"I bought it from a man after Nacton fight, and I have never had any luck with it. I was sure it was a magic sword of some sort; for it let go three men whom I should surely have slain with any other blade. It seemed to turn in my hand. Such swords as these will not be used by any other than he who can win them from the owner."
"Ottar, Olaf's scald, said that it would draw the holder to me," I said; "but I would not believe it."
"You English have forgotten the old sayings," Egil said. "Now you know that he is right; keep the sword therefore."
Then I said:
"If I must die a bed death, Egil, the sword shall be sent to you, for I think that you have the most claim to it."
He grew red with pleasure at my saying, and Elfric broke in on our talk.
"I would that I might see many more meetings of brave foes like this. Then would peace come very shortly."
"Why, father," said Egil, "Redwald and I have not any hate for each other, though we must fight on opposite sides."
"That is well. I would that it were ever so."
Then Egil changed his tone, for we were nearing shore. The ships he had seen were still far away, beating southward now.