Sintram and His Companions — 04 - Chapters 8-10

CHAPTER 8

They found the two knights drinking wine within.

Folko was relating stories in his usual mild and cheerful manner, and Biorn was listening with a moody air, but yet as if, against his will, the dark cloud might pass away before that bright and gentle courtesy.

Gabrielle saluted the baron with a smile, and signed to him to continue his discourse, as she took her place near the knight Biorn, full of watchful kindness.

Sintram stood by the hearth, abstracted and melancholy; and the embers, as he stirred them, cast a strange glow over his pallid features.

“And of all the German trading-towns,” continued Montfaucon, “the largest and richest is Hamburgh.

In Normandy we willingly see their merchants land on our coasts, and those excellent people never fail to prove themselves our friends when we seek their advice and assistance.

When I first visited Hamburgh, every honour and respect was paid to me.

I found its inhabitants engaged in a war with a neighbouring count, and immediately I used my sword for them, vigorously and successfully.

” “Your sword!

your knightly sword!

” interrupted Biorn; and the old wonted fire flashed from his eyes.

“Against a knight, and for shopkeepers!

” “Sir knight,” replied Folko, calmly, “the barons of Montfaucon have ever used their swords as they chose, without the interference of another;

and as I have received this good custom, so do I wish to hand it on.

If you agree not to this, so speak it freely out.

But I forbid every rude word against the men of Hamburgh, since I have declared them to be my friends.

” Biorn cast down his haughty eyes, and their fire faded away.

In a low voice he said, “Proceed, noble baron.

You are right, and I am wrong.

” Then Folko stretched out his hand to him across the table, and resumed his narration: “Amongst all my beloved Hamburghers the dearest to me are two men of marvellous experience--a father and son.

What have they not seen and done in the remotest corners of the earth, and instituted in their native town!

Praise be to God, my life cannot be called unfruitful; but, compared with the wise Gotthard Lenz and his stout-hearted son Rudlieb, I look upon myself as an esquire who has perhaps been some few times to tourneys, and, besides that, has never hunted out his own forests.

They have converted, subdued, gladdened, dark men whom I know not how to name; and the wealth which they have brought back with them has all been devoted to the common weal, as if fit for no other purpose.

On their return from their long and perilous sea-voyages, they hasten to an hospital which has been founded by them, and where they undertake the part of overseers, and of careful and patient nurses.

Then they proceed to select the most fitting spots whereon to erect new towers and fortresses for the defence of their beloved country.

Next they repair to the houses where strangers and travellers receive hospitality at their cost; and at last they return to their own abode, to entertain their guests, rich and noble like kings, and simple and unconstrained like shepherds.

Many a tale of their wondrous adventures serves to enliven these sumptuous feasts.

Amongst others, I remember to have heard my friends relate one at which my hair stood on end.

Possibly I may gain some more complete information on the subject from you.

It appears that several years ago, just about the time of the Christmas festival, Gotthard and Rudlieb were shipwrecked on the coast of Norway, during a violent winter tempest.

They could never exactly ascertain the situation of the rocks on which their vessel stranded; but so much is certain, that very near the sea-shore stood a huge castle, to which the father and son betook themselves, seeking for that assistance and shelter which Christian people are ever willing to afford each other in case of need.

They went alone, leaving their followers to watch the injured ship.

The castle-gates were thrown open, and they thought all was well.

But on a sudden the court-yard was filled with armed men, who with one accord aimed their sharp iron-pointed spears at the defenceless strangers, whose dignified remonstrances and mild entreaties were only heard in sullen silence or with scornful jeerings.

After a while a knight came down the stairs, with fire-flashing eyes.

They hardly knew whether to think they saw a spectre, or a wild heathen; he gave a signal, and the fatal spears closed around them.

At that instant the soft tones of a woman’s voice fell on their ear, calling on the Saviour’s holy name for aid; at the sound, the spectres in the court-yard rushed madly one against the other, the gates burst open, and Gotthard and Rudlieb fled away, catching a glimpse as they went of an angelic woman who appeared at one of the windows of the castle.

They made every exertion to get their ship again afloat, choosing to trust themselves to the sea rather than to that barbarous coast; and at last, after manifold dangers, they landed at Denmark.

They say that some heathen must have owned the cruel castle;

but I hold it to be some ruined fortress, deserted by men, in which hellish spectres were wont to hold their nightly meetings.

What heathen could be found so demon-like as to offer death to shipwrecked strangers, instead of refreshment and shelter?

