As the seventh night, the last before the day of combat, was justbeginning, two large armies were seen descending from the hills inopposite directions; that which came from the west was commanded by Ericthe Aged, that from the east by Biorn of the Fiery Eyes. They appearedthus early in compliance with the custom which required that adversariesshould always present themselves at the appointed field of battle beforethe time named, in order to prove that they rather sought than dreadedthe fight. Folko forthwith pitched on the most convenient spot the tentof blue samite fringed with gold, which he carried with him to shelterhis gentle lady; whilst Sintram, in the character of herald, rodeover to Jarl Eric to announce to him that the beauteous Gabrielle ofMontfaucon was present in the army of the knight Biorn, and would thenext morning be present as a judge of the combat.
Jarl Eric bowed low on receiving this pleasing message; and ordered hisbards to strike up a lay, the words of which ran as follows:--
"Warriors bold of Eric's band, Gird your glittering armour on, Stand beneath to-morrow's sun, In your might.
Fairest dame that ever gladden'd Our wild shores with beauty's vision, May thy bright eyes o'er our combat, Judge the right!
Tidings of yon noble stranger Long ago have reach'd our ears, Wafted upon southern breezes, O'er the wave.
Now midst yonder hostile ranks, In his warlike pride he meets us, Folko comes! Fight, men of Eric, True and brave!"
These wondrous tones floated over the plain, and reached the tentof Gabrielle. It was no new thing to her to hear her knight's famecelebrated on all sides; but now that she listened to his praisesbursting forth in the stillness of night from the mouth of his enemies,she could scarce refrain from kneeling at the feet of the mightychieftain. But he with courteous tenderness held her up, and pressinghis lips fervently on her soft hand, he said, "My deeds, O lovely lady,belong to thee, and not to me!"
Now the night had passed away, and the east was glowing; and onNiflung's Heath there was waving, and resounding, and glowing too.Knights put on their rattling armour, war-horses began to neigh, themorning draught went round in gold and silver goblets, while war-songsand the clang of harps resounded in the midst. A joyous march was heardin Biorn's camp, as Montfaucon, with his troops and retainers, clad inbright steel armour, conducted their lady up to a neighbouring hill,where she would be safe from the spears which would soon be flying inall directions, and whence she could look freely over the battle-field.The morning sun, as it were in homage, played over her beauty; and asshe came in view of the camp of Jarl Eric, his soldiers lowered theirweapons, whilst the chieftains bent low the crests of their hugehelmets. Two of Montfaucon's pages remained in attendance on Gabrielle;for so noble a service not unwillingly bridling their love of fighting.Both armies passed in front of her, saluting her and singing as theywent; they then placed themselves in array, and the fight began.
The spears flew from the hands of the stout northern warriors, rattlingagainst the broad shields under which they sheltered themselves, orsometimes clattering as they met in the air; at intervals, on one sideor the other, a man was struck, and fell silent in his blood. Then theKnight of Montfaucon advanced with his troop of Norman horsemen--evenas he dashed past, he did not fail to lower his shining sword to saluteGabrielle; and then with an exulting war-cry, which burst from many avoice, they charged the left wing of the enemy. Eric's foot-soldiers,kneeling firmly, received them with fixed javelins--many a noble horsefell wounded to death, and in falling brought his rider with him to theground; others again crushed their foes under them in their death-fall.Folko rushed through--he and his war-steed unwounded--followed bya troop of chosen knights. Already were they falling intodisorder--already were Biorn's warriors giving shouts of victory--whena troop of horse, headed by Jarl Eric himself, advanced against thevaliant baron; and whilst his Normans, hastily assembled, assistedhim in repelling this new attack, the enemy's infantry were graduallyforming themselves into a thick mass, which rolled on and on. All thesemovements seemed caused by a warrior whose loud piercing shout was inthe midst. And scarcely were the troops formed into this strangearray, when suddenly they spread themselves out on all sides, carryingeverything before them with the irresistible force of the burningtorrent from Hecla.
Biorn's soldiers, who had thought to enclose their enemies, lost courageand gave way before this wondrous onset. The knight himself in vainattempted to stem the tide of fugitives, and with difficulty escapedbeing carried away by it.
