Ospakar rushed on, and Whitefire flickered over Eric’s helm. Down it came and shore one wing from the helm. Again it shone and fell, but Brighteyes caught the blow on his broken shield.
Then, while men waited to see him slain, Eric gave a great war-shout and sprang forward.
“Thou art mad!” shouted the folk.
“Ye shall see! Ye shall see!” screamed Skallagrim.
Again Ospakar smote and again Eric caught the blow; and behold! he struck back, thrusting with the point of the shorn shield straight at the face of Ospakar.
“Peck! Eagle; peck!” cried Skallagrim.
Once more Whitefire shone above him. Eric rushed in beneath the sword, and with all his mighty strength thrust the buckler-point at Blacktooth’s face. It struck fair and full, and lo! the helm of Ospakar burst asunder. He threw wide his giant arms, then fell as a pine falls upon the mountain edge. He fell back, and he lay still.
But Eric, stooping over him, took Whitefire from his hand.
CHAPTER XXV
HOW THE FEAST ENDED
For a moment there was silence in the hall, for men had known no such fight as this.