They spent the night with good cheer and plenty of food, the taste of honey in every bit they ate, and no bit dry. As early as the day dawned, the three rose, and the sister-in-law had their breakfast before them.
“Grief and sorrow, I’m in dread ’tis bad cooking ye have on the ship. Take me with you; you’ll have better food.”
“Welcome,” said Cud. “Come with us.”
Each of the others welcomed her more than Cud. The four went on board; the brothers raised sails, and were five days going when they saw a ship shining like gold and coming from Western waters.
“That ship has no good appearance,” said Cud. “We must keep out of danger;” and he took another course. Whatever course he took, the other ship was before him always, and crossing him.
“Isn’t it narrow the ocean is, that you must be crossing me always?” shouted Cud.
“Do not wonder,” cried a man from the other ship; “we heard that the three sons of the King of Urhu were sailing on the sea, and if we find them, it’s not long they’ll be before us.”
The three strangers were the three sons of the King of Hadone.
“If it is for these you are looking,” said Cud, “you need go no farther.”
“It is to find you that we are here,” said the man on the shining ship, “to take you on a visit to our own kingdom for a day and seven years. After that, we will go for the same length of time to your kingdom.”