Sintram stood looking on this scene of confusion with mute indignation;friends and foes passed by him, all equally avoiding him, and dreadingto come in contact with one whose aspect was so fearful, nay, almostunearthly, in his motionless rage. He aimed no blow either to right orleft; his powerful battle-axe rested in his hand; but his eyes flashedfire, and seemed to be piercing the enemy's ranks through and through,as if he would find out who it was that had conjured up this suddenwarlike spirit. He succeeded. A small man clothed in strange-lookingarmour, with large golden horns on his helmet, and a long visoradvancing in front of it, was leaning on a two-edged curved spear, andseemed to be looking with derision at the flight of Biorn's troops asthey were pursued by their victorious foes. "That is he," cried Sintram;"he who will drive us from the field before the eyes of Gabrielle!" Andwith the swiftness of an arrow he flew towards him with a wild shout.The combat was fierce, but not of long duration. To the wondrousdexterity of his adversary, Sintram opposed his far superior size; andhe dealt so fearful a blow on the horned helmet, that a stream of bloodrushed forth, the small man fell as if stunned, and after some frightfulconvulsive movements, his limbs appeared to stiffen in death.
His fall gave the signal for that of all Eric's army. Even those whohad not seen him fall, suddenly lost their courage and eagerness for thebattle, and retreated with uncertain steps, or ran in wild affright onthe spears of their enemies. At the same time Montfaucon was dispersingJarl Eric's cavalry, after a desperate conflict--had hurled their chieffrom the saddle, and taken him prisoner with his own hand. Biorn of theFiery Eyes stood victorious in the middle of the field of battle. Theday was won.
CHAPTER 10
In sight of both armies, with glowing cheeks and looks of modesthumility, Sintram was conducted by the brave baron up the hill whereGabrielle stood in all the lustre of her beauty. Both warriors bent theknee before her, and Folko said, solemnly, "Lady, this valiant youth ofa noble race has deserved the reward of this day's victory. I pray youlet him receive it from your fair hand."
Gabrielle bowed courteously, took off her scarf of blue and gold, andfastened it to a bright sword, which a page brought to her on a cushionof cloth of silver. She then, with a smile, presented the noble gift toSintram, who was bending forward to receive it, when suddenly Gabrielledrew back, and turning to Folko, said, "Noble baron, should not he onwhom I bestow a scarf and sword be first admitted into the order ofknighthood?" Light as a feather, Folko sprang up, and bowing low beforehis lady, gave the youth the accolade with solemn earnestness. ThenGabrielle buckled on his sword, saying, "For the honour of God and theservice of virtuous ladies, young knight. I saw you fight, I saw youconquer, and my earnest prayers followed you. Fight and conquer oftenagain, as you have done this day, that the beams of your renown mayshine over my far-distant country." And at a sign from Folko, sheoffered her tender lips for the new knight to kiss. Thrilling all over,and full of a holy joy, Sintram arose in deep silence, and hot tearsstreamed down his softened countenance, whilst the shout and thetrumpets of the assembled troops greeted the youth with stunningapplause. Old Rolf stood silently on one side, and as he looked in themild beaming eyes of his foster-child, he calmly and piously returnedthanks:
"The strife at length hath found its
end, Rich blessings now shall heaven send! The evil foe is slain!"
Biorn and Jarl Eric had the while been talking together eagerly, butnot unkindly. The conqueror now led his vanquished enemy up the hilland presented him to the baron and Gabrielle, saying, "Instead of twoenemies you now see two sworn allies; and I request you, my belovedguests and kinsfolk, to receive him graciously as one who henceforwardbelongs to us."
"He was so always," added Eric, smiling; "I sought, indeed, revenge;but I have now had enough of defeats both by sea and land. Yet Ithank Heaven that neither in the Grecian seas, to the sea-king, nor inNiflung's Heath, to you, have I yielded ingloriously."
The Lord of Montfaucon assented cordially, and heartily and solemnly wasreconciliation made. Then Jarl Eric addressed Gabrielle with so noble agrace, that with a smile of wonder she gazed on the gigantic grey hero,and gave him her beautiful hand to kiss.