” Biorn gazed fixedly on the ground, as though he were turned into stone but Sintram came towards the table, and said, “Father, let us seek out this godless abode, and lay it level with the dust.

I cannot tell how, but somehow I feel quite sure that the accursed deed of which we have just heard is alone the cause of my frightful dreams.

” Enraged at his son, Biorn rose up, and would perhaps again have uttered some dreadful words; but Heaven decreed otherwise, for just at that moment the pealing notes a trumpet were heard, which drowned the angry tones his voice, the great doors opened slowly, and a herald entered the hall.

He bowed reverently, and then said, “I am sent by Jarl Eric the Aged.

He returned two days ago from his expedition to the Grecian seas.

His wish had been to take vengeance on the island which is called Chios, where fifty years ago his father was slain by the soldiers of the Emperor.

But your kinsman, the sea-king Arinbiorn, who was lying there at anchor, tried to pacify him.

To this Jarl Eric would not listen;

so the sea-king said next that he would never suffer Chios to be laid waste, because it was an island where the lays of an old Greek bard, called Homer, were excellently sung, and where more-over a very choice wine was made.

Words proving of no avail, a combat ensued; in which Arinbiorn had so much the advantage that Jarl Eric lost two of his ships, and only with difficulty escaped in one which had already sustained great damage.

Eric the Aged has now resolved to take revenge on some of the sea-king’s race, since Arinbiorn himself is seldom on the spot.

Will you, Biorn of the Fiery Eyes, at once pay as large a penalty in cattle, and money, and goods, as it may please the Jarl to demand?

Or will you prepare to meet him with an armed force at Niflung’s Heath seven days hence?

” Biorn bowed his head quietly, and replied in a mild tone, “Seven days hence at Niflung’s Heath.

” He then offered to the herald a golden goblet full of rich wine, and added, “Drink that, and then carry off with thee the cup which thou hast emptied.

” “The Baron of Montfaucon likewise sends greeting to thy chieftain, Jarl Eric,” interposed Folko; “and engages to be also at Niflung’s Heath, as the hereditary friend of the sea-king, and also as the kinsman and guest of Biorn of the Fiery Eyes.

” The herald was seen to tremble at the name of Montfaucon; he bowed very low, cast an anxious, reverential look at the baron, and left the hall.

Gabrielle looked on her knight, smiling lovingly and securely, for she well knew his victorious prowess; and she only asked, “Where shall I remain, whilst you go forth to battle, Folko?

” “I had hoped,” answered Biorn, “that you would be well contented to stay in this castle, lovely lady; I leave my son to guard you and attend on you.

” Gabrielle hesitated an instant; and Sintram, who had resumed his position near the fire, muttered to himself as he fixed his eyes on the bright flames which were flashing up, “Yes, yes, so it will probably happen.

I can fancy that Duke Menelaus had just left Sparta on some warlike expedition, when the young knight Paris met the lovely Helen that evening in the garden.

” But Gabrielle, shuddering although she knew not why, said quickly, “Without you, Folko?

And must I forego the joy of seeing you fight?

or the honour of tending you, should you chance to receive a wound?

” Folko bowed, gracefully thanking his lady, and replied, “Come with your knight, since such is your pleasure, and be to him a bright guiding star.

It is a good old northern custom that ladies should be present at knightly combats, and no true warrior of the north will fail to respect the place whence beams the light of their eyes.

Unless, indeed,” continued he with an inquiring look at Biorn, “unless Jarl Eric is not worthy of his forefather?

” “A man of honour,” said Biorn confidently.

“Then array yourself, my fairest love,” said the delighted Folko; “array yourself and come forth with us to the battle-field to behold and judge our deeds.

” “Come forth with us to the battle,” echoed Sintram in a sudden transport of joy.

And they all dispersed in calm cheerfulness; Sintram betaking himself again to the wood, while the others retired to rest.

CHAPTER 9

It was a wild dreary tract of country that, which bore the name of Niflung’s Heath.

According to tradition, the young Niflung, son of Hogni, the last of his race, had there ended darkly a sad and unsuccessful life.

Many ancient grave-stones were still standing round about; and in the few oak-trees scattered here and there over the plain, huge eagles had built their nests.

The beating of their heavy wings as they fought together, and their wild screams, were heard far off in more thickly-peopled regions; and at the sound children would tremble in their cradles, and old men quake with fear as they slumbered over the blazing hearth.

