But her maidens had filled twelve chests of the best gold that could be; they took that with them, and many women’s trinkets for the journey. But even in this thing she feared grim Hagen’s might. She had still a thousand gold marks for masses, and this she gave for the soul for her dear husband; the which Rudeger thought well done.
Then said the weeping queen, “Where are now the friends that will leave their home for my sake? Let them ride with me into the land of the Huns, and take of my treasure to buy them horses and apparel.”
The Margrave Gary spake at once, “From the day I was first given to thee for thine attendant, I have served thee faithfully,” said the knight, “and will do the same to my life’s end. I will take with me also five hundred men; these, with true heart, I make over to thee. Only death shall part us.” Kriemhild thanked the knight for his word and for his good offer.
Then they brought round the horses, for they were ready to start. There was bitter weeping of friends. Great Uta and many a fair maiden showed their grief for the loss of Kriemhild.
She took with her an hundred high-born maidens, arrayed as beseemed them. The tears ran down from bright eyes. But at Etzel’s court they had joyful days again.
Then Giselher and Gernot came with their followers, as courtesy bade them, and escorted their dear sister. A thousand valiant men they took with them. Brave Gary came, and Ortwin. Rumolt the cook had also to go. They prepared night-quarters for the women on the way. Folker was the marshal, and saw to their lodging.
After the kisses there was loud weeping, or they came from the castle to the plain. Many rode and followed on foot unbidden, but Gunther went only a little way from the town.
Or they left the Rhine, they had sent forward swift messengers to the land of the Huns, that told the king how Rudeger had won the noble queen for his wife.
The envoys sped fast; needs must they haste, for honour’s sake and the guerdon of good news. When they and their horses got home, King Etzel had never heard such welcome tidings. The king bade give the envoys so much for their message that they could live merrily ever after, till their death. For love had chased away the king’s trouble and his dole.