Meanwhile Sintram was speaking earnestly to his good Rolf; and atlength he was heard to say, "But before all, be sure that you burythat wonderfully brave knight whom my battle-axe smote. Choose out thegreenest hill for his resting-place, and the loftiest oak to shadehis grave. Also, I wish you to open his visor, and to examine hiscountenance carefully, that so, though mortally smitten, we may not buryhim alive; and moreover, that you may be able to describe to me him towhom I owe the noblest prize of victory."
Rolf bowed readily, and went.
"Our young knight is speaking there of one amongst the slain of whom Ishould like to hear more," said Folko, turning to Jarl Eric. "Who, dearJarl, was that wonderful chieftain who led on your troops so skilfully,and who at last fell under Sintram's powerful battle-axe?"
"You ask me more than I know how to answer," replied Jarl Eric. "Aboutthree nights ago this stranger made his appearance amongst us. I wassitting with my chieftains and warriors round the hearth, forging ourarmour, and singing the while. Suddenly, above the din of our hammeringand our singing, we heard so loud a noise that it silenced us in amoment, and we sat motionless as if we had been turned into stone.Before long the sound was repeated; and at last we made out that it mustbe caused by some person blowing a huge horn outside the castle, seekingfor admittance. I went down myself to the gate, and as I passed throughthe court-yard all my dogs were so terrified by the extraordinary noise,as to be howling and crouching in their kennels instead of barking. Ichid them, and called to them, but even the fiercest would not followme. Then, thought I, I must show you the way to set to work; so Igrasped my sword firmly, I set my torch on the ground close beside me,and I let the gates fly open without further delay. For I well knew thatit would be no easy matter for any one to come in against my will. Aloud laugh greeted me, and I heard these words, 'Well, well, what mightypreparations are these before one small man can find the shelter heseeks!' And in truth I did feel myself redden with shame when I saw thesmall stranger standing opposite to me quite alone. I called to him tocome in at once, and offered my hand to him; but he still showedsome displeasure, and would not give me his in return. As he went up,however, he became more friendly--he showed me the golden horn on whichhe sounded that blast, and which he carried screwed on his helmet, aswell as another exactly like it. When he was sitting with us in thehall, he behaved in a very strange manner--sometimes he was merry,sometimes cross; by turns courteous and rude in his demeanour, withoutany one being able to see a motive for such constant changes. Ilonged to know where he came from; but how could I ask my guest such aquestion? He told us as much as this, that he was starved with cold inour country, and that his own was much warmer. Also he appeared wellacquainted with the city of Constantinople, and related fearful storiesof how brothers, uncles, nephews, nay, even fathers and sons, thrusteach other from the throne, blinded, cut out tongues, and murdered. Atlength he said his own name--it sounded harmonious, like a Greek name,but none of us could remember it. Before long he displayed his skill asan armourer. He understood marvellously well how to handle the red-hotiron, and how to form it into more murderous weapons than any I hadever before seen. I would not suffer him to go on making them, for I wasresolved to meet you in the field with equal arms, and such as we areall used to in our northern countries. Then he laughed, and said hethought it would be quite possible to be victorious without them, byskilful movements and the like if only I would entrust the command of myinfantry to him, I was sure of victory. Then I thought that he who makesarms well must also wield them well--yet I required some proof of hispowers. Ye lords, he came off victorious in trials of strength such asyou can hardly imagine; and although the fame of young Sintram, as abold and brave warrior, is spread far and wide, yet I can scarce believethat he could slay such an one as my Greek ally."
He would have continued speaking, but the good Rolf came hastily backwith a few followers, the whole party so ghastly pale, that all eyeswere involuntarily fixed on them, and looked anxiously to hear whattidings they had brought. Rolf stood still, silent and trembling.
"Take courage, my old friend!" cried Sintram. "Whatever thou mayest haveto tell is truth and light from thy faithful mouth."
"My dear master," began the old man, "be not angry, but as to buryingthat strange warrior whom you slew, it is a thing impossible. Wouldthat we had never opened that wide hideous visor! For so horrible acountenance grinned at us from underneath it, so distorted by death, andwith so hellish an expression, that we hardly kept our senses. We couldnot by any possibility have touched him. I would rather be sent to killwolves and bears in the desert, and look on whilst fierce birds of preyfeast on their carcases."