As the seventh night, the last before the day of combat, was just beginning, two large armies were seen descending from the hills in opposite directions; that which came from the west was commanded by Eric the Aged, that from the east by Biorn of the Fiery Eyes.

They appeared thus early in compliance with the custom which required that adversaries should always present themselves at the appointed field of battle before the time named, in order to prove that they rather sought than dreaded the fight.

Folko forthwith pitched on the most convenient spot the tent of blue samite fringed with gold, which he carried with him to shelter his gentle lady; whilst Sintram, in the character of herald, rode over to Jarl Eric to announce to him that the beauteous Gabrielle of Montfaucon was present in the army of the knight Biorn, and would the next morning be present as a judge of the combat.

Jarl Eric bowed low on receiving this pleasing message; and ordered his bards to strike up a lay, the words of which ran as follows:-- “Warriors bold of Eric’s band, Gird your glittering armour on, Stand beneath to-morrow’s sun, In your might.

Fairest dame that ever gladden’d Our wild shores with beauty’s vision, May thy bright eyes o’er our combat, Judge the right!

Tidings of yon noble stranger Long ago have reach’d our ears, Wafted upon southern breezes, O’er the wave.

Now midst yonder hostile ranks, In his warlike pride he meets us, Folko comes!

Fight, men of Eric, True and brave!

” These wondrous tones floated over the plain, and reached the tent of Gabrielle.

It was no new thing to her to hear her knight’s fame celebrated on all sides; but now that she listened to his praises bursting forth in the stillness of night from the mouth of his enemies, she could scarce refrain from kneeling at the feet of the mighty chieftain.

But he with courteous tenderness held her up, and pressing his lips fervently on her soft hand, he said, “My deeds, O lovely lady, belong to thee, and not to me!

” Now the night had passed away, and the east was glowing; and on Niflung’s Heath there was waving, and resounding, and glowing too.

Knights put on their rattling armour, war-horses began to neigh, the morning draught went round in gold and silver goblets, while war-songs and the clang of harps resounded in the midst.

A joyous march was heard in Biorn’s camp, as Montfaucon, with his troops and retainers, clad in bright steel armour, conducted their lady up to a neighbouring hill, where she would be safe from the spears which would soon be flying in all directions, and whence she could look freely over the battle-field.

The morning sun, as it were in homage, played over her beauty; and as she came in view of the camp of Jarl Eric, his soldiers lowered their weapons, whilst the chieftains bent low the crests of their huge helmets.

Two of Montfaucon’s pages remained in attendance on Gabrielle;

for so noble a service not unwillingly bridling their love of fighting.

Both armies passed in front of her, saluting her and singing as they went; they then placed themselves in array, and the fight began.

The spears flew from the hands of the stout northern warriors, rattling against the broad shields under which they sheltered themselves, or sometimes clattering as they met in the air; at intervals, on one side or the other, a man was struck, and fell silent in his blood.

Then the Knight of Montfaucon advanced with his troop of Norman horsemen--even as he dashed past, he did not fail to lower his shining sword to salute Gabrielle; and then with an exulting war-cry, which burst from many a voice, they charged the left wing of the enemy.

Eric’s foot-soldiers, kneeling firmly, received them with fixed javelins--many a noble horse fell wounded to death, and in falling brought his rider with him to the ground; others again crushed their foes under them in their death-fall.

Folko rushed through--he and his war-steed unwounded--followed by a troop of chosen knights.

Already were they falling into disorder--already were Biorn’s warriors giving shouts of victory--when a troop of horse, headed by Jarl Eric himself, advanced against the valiant baron; and whilst his Normans, hastily assembled, assisted him in repelling this new attack, the enemy’s infantry were gradually forming themselves into a thick mass, which rolled on and on.

All these movements seemed caused by a warrior whose loud piercing shout was in the midst.

And scarcely were the troops formed into this strange array, when suddenly they spread themselves out on all sides, carrying everything before them with the irresistible force of the burning torrent from Hecla.

Biorn’s soldiers, who had thought to enclose their enemies, lost courage and gave way before this wondrous onset.

The knight himself in vain attempted to stem the tide of fugitives, and with difficulty escaped being carried away by it.

Sintram stood looking on this scene of confusion with mute indignation;

friends and foes passed by him, all equally avoiding him, and dreading to come in contact with one whose aspect was so fearful, nay, almost unearthly, in his motionless rage.

