“Many thanks to you,” replied Cud; “the promise of marriage is on me already, but perhaps Wet Mantle is not married or promised.”
“I am not,” said Wet Mantle.
“You must have my chance,” said Cud.
Wet Mantle took Cud’s place, and the king sent for a big dish priest, and a great wooden clerk. They came, and the couple were married. When the three days’ wedding was over, Cud went away alone. While sailing near land he saw a castle by the sea, and as he drew near he wondered more and more. A raven was going in and out at the uppermost window, and each time bringing out something white. Cud landed, walked up from the strand, and went to the top of the castle. He saw a woman there, and the whole room full of white pigeons. She was throwing them one by one from a loft to the raven.
“Why do you throw those to the raven?” asked Cud of the woman.
“The raven is an enchanted brother of mine, who comes to this castle once in seven years. I can see him only while I am throwing him pigeons. I get as many pigeons as possible, to keep him with me while I can.”
“Keep him for a while yet,” said Cud.
He rushed to the ship, took his rod, and ran to the loft where the woman was. “Entice him in further,” said Cud.
Cud struck the raven a blow, and he rose up as fine a champion as ever was seen.