsesfeedingupanddownoneithersidethewater：andIlookedupatthefellsandsawhowdeepbluetheystoodupagainstthesnowypeaks，andIthoughtofallourdeedsonthedeepsea，andthemerrynights，inyonderabodeofmen：thenI
thoughtthatIwouldnotleavethekindred，wereitbutforawhile，unlesswarandliftingcalledme。SonowIwillridewiththeetotheship，andthenfarewelltothee。\"
\"Itisgood，\"saidHallblithe，\"thoughnotasgoodasitmightbe。
GladhadwebeenwiththeeinthehalloftheRavens。\"
Ashespokedrewanighthecarlesleadingthehorses，andwiththemcamesixofthosedamselswhomtheErnehadgiventoHallblithethenightbefore;twoofwhomaskedtobebroughttotheirkindredoversea;buttheotherfourwerefaintogowithHallblitheandtheHostage，andbecometheirsistersatClevelandbytheSea。
Sothentheygottohorseandrodedownthedaletowardthehaven，andthecarlesrodewiththem，sothatofweaponedmentheywereascoreincompany。Butwhentheywerehalf-waytothehaventheysawwherehardbythreeknollsontheway-sideweremenstandingwiththeirweaponsandwar-gearglitteringinthesun。SotheErnelaughedandsaid：\"ShallwehaveawordwithWar-brandthen？\"
Buttheyrodesteadilyontheirway，andwhentheycameuptotheknollstheysawthatitwasWar-brandindeedwithascoreofmenathisback;buttheystirrednotwhentheysawErne’scompanythatitwasgreat。ThenErnelaughedaloudandcriedoutinabigvoice，\"What，lads！yerideearlythismorning;aretherefoemenabroadintheIsle？\"
Theyshrankbackbeforehim，butacarleofthosewhowashindermostcriedout：\"Artthoucomingbacktous，Erne，orhavethynewfriendsboughttheetoleadtheminbattle？\"
\"Fearitnought，\"quothErne，\"Ishallbebackbeforetheshepherd’snoon。\"
Sotheywenttheirwaysandcametothehaven，andtherelaytheFlamingSword，andbesideheratrimbark，notrightgreat，allreadyforsea：andHallblithe’sskiffwasmadefasttoherforanafter-
boat。
ThentheHostageandHallblitheandthesixdamselswentaboardher，andwhentheErnehadbiddenthemfarewell，theycastoffthehawsersandthrustheroutthroughthehaven-mouth;buteretheyhadgotmidmostofthehaven，theysawtheErne，thathehadturnedabout，andwasridingupthedalewithhishouse-carles，andeachman’sweaponwasshininginhishand：andtheywonderedifhewereridingtobattlewithWar-brand;andFoxsaid：\"Meseemethourbrother-in-
armshathinhismindtogivethosewaylayersanevilminute，andverilyheisthemantodothesame。\"
Sotheygatthemoutofthehaven，andtheebb-tidedraveoutseawardstrongly，andthewindwasfairforClevelandbytheSea;andtheyranspeedilypasttheblackcliffsoftheIsleofRansom，andsoonweretheyhulldownbehindthem。Butontheafternoonofthenextdaytheyhoveupthelandofthekindreds，andbysunsettheybeachedtheirshiponthesandbytheRollersoftheRaven，andwentashorewithoutmoreado。Andthestrandwasemptyofallmen，evenasonthedaywhenHallblithefirstmetthePunyFox。SotheninthecooloftheeveningtheywentuptowardtheHouseoftheRaven。Thosedamselswenttogetherhandinhandtwobytwo，andHallblitheheldtheHostagebythehand;butthePunyFoxwentalongbesidethem，gleefulandofmanywords;tellingthemtalesofhiswilesandhiscraft，andhisskin-changing。
\"Butnow，\"quothhe，\"IhaveleftallthatbehindmeintheIsleofRansom，andhavebutoneshape，andIwouldforyourbehoofthatitwereagoodlierone：andbutonewisdomhaveI，eventhatwhichdwellethinmineownhead-bone。Yetitmaybethatthismayavailyouonetimeorother。Butloyou！thoughIamthythrall，haveI
notthelookofathrall-hucksterfromoversealeadingupmywarestothecheaping-stead？\"Theylaughedathiswordsandweremerry，andmuchlovetherewasamongstthemastheywentuptotheHouseoftheRaven。
Butwhentheycamethithertheywentintothegarth，andtherewasnomantherein，foritwasnowdusk，andthewindowsofthelonghallwereyellowwithcandle-light。ThensaidFox：\"Abideyeherealittle;forIwouldgointothehallaloneandseetheconditionsofthypeople，OHallblithe。\"
\"Gothou，then，\"saidHallblithe，\"butbenotrash。Icounselthee;
forourfolkarenotover-patientwhentheydeemtheyhaveafoebeforethem。\"
ThePunyFoxlaughed，andsaid：\"Soitisthentheworldover，thathappymenarewilfulandmasterful。\"