All present shuddered, and were silent for a time, till Sintram nervedhimself to say, "Dear, good old man, why use such wild words as I nevertill now heard thee utter? But tell me, Jarl Eric, did your ally appearaltogether so awful while he was yet alive?"
"Not as far as I know," answered Jarl Eric, looking inquiringly at hiscompanions, who were standing around. They said the same thing; but onfarther questioning, it appeared that neither the chieftain, nor theknights, nor the soldiers, could say exactly what the stranger was like.
"We must then find it out for ourselves, and bury the corpse," saidSintram; and he signed to the assembled party to follow him. All did soexcept the Lord of Montfaucon, whom the whispered entreaty of Gabriellekept at her side. He lost nothing thereby. For though Niflung's Heathwas searched from one end to the other many times, yet the body of theunknown warrior was no longer to be found.
CHAPTER 11
The joyful calm which came over Sintram on this day appeared to be morethan a passing gleam. If too, at times, a thought of the knight Parisand Helen would inflame his heart with bolder and wilder wishes, itneeded but one look at his scarf and sword, and the stream of his innerlife glided again clear as a mirror, and serene within. "What can anyman wish for more than has been already bestowed on me?" would he say tohimself at such times in still delight. And thus it went on for a longwhile.
The beautiful northern autumn had already begun to redden the leaves ofthe oaks and elms round the castle, when one day it chanced that Sintramwas sitting in company with Folko and Gabrielle in almost the very samespot in the garden where he had before met that mysterious being whom,without knowing why, he had named the little Master. But on this dayhow different did everything appear! The sun was sinking slowly overthe sea, the mist of an autumnal evening was rising from the fieldsand meadows around, towards the hill on which stood the huge castle.Gabrielle, placing her lute in Sintram's hands, said to him, "Dearfriend, so mild and gentle as you now are, I may well dare to entrust toyou my tender little darling. Let me again hear you sing that lay of theland of flowers; for I am sure that it will now sound much sweeter thanwhen you accompanied it with the vibrations of your fearful harp."
The young knight bowed as he prepared to obey the lady's commands. Witha grace and softness hitherto unwonted, the tones resounded from hislips, and the wild song appeared to transform itself, and to bloom intoa garden of the blessed. Tears stood in Gabrielle's eyes; and S
intram,as he gazed on the pearly brightness, poured forth tones of yet richersweetness. When the last notes were sounded, Gabrielle's angelic voicewas heard to echo them; and as she repeated,
"Sing heigh, sing ho, for that land of flowers,"
Sintram put down the lute, and sighed with a thankful glance towards thestars, now rising in the heavens. Then Gabrielle, turning towards herlord, murmured these words: "Oh, how long have we been far away fromour own shining castles and bright gardens! Oh, for that land of thesweetest flowers!"
Sintram could scarce believe that he heard aright, so suddenly did hefeel himself as if shut out from paradise. But his last hope vanishedbefore the courteous assurances of Folko that he would endeavour tofulfil his lady's wishes the very next week, and that their ship waslying off the shore ready to put to sea. She thanked him with a kissimprinted softly on his forehead; and leaning on his arm, she bent hersteps, singing and smiling, towards the castle.
Sintram, troubled in mind, as though turned into stone, remained behindforgotten. At length, when night was now in the sky, he started upwildly, ran up and down the garden, as if all his former madness hadagain taken possession of him; and then rushed out and wandered uponthe wild moonlit hills. There he dashed his sword against the trees andbushes, so that on all sides was heard a sound of crashing and falling.The birds of night flew about him screeching in wild alarm; and thedeer, startled by the noise, sprang away and took refuge in the thickestcoverts.
On a sudden old Rolf appeared, returning home from a visit to thechaplain of Drontheim, to whom he had been relating, with tears of joy,how Sintram was softened by the presence of the angel Gabrielle,yea, almost healed, and how he dared to hope that the evil dreams hadyielded. And now the sword, as it whizzed round the furious youth, hadwell-nigh wounded the good old man. He stopped short, and claspinghis hand, he said, with a deep sigh, "Alas, Sintram! my foster-child,darling of my heart, what has come over thee, thus fearfully stirringthee to rage?"