He aimed no blow either to right or left; his powerful battle-axe rested in his hand; but his eyes flashed fire, and seemed to be piercing the enemy’s ranks through and through, as if he would find out who it was that had conjured up this sudden warlike spirit.

He succeeded.

A small man clothed in strange-looking armour, with large golden horns on his helmet, and a long visor advancing in front of it, was leaning on a two-edged curved spear, and seemed to be looking with derision at the flight of Biorn’s troops as they were pursued by their victorious foes.

“That is he,” cried Sintram;

“he who will drive us from the field before the eyes of Gabrielle!

” And with the swiftness of an arrow he flew towards him with a wild shout.

The combat was fierce, but not of long duration.

To the wondrous dexterity of his adversary, Sintram opposed his far superior size; and he dealt so fearful a blow on the horned helmet, that a stream of blood rushed forth, the small man fell as if stunned, and after some frightful convulsive movements, his limbs appeared to stiffen in death.

His fall gave the signal for that of all Eric’s army.

Even those who had not seen him fall, suddenly lost their courage and eagerness for the battle, and retreated with uncertain steps, or ran in wild affright on the spears of their enemies.

At the same time Montfaucon was dispersing Jarl Eric’s cavalry, after a desperate conflict--had hurled their chief from the saddle, and taken him prisoner with his own hand.

Biorn of the Fiery Eyes stood victorious in the middle of the field of battle.

The day was won.

CHAPTER 10

In sight of both armies, with glowing cheeks and looks of modest humility, Sintram was conducted by the brave baron up the hill where Gabrielle stood in all the lustre of her beauty.

Both warriors bent the knee before her, and Folko said, solemnly, “Lady, this valiant youth of a noble race has deserved the reward of this day’s victory.

I pray you let him receive it from your fair hand.

” Gabrielle bowed courteously, took off her scarf of blue and gold, and fastened it to a bright sword, which a page brought to her on a cushion of cloth of silver.

She then, with a smile, presented the noble gift to Sintram, who was bending forward to receive it, when suddenly Gabrielle drew back, and turning to Folko, said, “Noble baron, should not he on whom I bestow a scarf and sword be first admitted into the order of knighthood?

” Light as a feather, Folko sprang up, and bowing low before his lady, gave the youth the accolade with solemn earnestness.

Then Gabrielle buckled on his sword, saying, “For the honour of God and the service of virtuous ladies, young knight.

I saw you fight, I saw you conquer, and my earnest prayers followed you.

Fight and conquer often again, as you have done this day, that the beams of your renown may shine over my far-distant country.

” And at a sign from Folko, she offered her tender lips for the new knight to kiss.

Thrilling all over, and full of a holy joy, Sintram arose in deep silence, and hot tears streamed down his softened countenance, whilst the shout and the trumpets of the assembled troops greeted the youth with stunning applause.

Old Rolf stood silently on one side, and as he looked in the mild beaming eyes of his foster-child, he calmly and piously returned thanks: “The strife at length hath found its end, Rich blessings now shall heaven send!

The evil foe is slain!

” Biorn and Jarl Eric had the while been talking together eagerly, but not unkindly.

The conqueror now led his vanquished enemy up the hill and presented him to the baron and Gabrielle, saying, “Instead of two enemies you now see two sworn allies; and I request you, my beloved guests and kinsfolk, to receive him graciously as one who henceforward belongs to us.

” “He was so always,” added Eric, smiling; “I sought, indeed, revenge;

but I have now had enough of defeats both by sea and land.

Yet I thank Heaven that neither in the Grecian seas, to the sea-king, nor in Niflung’s Heath, to you, have I yielded ingloriously.

” The Lord of Montfaucon assented cordially, and heartily and solemnly was reconciliation made.

Then Jarl Eric addressed Gabrielle with so noble a grace, that with a smile of wonder she gazed on the gigantic grey hero, and gave him her beautiful hand to kiss.

Meanwhile Sintram was speaking earnestly to his good Rolf; and at length he was heard to say, “But before all, be sure that you bury that wonderfully brave knight whom my battle-axe smote.

Choose out the greenest hill for his resting-place, and the loftiest oak to shade his grave.

Also, I wish you to open his visor, and to examine his countenance carefully, that so, though mortally smitten, we may not bury him alive; and moreover, that you may be able to describe to me him to whom I owe the noblest prize of victory.

” Rolf bowed readily, and went.

“Our young knight is speaking there of one amongst the slain of whom I should like to hear more,” said Folko, turning to Jarl Eric.