Thenhedrewhisswordandsmoteonthedoorwiththepommel，andthedooropenedtohimandinhewent：andhefoundthatfairhallfulloffolkandbrightwithcandles;andhestoodamidstthefloor;allmenlookedonhim，andmanyknewhimatoncetobeamanoftheRavagers，andsilencefelluponthehall，butnomanstirredhandagainsthim。Thenhesaid：\"Willyehearkentothewordofanevilman，arobberofthefolks？\"
Spakethechieftainfromthedais：\"Wordswillnothurtus，sea-
warrior;andthouartbutoneamongmany;whereforethymightthiseveisbutasthemightofanew-bornbaby。Speak，andafterwardseatanddrink，anddepartsafefromamongstus！\"
SpakethePunyFox：\"WhatisgonewithHallblithe，afairyoungmanofyourkindred，andwiththeHostageoftheRose，histroth-plightmaiden？\"
Thenwasthehushyetgreaterinthehall，sothatyoumighthaveheardapindrop;andthechieftainsaid：\"Itisagriefofoursthattheyaregone，andthatnonehathbroughtusbacktheirdeadbodiesthatwemightlaythemintheAcreoftheFathers。\"
Thenleaptupamanfromtheend-longtablenightoFox，andcriedout：\"Yea，folk！theyaregone，andwedeemthatrunagatesofthykindred，Onew-comeman，havestolenthemfromus;wherefortheyshallonedaypayus。\"
ThenlaughedthePunyFoxandsaid：\"SomewouldsaythatstealingHallblithewaslikestealingalion，andthathemighttakecareofhimself;thoughhewasnotasbigasIam。\"
Saidthelastspeaker：\"Didthykinordidstthoustealhim，Oevilman？\"
\"Yea，Istolehim，\"quothFox，\"butbysleight，andnotbymight。\"
Thenuprosegreatuproarinthehall，butthechieftainonthehigh-
seatcriedout：\"Peace，peace！\"andthenoiseabated，andthechieftainsaid：\"DostthoumeanthatthoucomesthithertogiveusthineheadformakingawaywithHallblitheandtheHostage？\"
\"Imeantoaskrather，\"saidtheFox，\"whatthouwiltgivemeforthebodiesofthesetwain？\"
Saidthechieftain：\"Aboat-loadofgoldwerenottoomuchifthoushouldstlivealittlelonger。\"
QuoththePunyFox：\"Well，inanywiseIwillgoandbringinthebodiesaforesaid，andleavemyrewardtothegoodwilloftheRavens。\"
Therewithheturnedabouttogo，butlo！therealreadyinthedoorstoodHallblitheholdingtheHostagebythehand;andmanyinthehallsawthem，forthedoorwaswide。ThentheycameinandstoodbythesideofthePunyFox，andallmeninthehallaroseandshoutedforjoy。Butwhenthetumultwasalittleabated，thePunyFoxcriedout：\"Ochieftain，andallyefolk！ifaboat-loadofgoldwerenottoomuchrewardforthebringingbackthedeadbodiesofyourfriends，whatrewardshallhehavewhohathbroughtbacktheirbodiesandthesoulstherein？\"
Saidthechieftain：\"Themanshallchoosehisownreward。\"Andthemeninthehallshoutedtheiryeasay。
ThensaidthePunyFox：\"Well，then，thisIchoose，thatyemakemeoneofyourkindredbeforethefathersofoldtime。\"
Theyallcriedoutthathehadchosenwiselyandmanfully;butHallblithesaid：\"Ibidyoudoforhimnolessthanthis;andyeshallwotthatheisalreadymyswornbrother-in-arms。\"
Nowthechieftaincriedout：\"OWanderersfromoverthesea，comeuphitherandsitwithusandbemerryatlast！\"
Sotheywentuptothedais，HallblitheandtheHostage，andthePunyFoxandthesixmaidenswithal。Andsincethenightwasyetyoung，thesupperofthemenoftheRavenswasturnedintothewedding-feastofHallblitheandtheHostage，andthatverynightshebecameawifeoftheRavens，thatshemightbeartotheHousethebestofmenandthefairestofwomen。
ButonthemorrowtheybroughtthePunyFoxtothemote-steadofthekindredsthathemightstandbeforethefathersandbemadeasonofthekindred;andthistheydidbecauseofthewordofHallblithe，andbecausetheybelievedinthetalewhichhetoldthemoftheGlitteringPlainandtheAcreoftheUndying。ThefourmaidensalsoweremadesistersoftheHouse;andtheothertwainweresenthometotheirownkindredinallhonour。
OfthePunyFoxitissaidthathesoonlostandforgotallthelorewhichhehadlearnedoftheancientmen，livinganddead;andbecameasothermenandwasnowizard。Yethewasexceedingvaliantanddoughty;andheceasednottogowithHallblithewheresoeverhewent;
andmanydeedstheydidtogether，whereofthememoryofmenhathfailed：butneithertheynoranymanoftheRavenscameanymoretotheGlitteringPlain，orheardanytidingsofthefolkthatdwellthere。
HEREWITHENDETHTHETALE。