"They say, Estein, that your hermit has a fair daughter. Methinks she would like to see your foster-brother; would she not?"
"Nay, Helgi, ask me no more questions, but take me quickly away. I am spell-bound here, and I dare not trust myself to stay one moment longer."
"I know these spells, Estein; they have been cast on men by other maids before now. Better take your sorceress with you. It is unlucky to break such spells so rudely."
"Laugh not, Helgi," said Estein, taking his arm and hurrying him down to the shore. "This spell has meant more to me than you can guess."
"By the hammer of Thor!" exclaimed Helgi, stopping suddenly, "there surely is the witch herself."
Estein looked round, and standing against the sky he saw the slender form he knew so well.
"Wait for me, Helgi," he said, "the spell is on me still," and starting away suddenly he ran up the bank again.
"Osla!" he cried, and stopped abruptly.
"What means this, Vandrad?" she asked.
Her eyes were wide open with troubled surprise, and looking into her upturned face he thought she never was so fair before.