“Who, dear Jarl, was that wonderful chieftain who led on your troops so skilfully, and who at last fell under Sintram’s powerful battle-axe?

” “You ask me more than I know how to answer,” replied Jarl Eric.

“About three nights ago this stranger made his appearance amongst us.

I was sitting with my chieftains and warriors round the hearth, forging our armour, and singing the while.

Suddenly, above the din of our hammering and our singing, we heard so loud a noise that it silenced us in a moment, and we sat motionless as if we had been turned into stone.

Before long the sound was repeated; and at last we made out that it must be caused by some person blowing a huge horn outside the castle, seeking for admittance.

I went down myself to the gate, and as I passed through the court-yard all my dogs were so terrified by the extraordinary noise, as to be howling and crouching in their kennels instead of barking.

I

chid them, and called to them, but even the fiercest would not follow me.

Then, thought I, I must show you the way to set to work; so I grasped my sword firmly, I set my torch on the ground close beside me, and I let the gates fly open without further delay.

For I well knew that it would be no easy matter for any one to come in against my will.

A

loud laugh greeted me, and I heard these words, ‘Well, well, what mighty preparations are these before one small man can find the shelter he seeks!

’ And in truth I did feel myself redden with shame when I saw the small stranger standing opposite to me quite alone.

I called to him to come in at once, and offered my hand to him; but he still showed some displeasure, and would not give me his in return.

As he went up, however, he became more friendly--he showed me the golden horn on which he sounded that blast, and which he carried screwed on his helmet, as well as another exactly like it.

When he was sitting with us in the hall, he behaved in a very strange manner--sometimes he was merry, sometimes cross; by turns courteous and rude in his demeanour, without any one being able to see a motive for such constant changes.

I

longed to know where he came from; but how could I ask my guest such a question?

He told us as much as this, that he was starved with cold in our country, and that his own was much warmer.

Also he appeared well acquainted with the city of Constantinople, and related fearful stories of how brothers, uncles, nephews, nay, even fathers and sons, thrust each other from the throne, blinded, cut out tongues, and murdered.

At length he said his own name--it sounded harmonious, like a Greek name, but none of us could remember it.

Before long he displayed his skill as an armourer.

He understood marvellously well how to handle the red-hot iron, and how to form it into more murderous weapons than any I had ever before seen.

I would not suffer him to go on making them, for I was resolved to meet you in the field with equal arms, and such as we are all used to in our northern countries.

Then he laughed, and said he thought it would be quite possible to be victorious without them, by skilful movements and the like if only I would entrust the command of my infantry to him, I was sure of victory.

Then I thought that he who makes arms well must also wield them well--yet I required some proof of his powers.

Ye lords, he came off victorious in trials of strength such as you can hardly imagine; and although the fame of young Sintram, as a bold and brave warrior, is spread far and wide, yet I can scarce believe that he could slay such an one as my Greek ally.

” He would have continued speaking, but the good Rolf came hastily back with a few followers, the whole party so ghastly pale, that all eyes were involuntarily fixed on them, and looked anxiously to hear what tidings they had brought.

Rolf stood still, silent and trembling.

“Take courage, my old friend!

” cried Sintram.

“Whatever thou mayest have to tell is truth and light from thy faithful mouth.

” “My dear master,” began the old man, “be not angry, but as to burying that strange warrior whom you slew, it is a thing impossible.

Would that we had never opened that wide hideous visor!

For so horrible a countenance grinned at us from underneath it, so distorted by death, and with so hellish an expression, that we hardly kept our senses.

We could not by any possibility have touched him.

I would rather be sent to kill wolves and bears in the desert, and look on whilst fierce birds of prey feast on their carcases.

” All present shuddered, and were silent for a time, till Sintram nerved himself to say, “Dear, good old man, why use such wild words as I never till now heard thee utter?

But tell me, Jarl Eric, did your ally appear altogether so awful while he was yet alive?

” “Not as far as I know,” answered Jarl Eric, looking inquiringly at his companions, who were standing around.

They said the same thing; but on farther questioning, it appeared that neither the chieftain, nor the knights, nor the soldiers, could say exactly what the stranger was like.

“We must then find it out for ourselves, and bury the corpse,” said Sintram; and he signed to the assembled party to follow him.

All did so except the Lord of Montfaucon, whom the whispered entreaty of Gabrielle kept at her side.

He lost nothing thereby.

For though Niflung’s Heath was searched from one end to the other many times, yet the body of the unknown warrior was no longer to be found.